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    How to replace lost car documents – the ultimate guide

    replacing a lost V5C document
    You can apply for a new V5C on the gov.uk website.

    Lost your driving licence, V5C logbook, MOT certificate, or insurance documents? It happens, and it’s easier to fix than you might think. Most replacements can be sorted online, often within a few days.

    Below, you’ll find everything you need to replace each document, including what it costs, how long it takes, and where to apply. This is especially handy if you’re getting ready to sell your car, as having your paperwork in order can help things move smoothly.

    Quick Summary: Replacement Costs & Times

    • V5C Logbook: £25 fee; takes approx. 5 working days via online application.
    • Driving Licence: £20 fee; apply via GOV.UK (requires identity details).
    • MOT Certificate: Free to replace online via the GOV.UK website.
    • Insurance Certificate: Contact your provider; fees typically range from £7.50 to £30.
    • Car Tax: Requires your V5C reference number or V11 reminder letter.

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    How to replace a lost V5C logbook

    Yes, you can get a replacement. If you need to get your car’s logbook (V5C) replaced, you can apply for a new one via the gov.uk website. A replacement costs £25 and typically arrives within five working days.

    There are two routes depending on your situation:

    If you just need a straight duplicate (no changes to your details), you can apply online. You’ll need:

    • The registration number of the vehicle
    • The VIN/chassis number of your vehicle
    • The name and postcode registered on your logbook

    If you need to update any details, such as:

    • Your name or address
    • Your vehicle’s details
    • The vehicle’s ownership

    You’ll need to fill out form V62 on the gov.uk website and apply for the updated logbook to be sent by post.

    How to replace a lost insurance certificate

    The quickest way to get a replacement insurance certificate is to call your insurer and request one directly.

    Not sure who your insurer is? Try these:

    • Check your bank statements or direct debits for a monthly payment to an insurance provider.
    • Search your emails for policy confirmation or renewal notices.
    • Visit the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) website at mib.org.uk and complete a Data Subject Access Request form. The MIB holds details of every insured vehicle in the UK.

    Most insurers charge a small admin fee for a replacement insurance certificate. This can range from around £7.50 to £30, depending on your provider.

    A replacement insurance certificate is best requested from your insurer.

    How to replace a lost driving licence

    If you need to replace your full driving licence, or even a provisional, you can do it online at the gov.uk website. It’s a legal requirement to have a valid licence if you’re driving, so it’s worth sorting a replacement as soon as you can.

    Think it might have been stolen? Report it to the police straight away. Your driving licence is a major form of ID and could be used for identity theft if it falls into the wrong hands.

    To get a replacement licence, you’ll need to be a resident of Great Britain (there’s a different service for Northern Ireland) and not be disqualified from driving for any reason. If you have any outstanding penalties or restrictions on your licence, you may need to contact the DVLA directly rather than using the online service.

    You’ll be asked to provide details about the addresses you’ve lived at for the last three years. If you can, have your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and passport number ready too.

    Not sure of your licence number? Check old correspondence from the DVLA, your car insurance documents, or any vehicle registration paperwork. Your licence number may be listed there.

    A replacement driving licence costs £20, payable by debit or credit card. If you apply online, most people receive their replacement licence within one week. If you apply by post, allow up to three weeks. The process is very similar to updating your licence.

    The DVLA will use the same photo from your original licence on the replacement. If your appearance has changed significantly since that photo was taken, let the DVLA know and they’ll send you a form to submit a new one.

    Found your old licence after ordering a replacement? You’ll need to send the old one back to the DVLA at their head office in Swansea.

    Replacing a lost driving licence
    A replacement driving licence costs £20 from the DVLA.

    How to replace a lost MOT certificate

    You can get a replacement MOT certificate for free via the gov.uk website if you’ve lost or damaged the original.

    Online (free): You’ll need your car’s registration number and the 11-digit reference number from your V5C logbook. This service covers cars and motorcycles but cannot be used for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), trailers, or public service vehicles (PSVs). For those, you’ll need to fill in form VTG59 (HGVs and trailers) or VTP6 (PSVs).

    In person (up to £10): If you need your certificate urgently, you can request a replacement from any MOT centre. It doesn’t have to be the one that carried out your original test. You’ll need your registration number and V5C logbook reference number.

    How long does it take to get a replacement V5C logbook?

    If you apply online, you should receive your replacement V5C logbook within five working days. This is the quickest route for most drivers, and it’s good news if you’re looking to sell your car but don’t have a V5C.

    If you’d prefer to apply by post, you can pick up a V62 ‘application for a vehicle registration certificate’ form from your local Post Office. The postal route takes longer, with replacements arriving within six weeks.

    Either way, a replacement V5C costs £25.

    How much are replacement car insurance documents?
    Depending on your insurer, a replacement certificate can cost up to £30.

    Can you get your V5C logbook number online?

    No. There’s currently no way to look up your V5C logbook reference number online. The only place to find it is on the logbook itself.

    If you’ve lost your logbook, you’ll need to order a replacement from the DVLA, either online (around five working days) or by post via a V62 form from your local Post Office (up to six weeks). Both options cost £25.

    What documents do I need for car tax?

    Every car on UK roads needs to be taxed, even if it qualifies as tax-exempt. You’ll still need to apply so it’s officially classified.

    There are three ways to tax your car:

    Online — To tax your car online, you’ll need one of the following reference numbers:

    • V5C Logbook: The 11-digit reference number (must be in your name).
    • V11 Reminder: The 16-digit reference number.
    • New Keeper Slip (V5C/2): The 12-digit reference number.

    By phone — Call the DVLA directly. You’ll need your V5C logbook or new keeper slip to hand.

    At a Post Office — Some Post Offices offer this service. You’ll need to bring your V5C logbook registration certificate (in your name), a V62 application for a registration certificate, and your new keeper slip.

    Ready to sell?

    Got your documents sorted? If you’re ready to sell, get a free, instant valuation on Motorway and let 8,000+ verified dealers compete for your car. No fees, no hassle, and collection from your door.

    Want to learn more about the paperwork side of car ownership? Browse our full library of documentation and DVLA guides, covering everything from transferring ownership to taxing your car.

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