What documents do you need to sell your car?

What documents do you need to sell your car?

Do you know what documents you need to sell your car?

Whether you’re planning to sell your car privately, part-exchange it or sell to a car buying company, having the right documentation to hand can make the process that much simpler.

Getting the paperwork in order is arguably the most important thing to do. After all, if you’re missing key documents, this could significantly reduce your car’s valuation – or make it near impossible to find a buyer at all.

In this guide, we will provide a comprehensive list of what documents you need to sell your car. We’ll also explain the importance of each document – and the steps you can take to replace any missing car documents.

What documents do you need to sell your car?

Technically it’s possible to sell your car without any paperwork at all, however we would advise against this. Missing car documentation will put off prospective buyers – or at the very least, reduce the price you’ll want to get for your vehicle.

Therefore, we would recommend collating the following documentation before selling:

• V5C logbook.
• Service history.
• MOT certificates.
• Owner’s manual.
• Repair and part receipts.
• Car parts receipts.
• Car warranty documents.
• Insurance documents.
• Proof of deposit and purchase receipts.
• Number plate retention certificate (V778) – (If applicable.)

V5C logbook

The V5C or logbook is first on our list for good reason. A missing logbook can seriously dent your car’s value. Potential buyers may be suspicious that your car could be stolen. Whilst it is possible to sell your car without a V5C logbook, doing so would seriously complicate the process of transferring car ownership.

If you do not have your vehicle’s V5C logbook, you can obtain a replacement copy from the DVLA by filling out a V62 form at a cost of £25

 

 

 

Service history

A full service history can help to reassure prospective buyers that the car has been well maintained throughout its lifetime. This can also instil confidence that the vehicle’s reputed mileage is accurate (an important consideration, given that mileage greatly affects the car’s value).

To maintain a complete service history, you should ensure that the mechanic stamps your car’s service book at every interval – and records pertinent details such as the name and address of the facility and when the service was carried out.

 

MOT certificates

Retaining all the MOT certificates throughout your car’s history can instil viewers with confidence that the vehicle has been kept in roadworthy condition – and meets the minimum environmental standards, although this isn’t alway necessary as the information is held by the DVLA online.

Whilst this will reassure some potential buyers, we would still recommend using the DVLA’s free lost MOT certificate service to replace any missing MOT documents. By making this paperwork available, you’ll spare viewers the time and hassle of researching your car’s MOT history themselves.

If you own a classic car with MOT exemption, voluntarily submitting it for an MOT test can help to reassure viewers that the vehicle is still in good working order.

 

 

 

Owner’s manual

The owner’s manual can usually be found in the glovebox. This book will contain useful information about the vehicle and can help you identify dashboard warning lights, maintain the correct fluid levels, check the tyre pressure and more.

If this document is missing, you should be able to purchase a replacement from the manufacturer. (Although you can usually download a free digital copy, we recommend obtaining a physical replacement if you want to maximise your car’s resale value.) You can sometimes pick up these up on places such as eBay etc.

You may need to provide the vehicle’s VIN number when requesting replacement manuals from certain car manufacturers.

Repair and part receipts

Cars sometimes need to be repaired due to age-related issues, scratches or damage sustained from an prangs and dings.

If you have had work carried out on your car, it is good practice to keep the receipts as proof that the repairs have been carried out to a high standard.

 

 

 

Car parts receipts

You should also retain the receipts for any replacement parts that have been fitted to the vehicle. These may be required as proof of warranty for the next owner.

If any receipts are missing, you may be able to request replacement copies by contacting the relevant garages or dealerships.

Car warranty documents

If the car you’re selling is still under warranty from a manufacturer or dealership, you will need to inform the warranty provider that you have sold the car.

In most cases, the warranty will be transferable to the new owner (sometimes with a small handling fee), in which case, you should inform them and pass over any documentation. Having remaining warranty on a vehicle will increase its value

Insurance documents

If you have made a claim on your car insurance, it may be prudent to show the relevant documents to prospective buyers, as this will reassure them that the necessary repairs have been carried out.

These documents will also contain useful information such as the vehicle’s insurance group (which will give them an indication of how much their own insurance policy may cost).

After selling your car, you will need to tell your insurer that you wish to cancel your current policy –  (You may be charged a cancellation fee).

Proof of deposit and purchase receipts

If you are selling your car privately, a buyer won’t necessarily pay the full amount at the point of sale. After agreeing to purchase the vehicle, they will probably need to go away to arrange their finances or secure a bank loan to cover the cost.

In the interim, the buyer should leave a holding deposit to ensure no-one else can buy the vehicle while they attend to their finances. If this is the case, provide them with a receipt as proof of their deposit.

This receipt should contain the following information:

• The seller and buyer’s names and signatures.
• Details of the vehicle’s make, model, registration number and VIN (vehicle identification number).
• The deposit amount (and the balance outstanding upon collection of the vehicle).
• The date the deposit was made.

As the seller, you should retain a copy of this receipt to prevent any disagreements concerning the agreed price.

When the buyer returns to collect the car, you should provide them with another receipt confirming that the sale has been completed and the balance amount paid in full (always retain a copy for your reference).

Number plate retention certificate

If you are selling a car with a private number plate but wish to keep your personalised registration, you will need to transfer the number plate before selling your car. Otherwise, the private plate will become the property of the new owner at the point of sale.

You can request to take a private number plate off a vehicle via the DVLA website. If your application is successful, you will receive a number plate retention document (V778) which gives you the right to transfer the number plate to another vehicle within the next 10 years.

 

Helping You to Buy Right!

So now you know what documents you need to sell your car and you’ve it, what next? Do you need to replace it with something newer or more modern –

If  you would like to save thousands by buying a car from auction but it all seems very daunting then we can help!

Here at Car Auction Buying Service, we’re dedicated to finding the very best deal at auction for you, attending events
arranged by British Car Auctions, Manheim and Aston Barclay, plus many more. We assist in bidding and provide the support you need to buy successfully from the auction; without the need for you to travel across the country .

Thanks to our multiple trade accounts we pay much lower buyers premiums compared to private buyers. We then pass that saving on to you! We scrutinise the cosmetic reports and mechanical reports that accompany each vehicle. Our team can also provide trade price warranties and deliver your car to any location in the UK. To find out more, or to inquire about buying your next vehicle from a nationwide or local car auctions, please give us a call on 0121 769 1729. Alternatively, you can fill out our online form or visit our website www.carauctionbuyingservice.co.uk