What Documents Do You Need to Buy a Car in London?

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Let’s walk through everything you need, why it matters, and tips to avoid pitfalls. 🛻

1. Proof of Identity and Address

What ID to bring

You’ll need a valid photographic ID—typically a UK photocard driving licence or passport.

The name must match your other documents to avoid confusion when registering or insuring the vehicle.

For dealerships, extra ID (like an old paper licence or passport) may be requested for credit checks.

Proof of your London address

Dealers and finance providers usually ask for proof of residency.

Acceptable documents include:

• A recent utility bill (gas, electric) or council tax bill
• Bank or building society statement

These should be dated within the last two to three months.

2. Your Driving Licence

Do you need a UK licence?

You don’t need to own a full UK driving licence to buy a car, but it’s essential to test‑drive and register it.

A valid licence also shows insurers you’re allowed to drive.

Provisional licence holders can drive with supervision, but they’ll need their instructor or an insured full‑licence driver on board.

3. V5C Vehicle Registration Document (Logbook)

What is the V5C?

This “logbook” proves registered keeper status—not necessarily ownership.

It includes the vehicle’s details (make, model, VIN) and your address.

What to check

• It’s the full original document, not a photocopy—look for the DVLA watermark.
• The registration, VIN, and keeper’s info must match the car and the seller.
• Be cautious if the logbook is older blue version in suspect serial-number ranges—it may be stolen.

Transferring ownership

When you buy the car, the seller must:

1. Fill in the ‘new keeper’ section.
2. Send the V5C to the DVLA either online or by post.
3. Give you the green V5C/2 ‘new keeper’ slip—signed by both parties—which you’ll need to tax the car in your name.

If there’s no V5C, walk away—or the seller applies for a replacement (V62 form) and waits before you finalise the deal.

If you run into problems after purchase, check out our page on what to do if a dealership sells you a faulty car in the UK.

4. MOT Certificate and Service History

Why MOT matters

In the UK, cars over three years old must pass annual MOT tests.

Ask the seller for:

• A current MOT certificate
• Access to the MOT history via online check to expose any past advisories

Service history

A full stamped service history—showing what maintenance was done and when—demonstrates the car was well cared for.

Ask for receipts or record emails from garages.

To understand more about service times, check out our article on how long it takes to service a car at a dealership.

5. History Checks (HPI or Equivalent)

Pre‑purchase vehicle history checks flag serious concerns before you buy:

• Outstanding finance
• Insurance write‑offs or salvage records
• Stolen vehicle history
• Discrepancies in mileage

These can be uncovered via paid checks like HPI or free DVLA/HPI summary check online.

6. Insurance Documentation

You must insure the car to drive it away

Legally, your new (or newly registered) car must be insured before you drive it.

Driving without insurance is illegal—even around the block.

Options for insurance

• Your annual policy: ask insurer to start cover from pickup day.
• Drive‑away (temporary) insurance: short-term cover offered by some dealers and brokers—for the journey home.

Not sure about premiums? Take a look at our breakdown of insurance groups for the Toyota Yaris Hybrid.

7. Vehicle Tax (VED)

Vehicle tax doesn’t transfer from the seller—you must tax it yourself.

Use:

• The 12‑digit reference from your new keeper slip
• GOV.UK, post or phone service to tax the car

8. Payment Documents and Proof of Ownership

Paying for the car

Ensure a traceable, safe method:

• Bank transfer (fast and documented) or cheque from a reputable source
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash

If you’re unsure about best practices, check out our page on how to pay cash for a car at a dealership.

Keep a proper receipt

Your receipt should include:

• Buyer and seller names & addresses
• Date of sale and price
• Vehicle details (make, model, VIN, registration, mileage)
• Signatures of both parties

This serves as legal proof of purchase and protects your rights.

You can also explore how to pay for a car at a dealership for other finance and payment options.

9. Finance Paperwork (if applicable)

Documents for financed purchases

If using PCP, HP, or lease, you’ll need:

• Proof of income (pay slips or bank statements)
• Proof of address and identity
• Credit check authorisation

10. Extra Docs for Non‑UK Residents

Can expats buy in London?

Yes—but you’ll typically need:

• Valid ID and residency proof
• International driving permit or appropriate licence
• Temporary insurance policies adapted for non‑UK licence holders

11. Final Document Checklist

• ✅ Photo ID (driving licence/passport)
• ✅ Proof of address (utility bill, etc.)
• ✅ Full or provisional driving licence
• ✅ V5C logbook (original, not copy) + green slip
• ✅ Current MOT certificate + online MOT history
• ✅ Full service history (stamps + receipts)
• ✅ Insurance arrangement paperwork
• ✅ New VED (tax reference) confirmation
• ✅ Proof of payment / receipt
• ✅ Finance paperwork (if applicable)

12. Tips & Red Flags to Watch For 🚩

• ID/address mismatch on logbook? Ask questions or walk away.
• Missing or incomplete service history → negotiate or be cautious.
• MOT advisories flagged during history checks? Factor in repair costs.
• No V5C? Highly risky—seller must obtain a replacement before completing the sale.
• Avoid sharing photos of your V5C online—scammers can use sensitive info for fraud.

If you’re negotiating with a dealer, it’s worth understanding how much dealerships will come down on price.

13. After You’ve Bought the Car

1. Confirm DVLA processed the V5C change: You should get a new logbook in 3–4 weeks.
2. Arrange for full insurance if you opted for temporary cover.
3. Drive away legally, knowing you’ve done everything right!

Final Word

Buying a car in London means navigating lots of paperwork—but having the right documents gives you peace of mind, legal cover, and full ownership.

Whether you’re dealing with a dealership or private seller, a little due diligence goes a long way.

If you’ve anything to ask—expat rules, finance options, or logs—just shout!

Happy car hunting—and enjoy that first drive! 🚗