Sell a van without a V5C logbook

Short answer

You can sell your van to vandervan without a V5C logbook, although the full document or the green new keeper slip helps. Tell us what paperwork you have when you enquire, because replacing a missing logbook can delay a later sale and affect the valuation.

What's your van worth as it is?

What the missing logbook changes

The live site's answer is that vandervan buys vans without a logbook. It also explains why having the full V5C, or at least the green new keeper slip, is useful. A missing document can mean waiting for DVLA paperwork before the van can be sold on through the dealer network. The valuation can reflect that delay and the storage involved. There is no fixed deduction stated here, and you should not assume that every missing-logbook enquiry has the same outcome. Start by finding out what is actually missing. You may have lost the whole document, kept only the green slip or already sent an application to DVLA. Describe that situation when asking for a valuation. Keep any confirmation of an application with the van's other records so you can explain what has already been done. The green slip is useful to mention even when you cannot find the rest of the V5C.

Gather the paperwork you still have

Find the green new keeper slip if you have it. Say that it is the slip rather than describing it as a full logbook, so there is no confusion about the document available.
Have a copy of your driving licence ready. The site's paperwork answer asks for this alongside the vehicle records; explain the missing V5C when you speak to the team.
Gather service records and relevant invoices. These help describe how the van has been maintained and which work has been done, even when the registration document is missing.
If there is outstanding finance, obtain a settlement letter from the lender. Give the team the finance position as well as the paperwork situation before making collection arrangements.

The DVLA steps when the V5C is missing

DVLA says a seller without a logbook must notify it by post. Give your name and address, the registration, make and model, the exact sale date and the new keeper's or motor trader's name and address. The published address is DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA. The online sale notification service cannot be used without a logbook. A buyer who acquired a vehicle without one needs to apply using form V62. For a duplicate with unchanged details, an eligible registered keeper can apply online or by phone; other circumstances can require a postal application. Use the current GOV.UK instructions for your situation. A replacement application and notifying DVLA about a sale are separate tasks.

Your choices before selling

Sell with the documents availableRequest a valuation using the reg and explain that the V5C is missing. Tell us whether you hold the green slip and whether a replacement application is already under way. You can make an enquiry before choosing to wait for new paperwork. Ask the team which documents it needs for your particular sale before agreeing the collection arrangements.

Apply for a replacement firstIf you want the full logbook before selling, use the DVLA route that matches your circumstances. Confirm that you are eligible for the method you intend to use, especially if details have changed. Allow for the paperwork in your plans and avoid booking a handover around an assumed arrival date. This guide does not promise a processing time.

Compare both routesAsk how selling with the documents you have compares with waiting for the replacement. Consider how long you want to keep the van, where it will remain parked and whether you still need it for work. Waiting may suit an owner who has no immediate reason to sell; an owner moving on from a non-runner may prefer to discuss collection now.

Keep a record of what you send to DVLA and the sale details you supply. Use the actual sale date in a notification. If an application is already in progress, explain that when arranging the sale rather than assuming it has updated the keeper record. Follow DVLA's current instructions if your circumstances change before the document arrives.

Prepare for collection without the logbook

Before collection day, put the paperwork you have in one place and agree what will be handed over. Keep your own record of the sale. If the van belongs to a business or you are arranging the sale for somebody else, explain your role to the team so the required paperwork can be discussed before the appointment. Describe any mechanical fault separately from the missing logbook: the documents do not tell us whether the engine starts or the van can move. Give the collection location and any access restrictions, especially if it is at a garage. Vandervan offers free collection from home, work or a garage. Payment happens on collection day, before loading. A lost V5C is something to discuss at the start of the enquiry, so the paperwork and collection plans can be agreed together.

Questions

Can I sell with only the green new keeper slip?

The live FAQ says having at least the green new keeper slip is advantageous, and vandervan buys vans without the full logbook. Tell the team exactly which document you hold when you enquire. Keep the slip with your other vehicle paperwork for the sale.

Will the missing V5C change the valuation?

It can. The approved FAQ explains that obtaining the missing paperwork can delay the van's onward sale and add storage costs. There is no standard amount to deduct from every van. Ask for a valuation with your actual paperwork situation explained.

What if the van also has a failed MOT or mechanical fault?

Vandervan buys vans with no MOT and with mechanical faults, including non-runners. Mention both the condition and the missing V5C. Having a registration document and having a running van are separate details needed to discuss the sale and collection.

Jack EdwardsWritten for vandervan. Updated 8 November 2026.

Selling a van without a V5C logbook