Checking a Vehicle’s ‘Log Book’
Checking a Vehicle’s ‘Log Book’
When you go to see a vehicle you are thinking of buying, always ask to see the V5C vehicle registration certificate – aka the ‘log book’.
When you inspect the vehicle’s ‘log book’, make sure it has a ‘DVL’ watermark, and the serial number is not between BG8229501 to BG9999030, or BI2305501 to BI2800000. If it is, the V5C might be stolen - call the police as soon as it’s safe to.
When you’re satisfied that the ‘log book’ (V5C) is legitimate, make sure that the information you’ve previously obtained from the DVLA website matches what is contained in the ‘log book’ (V5C).
Also, make sure that the vehicle identification number (VIN) and engine number also match with the ‘log book’.
The VIN number is a 17-digit number stamped on to the chassis of the vehicle, in the engine bay or underneath the plastic trim in the driver or passenger door frame when it is manufactured. Sometimes the VIN number can be found on the windscreen.
