Car document guides

    Every car owner needs certain paperwork to legally drive in the UK. From your V5C logbook to insurance paperwork and a valid MOT certificate, read up on necessary car documents to have on hand.

    Guides

    What documents do I need to sell a car
    What documents do I need to sell a car?
    There are documents that are essential to have to hand if you want to sell your car.
    V5C – the ultimate guide
    V5C – the ultimate guide
    The V5C logbook is one of the most important documents about your car, learn more about this key piece of paperwork.
    Service history
    Service history – the ultimate guide
    Your service history proves that you’ve taken good care of your car, so it’s a crucial document. Learn more here.
    Selling a car without a V5C
    Selling a car without a V5C
    Learn what to do if you’re selling your car and don’t have your V5C logbook.
    How to replace lost car documents
    How to replace lost car documents – the ultimate guide
    Where and how to replace all those vital car documents. From V5C logbook to your MOT certificate.
    How to check your car’s road tax
    How to check your car’s road tax
    This guide shows you how to check your road tax, why it’s important, different tax bands and the cost of vehicle excise duty.
    How to tax your car
    How to tax your car
    It’s a legal requirement to tax your car in the UK. You’ll not get very far if you don’t pay your road tax! Learn how to do it and why it’s so important.
    How to buy or sell a private number plate
    How to buy or sell a private number plate
    The perfect way to customise your car, how do you deal with private plates when you want to sell? Read on to find out.
    The ultimate MOT guide
    The ultimate MOT guide
    Learn all about MOTs, how often you must MOT your car, and how they are used to ensure your car is safe for the road.
    Proving your car is ULEZ-compliant
    Proving your car is ULEZ-compliant with a Certificate of Conformity
    A CoC is a document you can request from your car’s manufacturer. It has several uses, including verification of ULEZ, CAZ and LEZ compliance.
    What is my car’s VIN and how do I find it
    What is my car’s VIN and how do I find it?
    Need to know your car’s VIN number? And just what is a VIN? Find out more about the vehicle identification number.
    Is your car insured
    Is your car insured?
    It’s illegal to drive on UK roads without insuring your car. Find out how to check if your car is insured and how to insure it if not.
    What insurance group is my car
    What insurance group is my car?
    Read up on how insurance groups impact precisely how much you pay for cover.
    Cat A, B, S, and N explained
    Cat A, B, S, and N explained
    Damaged cars could still have some life in them yet – our guide will tell you just how much!
    The ultimate guide to Cat N cars
    The ultimate guide to Cat N cars
    A Cat N car classification (previously known as Cat D) isn’t something to ignore. Learn why in our guide.
    Car tax refunds
    Car tax refunds: a guide
    Learn how to cancel your road tax and get a refund if you don’t plan to drive your car for a significant period.
    Retain my number plate
    Retain my number plate – the ultimate guide
    Learn how to retain your vehicle’s number plate when selling your car.
    What is a V11 Reminder
    What is a V11 Reminder?
    If you’re due to pay road tax, you can expect a V11 to land on your doormat. Here’s what that means for your vehicle.
    How to update or renew your driving licence
    How to update or renew your driving licence
    You’ll need to update your driving licence once every ten years until the age of 70 – here’s how.
    Selling my car with a private plate
    Selling my car with a private plate – the ultimate guide
    There are several options when selling a car with a private plate. Our handy guide has all the info to help you decide which is best for you.
    Car write-offs
    Car write-offs – the ultimate guide
    Having your car written off doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road. Learn about the options available to you here.

    Need more car advice?

    Need to sell your car, or want to understand more about documentation or maintenance? Check out more of our guides here, covering everything from the paperwork you need when buying and selling, to various notices you may need to file with the UK’s driver and vehicle licensing agency. 

    Car selling guides


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    Car ownership guides


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