Used car paperwork is an important part of buying a car privately. Checking the documents before paying can help you confirm that the car is genuine, complete the change of keeper and make sure you’re legally ready to use it on the road.
Important documents include the V5C registration certificate, MOT and service information, insurance details and a receipt for the purchase. You’ll also need to tax the car yourself because vehicle tax does not transfer when a vehicle is sold.
If you’re still searching for your next vehicle, you can browse used cars on MotorHype and compare cars currently advertised for sale.
Used car paperwork can be divided into two areas: documents you should check or receive from the seller and arrangements you need to make yourself.
Don’t rush through these checks simply because you’ve found a car you like. Problems with the V5C, registration details or vehicle history should be investigated before you hand over your money.
Your driving licence is worth considering alongside other used car paperwork, although you don’t normally need to show it to a private seller simply to purchase a car.
There is also no general requirement to carry your driving licence whenever you’re driving in Great Britain.
However, you must hold the appropriate driving licence for the vehicle you’re planning to drive.
You can check the GOV.UK driving licence categories if you’re unsure what vehicles your licence allows you to drive.
Your driving licence is therefore important, but it isn’t a document the seller needs to retain as part of an ordinary private sale.
Insurance is another essential consideration when checking used car paperwork.
You don’t need insurance simply to purchase a car, but if you’re planning to drive it away, you need suitable insurance in place before using it on a public road.
Don’t assume an existing policy automatically covers a newly purchased car. Check the terms of your insurance and arrange the required cover before driving away.
You can compare car insurance or find temporary car insurance if you only need short-term cover.
Vehicle tax is another important consideration when checking used car paperwork because tax does not transfer to you when you purchase the vehicle.
The seller’s tax ends when the DVLA is notified that the vehicle has changed keeper. You therefore need to tax the car yourself before driving it on a public road.
The seller should give you the green ‘new keeper’ slip from the V5C. You can use the reference number from this document to tax the car using the official GOV.UK vehicle tax service.
Don’t assume that seeing a taxed status before purchasing means you can simply drive away under the previous keeper’s tax.
If you’re using finance to purchase the car, keep copies of the agreement with your other used car paperwork.
Read the finance agreement carefully so you understand the amount borrowed, repayments, interest, fees and any conditions attached to the agreement.
If you’re considering finance, you can compare car finance options.
If you’re paying the seller directly instead, keep a record of the transaction and obtain a written receipt.
The seller should be able to provide information that allows you to check the car and complete the purchase properly.
Some of the most important used car paperwork should come directly from the seller, particularly the V5C and any available maintenance records.
The V5C is one of the most important pieces of used car paperwork to inspect before buying.
Check that the registration number, make, model and other vehicle details correspond with the car you’re viewing. You should also check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) against the vehicle itself.
The V5C identifies the registered keeper, but importantly, it is not proof of ownership.
The seller can normally notify the DVLA online that the car has been sold to you. They should then give you the green ‘new keeper’ slip while you wait for a new V5C to arrive.
You can read the official procedure in the GOV.UK guidance for buying and registering a used vehicle.
Be particularly cautious if a private seller cannot produce a V5C. GOV.UK advises buyers not to purchase a vehicle without one.
Checking the seller’s details against the used car paperwork can help identify inconsistencies before you pay.
When buying privately, ideally view the car at the seller’s home address and compare the details on the V5C with the information you’ve been given.
A difference doesn’t automatically prove that the car is stolen or that the seller is acting dishonestly, but it is something you should understand before paying.
Check the VIN on the car against the V5C as well. If important details don’t match and the seller cannot provide a convincing explanation, don’t rush into the purchase.
For more checks to carry out before paying, read our guide on how to buy a used car safely.
Service records are useful used car paperwork because they can help you understand how well the vehicle has been maintained.
Ask the seller for any available service records, invoices and maintenance receipts. Older cars won’t always have every receipt from their lifetime, so an incomplete history isn’t automatically a reason to walk away.
Look for evidence of important maintenance appropriate to the particular car and pay attention to long unexplained gaps in its history.
Service records can also help support the car’s recorded mileage, although they shouldn’t be relied upon as the only evidence.
MOT records are another useful part of checking used car paperwork, although you don’t need to rely solely on old paper MOT certificates.
The official online service allows you to see information including previous MOT results, recorded mileage, failures and advisories.
Check the car using the GOV.UK MOT history service and look for anything that doesn’t appear consistent with what the seller has told you.
Repeated advisories can also give you an indication of maintenance that may be required after buying the car.
Used car paperwork doesn’t necessarily tell you everything about a vehicle’s past.
A vehicle history check may provide additional information about the car and can help identify potential problems before you commit to the purchase.
It is also worth purchasing a car history check before handing over your money.
It’s particularly worth carrying out additional checks if anything about the car’s history, mileage, identity or seller makes you uncertain.
A written receipt should form part of the used car paperwork you keep after completing a private purchase.
The receipt should ideally include the date of sale, agreed price, registration number, make and model of the car, and the names of the buyer and seller.
Both parties should keep a copy.
You can also record any specific terms that you and the seller have agreed. Make sure the information is accurate before both parties sign the receipt.
Remember that a receipt provides a record of the transaction, while the V5C records the registered keeper. They serve different purposes.
Once you’ve checked the used car paperwork, make sure the remaining parts of the transaction are completed properly.
The seller should notify the DVLA of the change of keeper and give you the green new keeper slip. You should have your insurance arranged and tax the car before using it on a public road.
If you’re unsure about the safest way to transfer the purchase price, our guide explaining how to pay for a used car covers bank transfers, cash, CHAPS and other payment methods.
Taking a few extra minutes to check the documents before paying can prevent much bigger problems later.
The essential used car paperwork includes the V5C, available service records, MOT information, insurance arrangements and a written receipt.
You should also consider carrying out a vehicle history check and keep records of any finance or payment arrangements connected with the purchase.
Most importantly, make sure the car’s identity and documents agree before handing over your money. Once the keeper change has been completed and you’ve arranged the necessary tax and insurance, you’ll be ready to use your new car legally on the road.
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