These Are the Documents You Need to Sell Your Car

These Are the Documents You Need to Sell Your Car

Decided to part ways with your car? We’ve rounded up all the important documents you’ll need to keep the process simple.

So, you’ve decided to sell your car. Whether you sell privately or to a dealership, you’ll want to ensure it goes smoothly.

If you’re wondering what documents you need to sell your car, read our handy guide to help you get organised.

What documents do I need to sell my car?

If you’re pressed for time, then here’s a quick checklist of the documents you need to be able to sell your car:

• The V5C (vehicle logbook)
• Service history records
• MOT certificates
• Receipts for repairs and/or parts
• Warranty records (including remaining warranty)
• The user manual
• Reservation and purchase receipts
• Insurance information
• Finance settlement letter (if this applies)
• Number plate retention form V317 (if keeping a private number plate)

Having all of the above documentation where it applies will make selling your car easier and fuss-free. In some cases, it can also increase your car’s valuation and appeal more to buyers.

Some of these may sound unfamiliar to you, so let’s take a look at them in more detail.

The V5C

This is the most important document to have when selling your car. Why? Because it’s used to transfer ownership from seller to buyer.

Depending on whether you sell privately or through a dealership, you’ll need to fill out different sections. For private sales, fill out sections 2 and 6, and send this to the DVLA as soon as possible. Note that you’ll be responsible for any tickets until the change in ownership has been raised.

When selling to a dealership, you’ll need to fill out section 4 titled ‘selling, transferring, or part-exchanging this vehicle to a motor trader’. The dealership will then take the V5C and send this off to the DVLA for you.

You can also fill out the V5C form online if you wish, where the new owner will receive a new V5C in the post.

If you don’t have your V5C form, selling your car could be more difficult. It could put off potential buyers if the vehicle doesn’t come with the correct paperwork, and you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Service history records

Having a full service history is important in ensuring you get the best possible valuation for your car. It proves that the car has been well maintained and properly cared for, which can also make it more appealing in the eyes of potential buyers.

The service history is usually found with the owner’s manual in the same folder. Technicians will stamp this whenever a service has been carried out, showing it has been done according to the schedule.

New owners will need this information so they can make sure the car remains serviced accordingly. Make sure you have a full service history and that it has been stamped after each service, to keep things up to date.

MOT certificates

MOTs are a legal requirement for all vehicles over three years old to ensure they remain roadworthy. It’s important to keep all certificates for MOTs when selling your car so that potential buyers are aware of any previous or outstanding issues.

For instance, if any advisories have not been corrected, this is something they will need to know when taking ownership. If possible, keep hard copies of MOT certificates along with invoices to give your new buyer the full picture of the vehicle they are interested in.

Repairs or parts receipts

As well as keeping any MOT certificates, you’ll also want to keep any receipts for parts or repairs. Like servicing records, these also go a long way in proving that your car has been taken care of.

By providing all history of MOTs, servicing, and any repairs that have been completed, this paints a more reliable picture of you as a previous owner. Giving potential buyers peace of mind that they are buying a good quality, reliable used car.

Warranty records

If your car is still covered by a warranty, then you should also hand over this information to the new owner.

This can be transferred to them when selling the car, so they will require all documentation before taking it off your hands.

The user manual

This is normally found in the glovebox and is the instruction manual for the car, including all its features and controls.

Obviously, you’ll need to hand this over along with your vehicle so that the new owner can get to know their next car. It can also be used to help determine any issues with the vehicle later on.

Reservation and purchase receipts

If selling your car privately, the buyer might ask to put down a deposit to secure the car. This gives them the time to go away and arrange their finances to pay for the vehicle.

In this case, you should give them a receipt as proof of payment, including the following:

• The buyer’s and seller’s names
• The car’s make, model, registration and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• The deposit made and the date
• The outstanding balance
• Signatures of both the buyer and seller

Both buyer and seller should keep a copy of this, as proof of the agreed price. When they return to collect the vehicle, you should write another receipt with the full amount paid.

Insurance information

Any previous claims made through your insurance should be declared when selling your car. This includes any repairs made as a result to give the new owner peace of mind.

You’ll also need to cancel your insurance policy after selling your car. Note that you may have to pay a cancellation fee.

Finance settlement letter

This applies if you bought the car using a finance agreement, which is still ongoing. If it is still being paid for, you’ll need to provide a valid finance settlement letter. This should show the final settlement figure and your finance company’s bank details.

Number plate retention form V317

If you have a private reg you want to keep, you’ll need to fill out a number plate retention form (V317) before selling your car.

These can be downloaded from the Government website, and there are two options you can use. You can either transfer the number plate straight to another vehicle or place it on a retention document for up to 10 years. This is if you don’t yet have another vehicle to transfer it to. Whichever you use, you’ll be charged a fee of £80.

Sell your car at Bristol Street Motors

We hope you feel well-informed on all the documentation needed to sell your car. Ready to part ways? At Bristol Street Motors, our Sell My Car service makes it easier than ever to sell your vehicle.

First, enter your registration into our online tool to get your free, instant valuation. Then, book an appointment at your local dealership. Our expert team will sort all the paperwork before processing your payment to complete the sale. That’s it!

We also offer Part Exchange if you want to use the money towards your next vehicle. To get started, get your valuation by clicking the button below, or contact us if you have any questions.

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