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What Paperwork Do I Need To Sell My Car? | Complete Guide

What Paperwork Do I Need To Sell My Car?

Selling a car is often much easier when you have the right paperwork available. While every sale is different, having key documents ready can help make the process smoother and provide buyers with important information about the vehicle.

Here’s a guide to the paperwork you may need when selling your car.

V5C Registration Certificate

The V5C registration certificate (often called the logbook) records the registered keeper of the vehicle.

Although it is commonly used when selling a car, not having the V5C does not always prevent a sale. If the document has been lost, you may be able to apply for a replacement before completing the transaction.

Service History

A service history can help demonstrate how well a vehicle has been maintained.

Whether you have a full service history, a partial history or only a few maintenance records, it is useful to provide any documentation you have available.

MOT Certificate

If the vehicle has a current MOT certificate, this may provide useful information about its recent roadworthiness and any advisory items.

If the MOT has expired or the vehicle has failed its MOT, it can often still be sold.

Find out more about our MOT Failure Cars service if your vehicle has recently failed its MOT test.

Vehicle Manuals And Spare Keys

Original handbooks, manuals and spare keys can all add convenience for the next owner.

If these items are available, it’s worth mentioning them when requesting a valuation.

Identification

Most buyers will ask for proof of identity when completing a purchase.

Having suitable identification available can help the transaction proceed smoothly.

What If I Don't Have All The Paperwork?

Missing paperwork does not always mean you cannot sell your vehicle.

Our Sell My Car service explains how we buy vehicles in a wide range of conditions and circumstances.

Many buyers can still assess a vehicle based on its registration number, condition and the information you are able to provide.

Being honest about any missing documents helps ensure an accurate valuation.

Get A Free Valuation

If you’re thinking about selling your car, the first step is to request a free, no-obligation valuation.

Visit our Contact Us page to get started and learn more about your available options.

Final Thoughts

Having the right paperwork can make selling a vehicle more straightforward, but missing documents do not necessarily prevent a sale.

Providing accurate information and any available paperwork helps buyers assess your vehicle and provide a fair valuation.