How to sell your car privately

Selling privately usually gets you more than a part-exchange, but you do the work and carry the risk. Here's how to get the car ready, deal with buyers safely and do the paperwork properly, so you get your tax refund and the car is legally off your hands.

Checked on 17 October 2026 against GOV.UK's Selling a vehicle and DVLA guidance, and the RAC's guide to selling a car.

1. Get the car ready

  • Clean it inside and out. The RAC says a clean, well-presented car will always be more appealing than one that's dirty, dented and scuffed. Pay attention to the wheels, tyres, glass and the interior.
  • Fix the small stuff. Buyers won't pay full price if they have to pay for repairs. Sort small dents, scratches and blemishes where it makes sense.
  • Think about the MOT. The RAC suggests that if there's less than six months left on the MOT, it's worth putting it in for a new test, because buyers may assume there's a problem otherwise. Check your MOT date on CheckMOT.
  • Gather the history. A service book and receipts prove the car has been looked after and help its value.
  • Update your logbook first. GOV.UK says to update your V5C if you've changed your name or address or modified the car. If the details are wrong, you might not get a refund for the tax.
  • Personalised plate? If you want to keep it, you must apply to remove the registration number before you sell.

2. Price it and advertise

Look at similar cars with similar mileage to set a fair price. See what your car is worth with CheckMOT. Take lots of photos in daylight, from every angle, plus the interior, the boot and under the bonnet. Put the mileage and MOT date in the advert.

3. Protect your logbook

GOV.UK says you can show buyers your V5C so they can check it matches the car, but don't share:

  • the logbook document reference number
  • pictures or copies of the logbook

Someone could use these to get a fraudulent copy of your logbook, putting your car at risk of being stolen or cloned.

4. Viewings and test drives

  • Hold viewings at your home if you can. Buyers may want to check that the V5C address matches where you live.
  • The RAC advises not to leave buyers alone with the car or the keys.
  • For a test drive, the car must be taxed, and you should ask to see proof that the buyer is insured to drive it. Go with them.
  • Some buyers bring a mechanic or book an inspection. That's normal.

5. Take payment safely

  • Bank transfer: check the money has arrived in your account before you hand over the car or keys.
  • Cash: count it carefully, ideally with someone else. If you're worried about forged notes, the RAC suggests meeting the buyer at your bank to pay it in together.
  • If anything doesn't feel right, walk away.

6. Do the paperwork

  • Write a receipt with the date, price, car details and both names and addresses. Sign two copies and keep one each (RAC).
  • Give the buyer the green new keeper slip from the V5C.
  • Tell DVLA you've sold the car, online or by post, with the buyer's full name and address. If you don't, your tax refund might be affected.
  • Your vehicle tax is cancelled when you tell DVLA, and you'll automatically get a refund for any full months left. The cheque goes to the name and address on the logbook.
  • The tax doesn't transfer, so the buyer must tax the car before driving it away.
  • Cancel or change your insurance, and stop any MOT reminders for the car.

Rather not sell privately?

Sell your car through CheckMOT and get extra cashback, with no viewings to arrange.

Shop the sale-ready kit

See the car cleaning range.

FAQs

What paperwork do I need to sell my car privately?

Your V5C logbook (give the buyer the green new keeper slip), the service history and MOT records, and a written receipt signed by you and the buyer. Then tell DVLA you've sold it, giving the buyer's full name and address.

How do I tell DVLA I've sold my car?

Use GOV.UK's online service to tell DVLA you've sold a vehicle, or fill in and post the logbook. You'll need the buyer's full name and address.

Do I get my car tax back when I sell?

Yes. When you tell DVLA, your tax is cancelled and you automatically get a refund for any full months left. The tax can't be passed on to the buyer.

Should I show buyers my logbook?

You can show it so they can check it matches the car, but GOV.UK says don't share the document reference number or photos or copies of it, as they can be used to get a fraudulent logbook.

Can a buyer test drive my car on my insurance?

Check your own policy. The RAC says to ask to see proof of the buyer's insurance before a test drive, and the car must be taxed.

Sources

Checked 17 October 2026:

This page is general guidance, not legal advice. Rules can change, so check the official sources linked above.