There are many issues which arises from the sale of a vehicle, there has been a rise in people facing legal action due to failure to successfully switch liability on their car.
When selling a car, it is vital that the seller is aware of their responsibility. The seller must inform the DVLA (Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency) that the vehicle has switched hands to the buyer. This is equally vital, without this information being expressed to DVLA, the seller will still be liable for the vehicle. DVLA are rather precise with the information and timing of the information they wish to receive. They wish to be informed of the transfer of the vehicle as soon as the transaction is completed. Parking tickets and driving offences that are registered to the vehicle may be forwarded to the address of the seller, rather than being registered to the address of the new buyer.
To avoid such complications, there are many ways to notify DVLA of a private sale:
For avoidance of doubt, the V5C logbook records the Registered Keeper of the vehicle. The person named on the V5C is seen as the legal person who is responsible with registering and taxing the vehicle as well as being the owner of the vehicle.
- Two-part V5C registration: When selling a car, the process is a two-part V5C registration which includes the buyer filling in the ‘notification of sale or transfer’ section and sending it to DVLA. The other half of this document should be given to the buyer on purchase of the vehicle. DVLA can be informed of the new ownership online. This is the online website for informing DVLA online. https://www.gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle
- Three-part V5C registration: This process includes filling in the blue part of the V5C registration declaration with the details of the new owner. The seller will have to sign the document, as will the buyer of the vehicle. Once this process has been completed, the seller will need to send it to DVLA via post or on the GOV DVLA website. The seller will also need to give the green section to the new owner. The new owner will have to fill in the green section themselves.
To avoid any legal action or driving offences accumulating in your name, please take the necessary steps to follow the procedure of buying and selling a vehicle.
If you have any issues relating to the above mentioned information, call our team of solicitors in Enfield and book your consultation with us. We will be happy to help!
By: Jo_Kwame
Disclaimer: The information on Adel Jibs’ website is for general information and does not constitute legal advice and should not be treated as such.
