The seller will usually notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency ( DVLA) that you have purchased your vehicle. The way in wich the vehicle is registered to you will depedend if it is new or used,

 if a registration document or certificate is available or you may register it yourself.

If you buy a brand new vehicle

The dealer will usually arrange for the vehicle to be registered for you.

 If you buy a used vehicle or certificate available

The way in which the DVLA is notified that you have purchased your vehicle will depend on the registration document or certificate available.

Two part registration document V5

You should be given the top half when you purchase the vehicle. You must tell DVLA as soon as you buy a used vehicle - do not wait until you need to re-license it. DVLA by completing the back of the registration document.

Three part registration document V5

The person selling the vehicle must complete 'your details' in the top (blue) section. Both you and the seller need to sign the declaration. It is the responsibility of the person selling the vehicle to send it in to DVLA. They should then hand you the V5/2 green section appropriately filled in. The DVLA must be notified as soon as the vehicle changes hands.

Registration certificate V5C

The person selling the vehicle must complete section 6 'new keeper or new name/new address details' of the V5C. Both you and the seller need to sign the declaration in section 8. It is the responsibility of the person selling the vehicle to send it in to DVLA. They should then hand you the V5C/2 green section appropriately filled in. The  DVLA must be notified as soon as the vehicle changes hands.

If you buy a used vehicle - seller does not have a registration document or certificate

If the seller does not have a V5 registration document or V5C registration certificate, you should register the vehicle in your name by using form V62 ' application for a registration certificate'. You can get one from any Post Office® branch or a DVLA local office. DVLA will then send you a new registration certificate in your name. 

What will happen next

DVLA will aim to deliver a registration certificate to you within two to four weeks of receiving the application. If you have applied on a V62 application form, this may take up to six weeks as special checks have to be made. Please allow six weeks for the registration certificate to be delivered before contacting the DVLA.

When you receive your new registration certificate

When you receive your registration certificate from DVLA, it is your responsibility to check that all the details are correct.

DVLA website: www.direct.gov.uk/motoring