can you tax your car without logbook or reminder

[Dustin]

Yes, you can tax your car without the physical logbook (V5C) or the reminder letter (V11). The most straightforward method is to use the 16-digit reference number from your car's V5C/2 (New Keeper’s Supplement), which you should have if you've just bought the vehicle. Alternatively, you can apply online or at a Post Office branch using your vehicle registration number and the postcode associated with the vehicle's tax.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) system is digital, so as long as you have the necessary information to prove ownership and that the vehicle has a valid MOT and insurance, you can complete the transaction. The process is designed to be flexible for situations where the official documents are misplaced.

Key Requirements for Taxing Without Standard Documents:

• Valid MOT: The car must have a current MOT certificate. The DVLA system checks this electronically.
• Valid Insurance: The vehicle must be insured. The DVLA performs an automatic check against the Motor Insurance Database (MID).
• Vehicle Details: You need the vehicle registration number and the postcode where the vehicle is registered.

Here is a comparison of the methods available:

Method	Documents/Information Needed	Best For...
Online via GOV.UK	V5C/2 (New Keeper's Supplement) number OR Vehicle Registration Number and Postcode	Quickest and most convenient option, available 24/7.
Post Office Branch	V5C/2 (New Keeper's Supplement) OR V62 Form (Application for a V5C)	Those who prefer in-person service or don't have online access.
Using a V62 Form	V62 Form (to apply for a new V5C first), plus proof of MOT and insurance.	When you have no V5C documents at all; this adds time and cost.

If your V5C is lost or stolen, you should apply for a replacement immediately using a V62 form, which costs £25. However, you do not need to wait for the new logbook to arrive to tax the vehicle. The V5C/2 supplement is your key to taxing the car as a new keeper. Remember, driving without tax can result in a hefty fine and your vehicle being clamped or impounded.

[Lynn]

Been there! I bought a used car from a private seller and the V5C was still in the mail from the DVLA. I just went to the Post Office with the green "New Keeper's Supplement" slip from the old logbook. I had my insurance and MOT sorted already. The clerk typed in the number from that slip, took my payment, and I was done in five minutes. You don't need the full logbook if you have that little green slip.

[DelBrantley]

The system is mostly digital now. The DVLA's computers talk to the MOT and insurance databases. As long as those are current, you can tax it online with just the license plate number and the postcode it's registered to. The reminder letter is just that—a reminder. It's not a mandatory document. The real hurdle is ensuring your MOT and insurance are valid and showing up correctly in the system before you start the process.

[GabriellaAnn]

My advice is to go straight to the GOV.UK website. Click "Tax your vehicle" and enter your plate number. It will ask for the postcode on the logbook. If you have that, it should pull up the details. It'll check your MOT and insurance automatically. If it fails, that's your cue to check those two things first. The website is the easiest way; the post office is the backup plan if you need to use the new keeper slip or have other issues.