The most important thing to remember when selling a vehicle is to let DVLA know you have sold it. This applies whether you sell the vehicle privately, or to a motor dealer. You should inform DVLA of the sale immediately.

If you don't, you'll still be responsible for the vehicle, and may receive fines that have been attributed to activity from the vehicle still in your name! Not only that, but you will be responsible for the vehicle's tax (or SORN).

Tell DVLA that you no longer own a vehicle, and you should receive a confirmation letter within 4 weeks.

Selling a Vehicle - What to Remember

Sellers of vehicles find themselves open to criminal activity. However you can protect yourself:

• Thieves can pose as serious buyers - it sounds obvious, but don't let a buyer take your vehicle out for a test drive on their own
• Similarly don't leave them with the keys or the car with the keys in the ignition
• Use caution when accepting cheques or banker's drafts - wait for the funds to clear in your account before letting the buyer take the vehicle
• Ask the buyer for some form of ID, and remember that they may also want some form of ID from you!
• Know where your vehicle's VIN number is situated, as the buyer will want to check it

Your Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C)

Allow the buyer to check the V5C. It's pretty unlikely you'll be able to sell the vehicle if you don't have one - so get a replacement V5C from DVLA if this is the case.

Private Number on Vehicle for Sale

Transfer or retain the registration number before you sell the vehicle. If you don't you will lose your entitlement to the number.

Selling a Vehicle Privately

It is common sense to take note of the buyer's name and address and keep this safely should you ever need it. Inform DVLA via your Registration Certificate that you've sold the vehicle.

Remove the tax disc and apply for a refund of tax if you have more than one month remaining.

If you don't have the V5C, you should still inform the DVLA of the sale. To do so write to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR and explain that you have sold the vehicle. Include the:

• Vehicle registration mark
• Make and model
• Exact date of sale
• Name and address of the new keeper

Selling Between GB and Northern Ireland

Complete and sign sections 6 and 8 of the Registration Certificate (V5C or V5CNI).

Pass the certificate to the new keeper for them to be able to re-register the vehicle in either GB or NI.

The new keeper will re-register the vehicle, and as the seller you must write to DVLA/DVA. You are required to inform either DVLA or DVA (whichever authority the vehicle is leaving) that the vehicle has been sold.

Selling to a Motor Trader

Tell DVLA immediately via the V5C/3 section and pass the remaining parts of the document to the trader.

You should receive an acknowledgement letter within 4 weeks which will confirm you are no longer responsible for the vehicle.

Remove the tax disc and apply for a refund of tax if you have more than one month remaining.

Last updated: Monday 25th July 2011 at 2:04pm