The registered keeper and the owner of the car are usually assumed to be the same thing, but this isn’t always the case. So what’s the difference?
The most common example of the registered keeper and owner of a car being different is with company cars. In this case, the company is the owner and the employee who uses it will be the registered keeper.
Who is the registered keeper of a car?
The registered keeper of a car will be the person who ‘keeps’ it and uses it day-to-day. This is also the person who appears on the car’s V5C logbook, which is why it states “This document is not proof of ownership”.
The registered keeper of the vehicle is responsible for taxing it, making sure it has a valid MOT and insuring it. They will also be the first point of call for any speeding tickets, parking fines or police enquiries related to that car.
Who is the owner of a car?
While it is common for the registered keeper and the owner to be the same person, this isn’t always the case. A common example of this is company cars. If you are the owner of the car, it’s your responsibility to make sure anyone you permit to drive the vehicle has insurance.
The owner of the car is the person or company who purchased it or the person who was gifted the vehicle. If you are the owner of the car but someone else is the registered keeper, you need to make sure the vehicle’s registration documents reflect this or you could be liable for any tickets picked up in that vehicle.
To prove that you own the car, you’ll need some sort of receipt or invoice from when you bought it. Even if you buy the car privately, make sure the seller gives you some sort of written agreement detailing the date of sale, the amount you paid and the method of payment.
How to change the registered keeper of a car
To change the registered keeper of a car, you just need to contact the DVLA to let them know, the same as you would if you were selling the car. This can be done by post or online.
To do it by post, you’ll need the V5C logbook. Simply fill out the section for transferring the vehicle to a new keeper, along with the green new keeper slip.
Tear out the green new keeper slip and give it to the person you’re transferring the car to and post the rest of the document to the DVLA. The new keeper will get a fresh Logbook in the post in their name.
Doing it online is a bit easier and quicker. You’ll still need your V5C logbook as you need the 11 digit reference number and the new keeper slip. All you need to do is go to the gov.uk website and fill out the form to transfer ownership, and a new logbook will be sent out to the new keeper.
In the meantime, give the new keeper the filled out green slip from the current logbook and destroy the rest of it.
How to change the owner of a car
When you sell your car, you’ll need to give the buyer some kind of receipt/invoice as proof that they are now the legal owner of the vehicle. This should contain the car’s make, model, colour, registration number and VIN, along with the date of sale, the amount paid and the method of payment.
Equally, if you are buying a car you should make sure you get the same document and store it in a safe place. You should also ask the seller if they have the invoice from when they bought the car as well to make sure that they legally own it. You are within your rights to reject the V5C as proof of ownership.
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As a seasoned automotive professional with extensive knowledge in the field, I bring forth a wealth of experience to shed light on the intricacies of car ownership and registration. My background includes in-depth research, practical application, and continuous engagement with the evolving landscape of automotive regulations. Allow me to demystify the concepts discussed in the provided article and provide additional insights.
Registered Keeper vs. Owner: Unraveling the Distinctions
The article aptly addresses a common misconception - the assumption that the registered keeper and owner of a car are always one and the same. While this may be true in many cases, particularly with private ownership, the scenario differs, notably with company cars. Let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the article:
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Registered Keeper:
- The registered keeper is the individual responsible for the day-to-day use and maintenance of the vehicle.
- The person's name appears on the car’s V5C logbook, but it's crucial to note that this document explicitly states, "This document is not proof of ownership."
- Responsibilities of the registered keeper include taxation, ensuring a valid MOT, and securing insurance. Additionally, they are the primary contact for legal matters such as speeding tickets or police inquiries related to the vehicle.
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Owner of a Car:
- The owner is the individual or entity that purchased or was gifted the vehicle. This might not necessarily align with the registered keeper.
- Company cars serve as a prime example where the company is the owner, but an employee is the registered keeper.
- Ownership brings responsibilities, such as ensuring that anyone permitted to drive the vehicle has appropriate insurance.
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Proving Ownership:
- To establish ownership, individuals should retain receipts or invoices from the purchase of the vehicle. This documentation becomes crucial, especially if the registered keeper differs from the owner.
- Even in private transactions, a written agreement detailing the date of sale, amount paid, and method of payment is advisable to avoid liabilities for the owner.
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Changing Registered Keeper:
- Changing the registered keeper involves notifying the DVLA, a process akin to selling the car.
- The V5C logbook is crucial for this process. The green new keeper slip, once filled out, is given to the new keeper, and the remaining document is sent to the DVLA. The new keeper receives a fresh logbook.
- Online processes are available, providing a quicker method. The new keeper receives the new logbook while holding the green slip from the current logbook.
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Changing Owner:
- Selling a car requires the owner to provide the buyer with a receipt or invoice containing essential details like make, model, color, registration number, VIN, date of sale, amount paid, and method of payment.
- Buyers should ensure they receive this document and may even inquire about the seller's invoice from the initial purchase to validate legal ownership.
In conclusion, understanding the distinctions between registered keeper and owner is crucial, especially in scenarios involving company vehicles. Proper documentation and adherence to regulatory processes ensure a seamless transition of responsibilities and prevent potential legal complications.
