While the majority of us will update our V5C Log Book, there are countless owners who do not, and the problem is surprisingly common. Some people believe that updating their driving licence also updates the V5C Log Book, but this is not the case. 

Whenever there is a change in circumstance, for example you move address, or there is a change in vehicle ownership, you should notify the DVLA and update the vehicle registration certificate (V5). Failure to do so can have severe consequences.

Change in address

Whenever you move house, it is important to check whether you have updated your Vehicle Registration Document (V5C Log Book) with your new address details. Failing to do this can result in serious consequences, and it is easy to miss among the other things you need to do when moving to a new home.

Our solicitors frequently encounter clients who have been convicted and sentenced in their absence as they have not received documentation - receiving a heavy fine and 6 penalty points on their licence for failing to give information. Depending on the amount of penalty points already on their licence, this can result in them being disqualified from driving - a very serious consequence for failing to update a vehicle log book.

Change in ownership

When there is a change in the registered keeper, the current registered keeper is required to notify the DVLA. Failure to do so can result in a fine.

Additionally, beyond a financial penalty, a previous vehicle owner may find that they begin to receive notices of intended prosecution, parking notices and other vehicle related documents, which should be for the attention of the new owner. Not only does this cause administrative issues, but it can result in charges of failing to provide information, if you do not provide adequate information in response to the notice of intended prosecution or S172 notice.

What are the possible legal consequences of failing to update your log book when you change address?

As we have discussed above, the outcomes for those who make this mistake can be severe. The most extreme example involves charges of failing to give information. 

Our solicitors have seen such oversights result in:

• Disqualification;
• A fine of up to £1000;
• Criminal convictions that had to be disclosed to the client's employers, insurance company and professional body;
• Risk of unemployment;
• Stress and pressure of the whole case looming over the client;
• Financial pressures, due to outstanding fines from courts; and
• Legal costs to rectify all matters.

Q

What is a vehicle registration document?

A

When you own a vehicle outright or have obtained it through a hire purchase agreement, you will become the registered keeper of the vehicle. The seller will take responsibility at this stage for transferring ownership by submitting the new keeper's details to the DVLA. At this point, the new owner will receive an important document known as a V5C Log Book. This holds important information about you and your vehicle including your name, address, vehicle make, model and so forth. It is similar to a passport that can be used to confirm your identity, but the new log book will confirm the identity of your car.

When selling a vehicle, it is the seller's job to update the registered keeper in the log book. However, once you own the vehicle and are listed as the registered keeper, you must keep the V5C Log Book up to date with owner and vehicle details.

Q

If I have not updated my vehicle registration document, what should I do?

A

If you still need to update your vehicle registration certificate, your first step should be to visit the government website to check your driving licence and make sure you have not been convicted of any offences that you are not aware of.

You will need your driving licence number, National Insurance number and postcode to access your details. If you have updated the DVLA with your new address, this will be your current postcode, but if not it may be your old one.

If you have not been convicted of any offences, you should immediately update your information and change your address online. This can be completed on the government website and can usually be done for free.

If you have been convicted of one or more offences, you will need some legal advice as to the next steps. Speak to a solicitor at your earliest opportunity to find out more about your options and to make sure you respond to any charges in the right way.

Q

I have been convicted of an offence of failing to give information and received a conviction code MS90 without my knowledge. What should I do?

A

In these situations, stay calm and do not panic. Update your details immediately to prevent any further issues.

Thereafter, contact the expert motoring solicitors at JMW for bespoke legal advice. Our approach will be to figure out where the offence arose from. If it transpires that you are not at fault, then you may have a defence to the charges brought against you.

It is still vital to seek legal advice to understand your options and to secure representation that could support you during potential proceedings and/or sentencing.