What documents do I need to buy a used car?

If you’re wondering, “What documents should I get when buying a used car?”—whether from a dealership or a private seller—understanding what’s required will help make the process easier. Here’s a guide to the essential documents you’ll need when buying a used car.

Documents you need as a car buyer

The documents you need when buying a car include:

• Driving licence
• Road tax
• Insurance policy
• Payment documents

Driving licence

A drivers licence is essential when buying a used car because it shows you have the knowledge, skills, and legally certified to drive a vehicle on public roads. Make sure your driver’s licence is valid, up-to-date, and not lost to prevent any complications.

Road tax

Road tax, also known as Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), is not transferable between owners. Even if the car is already taxed, you must tax it yourself to avoid penalties.

You can easily do this by contacting the DVLA on the gov.uk website, using their phone service at 0300 123 4321, or by post. When buying a used car, ensure the previous owner gives you the V5C/2 document, which contains a 12-digit reference number needed to tax the vehicle.

Insurance policy

Once you’ve purchased a used car, it will need to be properly insured before driving the vehicle home. Driving without any car insurance is illegal, even if you’re only driving for a short distance. Some dealerships won’t let you drive the car away without proof that the car is insured. Consider temporary or “driveaway” insurance, which provides insurance coverage for a few days to a month.

Payment documents

Make sure you have all the necessary payment documents, especially if you’re using car finance or taking out a loan. This could be the loan agreement or the sales contract agreement, outlining the terms and conditions of the car purchase. The safest way to do this is through a bank transfer, which will provide proof of payment through your bank statements.

Documents to ask for from the car seller

The documents you need to ask for from the car seller are:

• Seller’s details
• Logbook
• Service history
• MOT status
• Proof of purchase
• Vehicle history check
• Warranty documentation

Seller’s details

Always request the seller’s details to ensure they match the information on the V5C logbook. If there are any causes for concern, you should ask questions before proceeding. You should also check the vehicle identification number (VIN), engine number, and the car. If anything seems off, don’t hesitate to ask for more information.

Logbook

You’ll need the reference numbers from the car’s V5C logbook to transfer car ownership and prove you are the registered keeper. You should also check that the V5C logbook you receive is the original document and not a copy. To verify the document, check for the DVLA watermark and make sure the serial number is printed in the logbook. We suggest checking the information included matches the used car you are purchasing, such as the registration number and vehicle identification number (VIN). The registration number can be found on the number plate, while the VIN can usually be found on a plaque at the bottom of the windscreen, or on a plaque in the engine bay.

Be cautious if the serial number falls between BG8229501 and BG9999030 or BI2305501 and BI2800000, as this could suggest a stolen or fraudulent logbook that could be part of a car scam. Any inconsistencies should raise concerns and be investigated further.

Service history

Check the service history to ensure the car has been regularly maintained and to check for any potential issues. A service history is usually a manufacturer-issue service book that has been stamped each time it’s been serviced. You can sometimes find these online now. A well-documented service history suggests a vehicle has been well cared for.

Invoices from previous work the used car has had may come with the vehicle. However, this doesn’t happen often because of GDPR regulations.

MOT status

An important documentation to ask for from the seller is a valid MOT certificate. It must have a valid certificate to be driven on the road else you could end up with a fine. Make sure the vehicle has passed recent safety inspections and emission tests, to keep you safe on the road.

If you have any concerns about the used car you are potentially purchasing, you can type in the reg number on the MOT status checker to check its MOT history, including if the vehicle has recently had an MOT or not and any previous failures.

If the car does not have a valid MOT certificate, you can request that the seller has the vehicle tested by an approved MOT centre before completing the purchase. If you buy a car without an MOT test, you are taking the chance that the vehicle may not pass the MOT test and you would be liable for costly repairs to make the car road legal again.

Proof of purchase

Once you have purchased your vehicle, you should ask the car seller for proof of purchase. The receipt or invoice used to confirm proof of purchase should include:

• The buyer and seller’s names and addresses
• The date of purchase
• Car specifications
• Confirm the seller has the agreed amount of money for the car

Vehicle history check

At Motors, we offer a vehicle history check, which confirms the identity of the used cars listed on our site.

The vehicle history screening check will check the following:

• The car isn’t stolen
• The car isn’t scrapped
• The car isn’t written off
• The car hasn’t been imported/exported
• Includes the original number plate
• Is the original car’s colour.

Please note that this check is for guidance only and you should still check details with the seller before purchasing.

Warranty documentation

If applicable, you should ask the seller for the used car’s remaining warranty documentation and have this transferred to you. This is important because if the used vehicle is still covered by warranty, you will need this documentation to make a warranty claim if the car experiences any mechanical issues, at no additional cost.

Why do I need all these documents when buying a used car?

There are several reasons why you would need these documents when buying a used car.

Proves you are the owner of the vehicle

Without a proper purchase invoice, you will not be able to prove to authorities that you are the legal owner of the vehicle in case of any legal issues arising.

Ensures you stay legal

Documentation such as road tax, insurance and a valid MOT certificate are all required by law to drive on public roads in the UK. Without them, you could be fined and given points on your driving licence.

Protects you from fraud

Any official documentation that comes with a used car helps to verify the car is legitimate. The vehicle history check, for example, will reveal if the car is stolen, written off or has outstanding finance attached to it, or if there has been a mileage discrepancy in the past that you need to know about.

What to do if you find discrepancies with the car’s documentation

If you notice any discrepancies with the documentation provided by the seller, such as a mismatched VIN, missing log book, or false/incorrect service history, you must raise these issues with the seller. If they are unable to provide a satisfactory answer as to why there are discrepancies, with proof to back up their explanation, you may have to consider walking away from the purchase.