{"id":10100,"date":"2024-11-10T20:43:09","date_gmt":"2024-11-10T20:43:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carexamer.com\/blog\/?p=10100"},"modified":"2025-04-21T13:39:49","modified_gmt":"2025-04-21T13:39:49","slug":"whats-the-cost-to-change-a-car-keeper","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carexamer.com\/blog\/whats-the-cost-to-change-a-car-keeper\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s the Cost to Change a Car Keeper?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Here\u2019s a straightforward guide on what is cost to change a car keeper, any indirect costs to consider, and a step-by-step on how to make the change smoothly. If you\u2019re buying, selling, or transferring a car to someone else, you\u2019ll need to officially change the car\u2019s registered keeper. In the UK, this process is pretty simple\u2014and surprisingly, it\u2019s free! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Book inspection<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What Does \u201cCar Keeper\u201d Mean?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The registered keeper of a car is the person or company responsible for the car\u2019s day-to-day use and upkeep, and who is accountable for its legal responsibilities. While most of us assume the registered keeper and owner are the same, that\u2019s not always true. For example, in leasing, the leasing company owns the car, but the person leasing it is the registered keeper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, What\u2019s the Cost to Change a Car Keeper?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The good news? In the UK, changing the registered keeper is free when you do it through the DVLA online or by using the V5C registration document (the logbook). While there\u2019s no fee to actually make the change, there are a few other potential costs you may want to keep in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Insurance Costs<\/strong>: The new keeper may see a difference in insurance premiums based on their age, driving history, location, and other factors. It\u2019s always a good idea to get an updated insurance quote as the new keeper.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Road Tax<\/strong>: In the UK, road tax doesn\u2019t transfer with the car. The new keeper will need to re-tax the vehicle, and the previous keeper will get a refund for any full months of remaining tax. This isn\u2019t a fee for changing keepers, but it\u2019s something to remember when budgeting for the transfer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Vehicle History Check<\/strong>: If you\u2019re the new keeper of a used car, a vehicle history check is often worth it. It can reveal any hidden issues, like unpaid finance, previous accidents, or mileage discrepancies. While not required, it provides peace of mind and usually costs around \u00a310 to \u00a330.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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    How to Change the Car Keeper Online<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The quickest and easiest way to change the car\u2019s registered keeper is online through the DVLA. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Grab the V5C Document<\/strong>: Both the current and new keeper will need the 11-digit reference number from the car\u2019s V5C document.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Visit the DVLA Website<\/strong>: Go to the DVLA\u2019s vehicle registration page and follow the instructions for a keeper transfer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Fill in the Details<\/strong>: You\u2019ll need to provide basic details about the current and new keeper, along with some information about the car.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Confirm and Submit<\/strong>: Double-check everything and submit the form to complete the process.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. Get Confirmation<\/strong>: Once you\u2019re done, the DVLA sends a confirmation email to both parties, and the new V5C document should arrive in about five working days.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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      Changing the Car Keeper by Post<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      If you prefer not to do it online, you can change the car keeper by post. Here\u2019s what to do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      1. Complete the V5C Document<\/strong>: The current keeper should fill in Section 6 with the new keeper\u2019s name and address. Both the current and new keeper should sign Section 8.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Mail it to the DVLA<\/strong>: The current keeper keeps the green \u201cnew keeper\u201d slip (Section 10) and mails the rest of the V5C document to the DVLA.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. Wait for the New V5C<\/strong>: The new keeper will receive the updated V5C document within two to four weeks.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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        How Long Does the Transfer Take?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n