How to replace lost car documents in the UK
If you’ve lost an important car document like your logbook, driving licence, or MOT certificate, don’t panic—replacing them is usually straightforward.
You’ll need to go through the proper channels, pay a small fee in most cases, and make sure your personal details are up to date.
It happens more often than people admit. A move, a misfiled folder, a flood in the glovebox—these things catch drivers out every day. The issue isn’t that something’s gone missing, it’s what happens next. Without the right documents, you might struggle to tax your car, prove ownership, or even get behind the wheel legally.
This guide breaks down the official processes for replacing lost vehicle documents in the UK. We’ll cover each document individually, from your V5C and licence to insurance papers and MOT certificates—explaining what to do, how long it takes, what it costs, and how to make sure the replacement goes through without delay.
What to do if you’ve lost your V5C logbook (Vehicle Registration Certificate)
To replace a lost V5C, you’ll need to apply through the DVLA either online, by phone, or post, and pay a £25 fee.
The replacement confirms you’re the registered keeper of the vehicle and is essential for selling, taxing, or changing ownership details.
Online Replacement
If your name, address, and vehicle details are all correct, the fastest option is the DVLA’s online service. You’ll need:
- The vehicle registration number
- The VIN or chassis number
- The registered keeper’s name and postcode
You can apply at gov.uk/vehicle-log-book. Payment is made by card, and the new logbook usually arrives within 5 working days.
By Phone
If you can’t access the internet but your details are unchanged, you can call the DVLA on 0300 790 6802. As with the online method, you’ll need the same details and pay the £25 fee over the phone. Delivery is typically within 5 working days.
By Post
If your details need updating—or you’ve lost the logbook while trying to register a new owner—you’ll need to complete a V62 form (available online or at Post Offices). Post it with your £25 fee to:
DVLA,
Swansea,
SA99 1DD.
Postal applications can take up to 6 weeks.
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Get QuotesHow to replace a lost driving licence
You can replace a lost or stolen driving licence through the DVLA’s online service or by post, with a standard fee of £20.
Most people complete the process online, and in many cases, the replacement arrives within a week.
Online Replacement
The quickest way to get a new licence is through gov.uk. To apply online, you’ll need:
- Your Government Gateway ID (or the ability to set one up)
- Your National Insurance number
- Passport details (if you have a UK passport)
Payment is taken by debit or credit card. Your new licence will typically be posted to your home address within 5–7 working days.
By Post
If you’re unable to apply online or need to change details at the same time, you can apply by post using a D1 form, available at most Post Office branches. Complete the form and send it, along with a cheque or postal order for £20, to the address printed on the form.
Postal applications usually take around 2–3 weeks.
If your licence has been stolen, it’s recommended (though not mandatory) to report it to the police. You’ll need to confirm during the application process that your licence is missing.
Tip: If you drive for work or need your licence urgently, consider applying online early in the week to avoid weekend delays in processing.
Related Read: What Should You Do If You Lose Your Driving Licence?
How to replace a lost MOT certificate
You can replace a lost MOT certificate for free online through the DVSA, or get a printed copy from any MOT testing centre for a small fee.
The MOT certificate isn’t legally required to be kept in the vehicle, but having one to hand can save time during resale or admin.
Online Replacement
The quickest method is to use the MOT history service on GOV.UK. All you need is:
- The vehicle registration number
- The 11-digit number from the V5C logbook
Once entered, you can view your MOT history and download a copy of the current certificate in PDF format. This version is legally valid for record-keeping, selling the vehicle, or proving roadworthiness.
MOT Test Centre
Alternatively, you can visit any MOT testing station, not just the one that carried out your last test.
Provide your vehicle registration and ideally your V5C, and they can print a replacement.
- Fee: Up to £10
- Processing time: Same day, usually within minutes
You’re selling your car and need to show the buyer proof of MOT but can’t find the paper copy. A quick download from the DVSA site—or a visit to your local garage—sorts it.
