What Is The V5C2 Reference Number?

If you have purchased a brand new car and you are the first owner, you can expect the dealer to have arranged payment for your car tax (which may also be included in the price of the car). This blog post will discuss in detail car tax payments; by first explaining the reference number that appears on the Green Slip or V5C2 and its usage and then exploring the varied essential documents that vehicle owners must maintain so as to make sure that their vehicle tax is paid and documentation updated.

What Is The V5C2 reference number?

The V5C2 reference number is a 12 digit numeral that appears on the green slip that is handed over to new owners of vehicles. You can either be purchasing a brand new car or simply being transferred ownership from a previous owner while buying a used car. In both these cases, the green slip or V5C2 indicates a transfer of ownership and serves as proof of your ownership of the car.

You can use the 12 digit number that appears on your green slip (also termed as your V5C2 reference number) to pay your car tax while you are waiting for your car logbook to be renewed/transferred to your name.

You may only be able to pay your car tax only if the vehicle is registered in your name and you can provide any of the following documents to prove your ownership of the car:

your V11 reminder notice which states the vehicle owner’s name and the amount of car tax due for the next tax term

a V62 logbook application form which shows that you have applied for a V5 while the previous one has gone missing

a V5C/2 Green slip that is issued to new car owners while the ownership of their vehicle is transferred from the previous owner

When someone purchases a new vehicle, they must assure that they have been handed over the new owner’s greens slip or a tear-off of the V5C2 new keeper details to serve as proof of the ownership of the vehicle in use.

The DVLA will send you an email as soon as your vehicle has been registered in your name and a new vehicle logbook is posted to your address. It usually takes 2 to 4 weeks for a new V5C to be sent to new owners by the DVLA. if it takes more time than this, you can apply using a V62 form through your local post office.

Can You Tax A Car Without V5C?

Yes, you may be able to pay your car tax without a V5C (your car logbook) if the vehicle is registered in your name. If you have received a V11 reminder notice which states the vehicle owner’s name and the amount of car tax due for the next tax term, you can use it as proof of identification. If it is a new vehicle you will need a V5C/2 Green slip that is issued to new car owners while the ownership of their vehicle is transferred from the previous owner. However, if the car is not registered in your name, neither can you pay car tax, nor drive it on public roads.

Payments can be made through local post offices registered for car tax. You may use a debit card, credit card or direct debit facility to make your car tax payment(s).

When Do I Get A V11 Reminder?

Car owners receive a reminder from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency around three weeks before their vehicle tax is about to expire. This is called a V11 reminder. This letter can be taken to the nearest local post office which has car tax facilities and used as a reference to pay your car tax. If a vehicle owner loses their V11 letter, they can use their 11 digit reference number from their logbook known as V5C.

To pay your car tax online from the post office, you will need the following documents;

Your V11 letter
An MOT test certificate
The amount of payment mentioned in the V11 letter

If you have misplaced your V11 letter or your V5C, your car tax can still be renewed through the local post office.

How Can I Apply For A V5C?

You can apply for your car’s logbook or V5C online through the DVLA website or through the post. It usually takes 6 weeks for your new logbook to be delivered.

Payments can be made through local post offices registered for car tax. You may use a debit card, credit card or direct debit facility to make your car tax payment(s).

You must apply for a V5C immediately for a fee of £25, in case you have not done so. Not carrying your logbook can lead to a penalty being charged by the DVLA.

Informing the DVLA of the need for a new logbook is essential for all new car owners or those who have been transferred ownership of the car.

How Is Car Tax Paid?

If you have purchased a new car, your car tax is included along with the price of your car and any registration fee that is levied during the purchase. In the case of a second-hand car, if the dealer does not arrange a logbook transfer to your name, you can do the same by contacting the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) on their website.

To pay your car tax online from the post office, you will need the following documents;

Your V11 letter
An MOT test certificate
The amount of payment mentioned in the V11 letter

If you have misplaced your V11 letter or your V5C, your car tax can still be renewed through the local post office. At this time, you should also apply for a new Registration Certificate using a V62 application form A for £25.

How Much Road Tax Do I Have To Pay?

Road tax or Vehicle Excise Duty in the UK is calculated on the basis of a few factors including the engine size and CO2 emissions of the car.

However, the UK road tax system is divided into two separate rates. The first rate applies during the first year of a car on the road when its CO2 emissions are also accounted for while calculating the tax rate. It may range from £0 for zero-emission cars to £2,245 for cars that emit 255g/km or more.

From the second year onwards, the CO2 emissions will not account for road tax, rather the original cost of the car will be considered for calculations.

Cars that are valued at or above £40,000 will be taxed a further £335 annual supplement that runs for five years. After this time-lapse, they will be taxed at the current tax rate applicable during the tax term.

The current (2021-22) road tax is set at a flat rate of £155. This is an increase from £150 in the 2020/2021 financial year) to adjust for inflation. There’s a £10 annual discount for alternatively fuelled vehicles such as hybrids, mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids. Therefore, their owners pay £145 annually.

Will I Get Fined If I Forgot To Tax My Car?

Yes, you will be fined by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if you forgot to tax your car.

If your car is not taxed and is found on the road by the authorities, you will be fined £80 for driving an untaxed vehicle. If you pay the fine within 28 days, the amount will be halved and you will only have to pay £40. However, if you do not pay the fine within the stipulated time, the amount can increase to £1,000 and you can be taken to court or your vehicle can be clamped so that it cannot be driven until the fine is paid.

If you do not intend to run your car on public roads, you are not required to pay your car tax. Instead, you should apply for Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) through your local post office dealing with car tax.

Conclusion:

Through this article, we have come to learn about the significance and usage of the 12 digit reference number that appears on the V5C2 or Green Slip that is given to new car owners. While you wait for your new car ownership to be transferred to your name via change of details in your car logbook or V5C, the V5C2 reference number will serve as proof of your ownership of the vehicle as well as evidence of your car tax payments.

FAQs: What Is The V5C2 reference number?

Where can I find my V5C reference number?

Your V5C reference number is a 12 digit numeral printed on your vehicle logbook or V5C. If you have misplaced your vehicle logbook, you can also find this number in your V11 reminder for car tax payment. If you have misplaced this document as well, you will have to apply for a new V5C through your local post office by filling up a V62 form.

Where is the 12 digit reference number from the new keeper slip?

The 12 digit reference number from your new keeper slip is taken from the 11 digit reference number in your V5C or vehicle logbook. If you are unable to find it, you can contact the DVLA with your vehicle registration number, the vehicle make, model and colour, and your full name and address with a request to share access.

Where is my 16 digit reference number on my V5C?

You will find the 16 digit reference number at the right-hand side of your V5C. If a vehicle owner loses their V11 letter, they can use their 11 digit reference number from their V5C to pay their car tax.

How many digits does a V5C number have?

A V5C (Registration Certificate) number has 11 digits. If you have misplaced your V11 letter or your V5C, your car tax can still be renewed through the local post office.