Where Is The 12 Digit Reference Number On V5C/2?

This blog post aims to answer the question of where one can find the 12-digit reference number on their V5C/2. While we will mainly discuss how to locate this reference number and use it for car tax payments, we will also explore situations related to the 12-digit reference number which can cause delays in paying your car tax on time if the number is declared valid or is not recognised by the DVLA’s online system.

Where Is The 12 Digit Reference Number On V5C/2?

You can find the 12-digit reference number in section six of your new keeper’s green slip if you have recently purchased a vehicle. This reference number will be useful in paying your car tax until your vehicle is registered in your name and you are issued the 11-digit reference number in your vehicle logbook.

When you look at the V5C/2 section of your vehicle logbook, you will see a rectangular, green-coloured slip placed in the top mid-section of the page. The slip requires you to start from the left-hand side by filling in the vehicle’s registration number, followed by the name and address of the new keeper and then the date of the vehicle’s sale.

As you proceed to the top right-hand of the green slip, you will find the heading “document reference number”. This is your 12-digit reference number that will be used to make car tax payments until you get the vehicle logbook registered in your name. Right below this reference number are details regarding the make, model number, engine size and tax class of your vehicle.

If you are unable to find this number you can contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and provide the following information to gain access to your 12-digit reference number:

• your vehicle registration number 
• the vehicle make, model and colour 
• your full name and address 

Car owners should keep in mind that even though they can use their 12-digit reference number to pay their car tax, they should have applied for a vehicle logbook registered in their name in the long run to maintain their car tax payments.

If you have not applied for a vehicle logbook, you can do that by downloading the V62 form from the DVLA website, filling it in and sending it to the DVLA, Swansea.

Why Is My 12 Digit Reference Number Invalid?

If your 12-digit reference number is invalid for car tax in the UK, there are a few things that could be the problem. Some of these are discussed below: 

• The most likely culprit is that the car is not registered with the DVLA. If the car is not registered, you will need to get in touch with your local DVLA office to arrange for the car to be taxed.

• If the car is registered, but the 12-digit reference number is still not working, it is possible that the car is not taxed correctly. For example, if you are the registered keeper but not the owner of the vehicle, you will need to get in touch with the owner to arrange for the tax to be paid.

• Another possibility is that the car has been sold and the new owner has not yet registered the car in their name. In this case, you will need to get in touch with the new owner and ask them to arrange for the car to be taxed.

If you are still having trouble, you can always contact the DVLA directly for assistance.

Why Do I Need A New 12 Digit Reference Number If I Buy A Car?

You need a new 12-digit reference number if you buy a car because the car has a new VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and the reference number is based on the VIN. This rule remains applicable whether you buy a used car or a new one.

The 12-digit reference number on the V5C/2 in the United Kingdom is the vehicle’s registration number. This number is unique to each vehicle and is used to identify it for legal and administrative purposes.

You will need this 12-digit reference number to pay your car tax if the vehicle that you have just bought has not been registered in your name as yet. You will not need the 12-digit reference number if your vehicle logbook is registered in your name and you have the 11-digit reference number to pay your car tax.

Conclusion:

The above article has indicated how a registered keeper can locate the 12-digit reference number on their V5C/2. While this reference number can be used to pay car tax, vehicle owners will still need to make sure that the vehicle that they have purchased (whether it’s brand new or used) is registered to their name in the vehicle logbook.

References:

What is a V5C? Here’s everything you need to know about the log book | Carbuyer

Tax your vehicle without a V11 reminder – GOV.UK

How To Tax Your New Car Online With Green Slip V5C/2 (2020) GOV.UK