Can I sell a car on behalf of someone else?

When you sell your own car with Motorway, we make it as easy as possible – we check all your documents with a simple authentication process to ensure the vehicle is yours and it’s good to sell.

But what happens when a friend, family member, or elderly relative asks you to sell theirs? Perhaps they’re abroad, unwell, or simply not confident handling the process themselves.

The good news is it’s completely legal to sell a car on someone else’s behalf in the UK. You just need the right paperwork to help ensure an effortless sale. This guide walks you through everything required to make the process smooth, secure, and stress-free. If you have any other questions, get in touch with our friendly team, who will help guide you through the process.

If you’re selling a car due to a recent bereavement, we have a dedicated team to help with the process. You can read more here. https://motorway.co.uk/sell-my-car/bereavement

What’s the difference between the owner and the keeper?
What documentation do I need?
Can I sell a company car?
Can I sell a car on probate or with a Power of Attorney?
FAQs

What’s the difference between the owner and the keeper?

When it comes to vehicles, registered owner and registered keeper are often confused, but they’re not always the same person. This distinction matters when selling a car on behalf of someone else.

Registered owner: The registered owner is the person or business that legally owns the vehicle. They may have paid for it outright, inherited it, or purchased it through finance.

Ownership can usually be supported by:

Purchase invoice or receipt
Finance settlement documents
Bank transfer/payment records
Probate or inheritance paperwork (if relevant)

The registered owner has the legal right to sell the vehicle. If the car has an outstanding finance plan, the owner will also need a settlement letter from the finance company to approve the sale.

Registered keeper: The registered keeper is the person recorded by the DVLA as responsible for using and taxing the vehicle, and for ensuring it is properly insured and roadworthy. Their details appear on the V5C logbook.

Important point: The V5C is not proof of ownership. It states this clearly on the document.

A registered keeper might be:

Someone driving a company car
A family member using a relative’s vehicle
A lease customer
A spouse or parent managing the car’s paperwork

Can they be different people?

Yes. For example:

A parent buys a car, but their son or daughter is the registered keeper
A business owns a fleet car, but an employee is the keeper
A wife owns the car, but her husband is the registered keeper and main driver

When selling a vehicle on behalf of someone else, it is crucial to distinguish between the registered keeper and the registered owner, to make sure the sale is legitimate and authorised.

What documentation do I need?

To sell with Motorway, you’ll need the V5C logbook, your driving licence and your service history. We’ll also need your bank details and finance settlement letter, if you’re selling a car with an outstanding finance plan.

However, to sell a car on behalf of someone else, we’ll also need some extra documentation to make sure the sale is authorised correctly:

Letter of Authorisation

A Letter of Authorisation (sometimes called a Letter of Intent) is necessary for any third-party car sale. This signed document proves the registered owner has given you explicit permission to sell their vehicle.

Your letter must contain:

Both signatures with the date

Full names and addresses of both parties (the owner and you)

Vehicle details: registration number, make, model, and current mileage

A clear statement of permission, for example: “I, [owner’s name], authorise [your name] to sell my vehicle on my behalf and negotiate terms of sale.”

Photo of owner’s driving licence

We’ll need proof of identity for the registered owner as well as the person selling the car. This can also be an alternative photo ID, including a passport.

Proof of keeper’s address

We’ll also need proof of the address on the V5C logbook (the registered keeper). We accept documents such as a utility or council tax bill, letter from HMRC, or bank statement, from within the last 3 months.

Without these documents, the registered keeper cannot receive payment for the vehicle.

Can I sell a company car?

Yes, as long as you can provide the required documents above. We’ll also need a signed letter of authorisation and a form of ID from a Company Director.

Can I sell a car on probate or with a Power of Attorney?

Yes. To ensure the process is as simple as possible for you, Motorway offers a dedicated service for our bereaved sellers selling a car on probate (also known as confirmation or administration) or those selling by a Lasting Power of Attorney. Our specialist Bereavement Sales Team will support you in getting the car for sale, and once you accept an offer, we’ll also provide you with a single point of contact and support for the remainder of your sale within our Dedicated Care Team.

Learn more here. https://motorway.co.uk/sell-my-car/bereavement.

Our extra layers of protection when selling a car on behalf of someone else helps ensure a safe and secure sale for all parties. This means we can get you the best price and make sure you’ll have it in your bank account smoothly. Get your free valuation and start selling on Motorway here.

FAQs

Can I sell a car for someone else if it has a private plate?

Yes, but the owner must apply to retain the number plate by filing in a V778 certificate from the DVLA. This must be before you sell the car, otherwise the plate stays with the vehicle and goes to the new owner.

What if the owner isn’t present for the sale?

That’s fine, as long as you have their written permission (Letter of Intent), their ID, and their bank details for the final payment.

Can I sell the car without the V5C logbook?

You can’t sell a car on Motorway without the V5C logbook. However, on the private market, it is technically possible, but highly discouraged. It significantly reduces the car’s value and makes buyers suspicious. Always apply for a replacement V5C first – this costs just £25 and is available from the DVLA website. Only the registered keeper can apply for a replacement V5C.

If you choose to sell privately, and not through Motorway’s secure process, you’ll need to be transparent in your car advert. You can use your own name, but you must disclose that you aren’t the legal owner to maintain trust and transparency. You should still present a Letter of Authority even when selling privately, to mitigate any issues or repercussions in future.

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice.