Does one really need V5C to take a vehicle out of the UK for a week or so?

overthinker · 19 Jun 2021 at 21:27

For family reasons I need to visit my home country by car as soon as possible. For that I'm planning to buy a used car. According to this, I'd need to have V5C to take a vehicle out of the UK.

The problem is that

DVLA will update the vehicle record immediately and they will aim to send out a new V5C to you within 3 to 5 days. (source)

And I don't have a week to wait for my V5C.

Do I really need V5C to go to the EU? What if I just have whatever the seller would give me? (And on top of that my insurance, of course)

overthinker · 19 Jun 2021 at 22:08

HoneyBadger said:
Hire a car instead?

Unfortunately, I'd then have to apply for VE103B - also well in advance, e.g.:

You must apply for your VE103B at least 7 working days before you travel. (source)

overthinker · 20 Jun 2021 at 11:14

Uther said:
It also sounds like a terrible idea to buy an unknown car and take it on a long trip across Europe.

I totally agree with you.

Uther said:
Why not just fly and hire a car there?

The reason I need a UK car is because I have to bring back our family cat. And unfortunately, the only cat-safe way to get him into the UK is by road.

overthinker · 20 Jun 2021 at 11:49

Kenai said:
Aren't there quite extensive rules for moving cats and dogs over borders as well now?

Well, the cat has a passport and is fully vaccinated. Or were you referring to some pandemic-related restrictions?

mccarf said:
Can't you borrow someone's car for a week or so (or however long the trip takes)? If I knew someone well and they offered me some £££ to borrow my car for a week, I'd go for it

I wouldn't want to inconvenience my friends since they all have to commute to work - I live in a rural(ish) area. But it's a good point and something I'm definitely considering if all else fails. Would it then be a problem that V5C would be not in my name?

Nasher said:
I've been waiting over a month for a V5 to arrive. DVLA suck.

Oh dear.