Purchasing A Used Vehicle
You are required by law to tell DVLNI if you purchase a vehicle which is already registered in Northern Ireland.
The previous keeper must complete sections 6 and 10 of the Registration Certificate V5C(NI) and both of you must sign the Declaration at section 8. You must be given section 10 (V5C/2) of the Certificate to enable you to license the vehicle, and the previous keeper must forward the remainder of the Certificate to DVLNI to enable a new Certificate to be issued to you as the new keeper. This could take up to 6 weeks to issue.
If you acquire an untaxed vehicle and do not re-tax it because you are keeping it off the road, then you must make a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) declaration. This applies even if the previous keeper has already made a SORN declaration, as a declaration does not transfer with the vehicle.
Advice On Buying A Used Vehicle
Before buying a vehicle you should satisfy yourself that the seller either owns the vehicle, or is entitled to offer it for sale. Ask to see the bill of sale in the sellers name or other evidence such as a hire purchase discharge document and always ask for a receipt of purchase on completion of the deal. If you are buying privately, you should view the vehicle at the address on the registration certificate V5C(NI). You should check that the vehicle identification number (VIN) printed on the registration certificate V5C(NI) corresponds with the VIN on the vehicle (usually found on a plate in the engine compartment). If the vehicle is not registered in the sellers name, ask why. Never purchase a vehicle unless it has a registration certificate V5C(NI) or it has passed a Vehicle Identity Check (VIC). If you do you could find that you will not be able to register or license it. If you are presented with a VIC Pass Certificate you should check it is genuine by telephoning DVLNI on 0845 402 4000 or International Tel :- +44 120 477 0768. (If you contact DVLNI outside office hours, you will be given the option to transfer to the Agency's information line where you will be given basic information.) If you have any serious doubts about the ownership of the vehicle do not proceed with the purchase until you are fully satisfied. Other information on vehicles can be obtained for a fee from certain companies.