Whether for a buyer, a private sale, or peace of mind, having your MOT to hand can make life a little easier.
How do you replace lost car insurance documents?
If you’ve lost your car insurance documents, contact your insurer directly—they can usually resend them by email or post, often within the same day.
Most policies are now digital, and many providers no longer issue paper documents unless requested.
What You’ll Need
When requesting replacement documents, you’ll typically be asked to confirm:
- Your policy number (if known)
- Your full name and date of birth
- Your vehicle registration number
- Your address and contact details
Most insurers will resend the documents by email within a few hours, or you can download them via your online customer portal. If you ask for a printed copy, there may be a small admin charge—usually between £7.50 and £30.
What if you don’t know who insures you?
If you’re unsure which company you’re with, visit the Motor Insurance Database (askMID). This free service confirms whether a car is insured and helps identify the insurer.
Even if your documents are missing, you remain insured as long as the policy is active. However, having a copy on hand can speed things up if you’re stopped by police, involved in a collision, or need to prove cover during a claim. If you’ve lost your current policy details and want to reassess your cover before renewing, you can compare car insurance quotes at SimplyQuote.
Tip: Many insurers now offer app access to all policy documents, which can help you avoid misplacing them in the future.
Should you report lost car documents?
You don’t need to report every lost document—but if theft is suspected, or sensitive details are involved, it’s wise to notify the DVLA, your insurer, or even the police.
In most cases, applying for a replacement is enough—but there are exceptions.
If your documents were simply misplaced at home, and you’re confident they haven’t fallen into the wrong hands, there’s usually no need to file a report. The DVLA and most insurers treat replacements as routine admin.
But if your driving licence, logbook, or insurance documents were lost in public—or stolen from your vehicle—it’s best to take an extra step:
- Driving licence or logbook stolen? You can notify the police online using the non-emergency 101 service or your local force’s website.
- Insurance documents stolen? Let your insurer know immediately so they can flag the account and prevent misuse.
- Worried about identity theft? If your name, address, and vehicle details are all exposed, consider contacting CIFAS or checking your credit file.
And if you later recover the original document after receiving a replacement, you should return the old one to the DVLA or your insurer. Keeping both can lead to confusion or misuse.
In short: if you’ve simply lost a document, don’t stress. But if there’s any risk it’s been taken or misused, reporting it is the smarter move.
Final thoughts
Losing an important car document isn’t the disaster it might feel like in the moment—most replacements are easy, affordable, and processed quickly if you follow the right steps.
Whether it’s your logbook, licence, MOT certificate or insurance papers, the DVLA and insurers have systems in place for dealing with these requests all the time. You’re not the first, and you won’t be the last.
What matters most is acting promptly. Without these documents, you could face issues taxing your vehicle, transferring ownership, or proving legal cover. But with a few minutes online—or a simple form in the post—you’ll have a replacement on its way.
And next time? Consider keeping digital backups where possible, storing key details securely, and noting expiry dates or renewal reminders in advance. It’s a small effort that makes a big difference when things go missing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, as long as your licence is valid and not expired. You must meet all legal driving requirements and apply for a replacement immediately.
Technically yes, but it makes the process harder and may reduce buyer trust. Buyers can register the vehicle using a V62 form, but many will insist on a valid V5C.
No. MOT status is recorded digitally. You don’t need to carry a paper copy, though it can be useful for private sales or admin.
Not officially. Most insurers accept digital versions, but a photocopy may not be recognised in all situations. Request a proper replacement if needed.
Use the askMID database. It’s a free service that confirms if your vehicle is insured and can help you identify the provider.
Contact your insurer and the DVLA as soon as possible. You may also need to report the theft to local authorities for documentation and insurance purposes.
Not usually, as most records are digital. But failing to produce them when requested can lead to delays or extra checks from police or insurers.
Return the old one to the DVLA or your insurer. Keeping duplicates can cause confusion or may be considered misuse.