When you get a leased car, do you get a V5C document and are you the registered keeper? Read on to learn more about how this will impact you.
In this guide…
It’s important to know, because it affects who receives any parking tickets, how road tax and insurance are handled and whether or not you can put a private number plate on a car.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what a registered keeper is and how it differs from the vehicle’s owner, as well as who the registered keeper of a lease car is, whether or not you get a V5C logbook when leasing, and what that means for you.
Who is the Registered Keeper of a Lease Car?
In a lease agreement, the registered keeper of the car is usually the leasing or finance company, not you as the driver. This means the leasing company’s name is on the V5C logbook (vehicle registration certificate) as the vehicle’s official keeper. You, the lessee, are responsible for day-to-day care, like insurance and maintenance, but you are not listed as the registered keeper or owner on the car’s paperwork. In short, you get to drive the car, but on paper, the car legally belongs to the lease company for the duration of your contract.
What is a V5C Logbook?
A V5C logbook is a document issued by the DVLA that tracks a vehicle’s registration history. As it says on the paper, a V5C is not proof of ownership, but it does show who is responsible for taxing and registering the vehicle, also known as the keeper. Every UK car has a V5C logbook which lists details about the car and the details of the registered keeper (name and address), so authorities know who to contact about that vehicle for any official business, such as speeding tickets or road tax reminders.
What is a Registered Keeper?
The registered keeper is the person or company whose name appears on a vehicle’s V5C document. The registered keeper is the one legally responsible for the vehicle in the eyes of the law, meaning the onus to ensure the car is taxed, the change of address is updated, and vehicle records are safe, falls on them. This does not necessarily make the person the owner of the car, as that refers to who actually paid for the vehicle and retains it as an asset. Registered keeper concerns only the V5C logbook.
Responsibilities of a Lease Car Registered Keeper and You
The unique setup of a lease car is that while you’re the one with your hands behind the wheel of the car each and every day, your lease company is recorded as the registered keeper. However, this means that there are some key responsibilities that your leasing company will take care of, some of which are passed on to you through the lease agreement. Here’s a breakdown of what is officially your leasing company’s responsibilities, and which may be passed onto you:
Vehicle Tax
Officially: Leasing company
In Reality: Leasing company
Usually, the leasing company takes care of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), and it is already in place when you drive away in the car. They will ensure the car’s road tax is paid yearly, but all of this will be built into the cost of the lease.
Insurance
Officially: Leasing company
In Reality: You
While the leasing company is the keeper, insuring the car is down to you in almost all leasing deals. You must insure a lease car just as if it were your own; typically lease contracts require you to have fully comprehensive insurance. The insurance policy will be in your name, and the premiums are based on your details (your age, driving history, where you park, etc.), not on the fact that a leasing company is the keeper.
Maintenance
Officially: Leasing company
In Reality: You
Unless you opt for a maintenance package in your lease, you are generally responsible for maintaining the lease car, including servicing and keeping it roadworthy.
MOT
Officially: Lease company
In Reality: You
If an MOT is due during your lease, it’s typically your responsibility to get the car tested and pay any maintenance to keep it roadworthy. However, with most brand new car leases typically being three years or less, you probably won’t have to worry about an MOT at all, as new UK cars can be driven fine without an MOT for the first three years.
Tickets and Fines
Officially: Leasing company
In Reality: You
Though any parking or speeding tickets will be sent to the lease company, you’ll be the one ultimately paying for any tickets. Either they will forward it straight to you, or pay it themselves and invoice you the fee.
Do You Get a V5C Logbook with a Lease Car?
If you lease a car, you will not receive the V5C document that comes with the car. Since the leasing company is the registered keeper, the V5C logbook is issued to them, not to you. In practical terms, this means the physical V5C document will be held by the finance company or lease provider for the duration of your lease.
How does this affect you? It presents challenges in a couple of scenarios. For example, when buying car insurance or getting a residential parking permit, insurers or permit holders often ask for proof of registration, or information such as the car’s registration date or vehicle identification number (VIN), all of which you can get on the V5C. If you find yourself needing this, you will need to ask your lease provider to provide evidence of the logbook.
Additionally, taking the car abroad can be trickier than a simple bon voyage. You’ll need to sort some extra paperwork when taking the car out of the UK, specifically the VE103 certificate, a.k.a. the Vehicle On Hire certificate. This is effectively a substitute for the V5C that proves you have permission to have the car outside the UK, even though you’re not the registered keeper. You can obtain this by reaching out to your lease company, as long as you’re courteous and inform them well in advance.
Can I Put a Private Registration Plate on a Lease Car?
Yes – it is possible to put a private registration plate on a lease car, but the process isn’t as straightforward as with a car you own outright. Because the leasing company is the registered keeper of the vehicle, you’ll need their permission before making any changes to the number plate.
As our guide on personalised plates and lease cars explains, the leasing company will usually handle the paperwork with the DVLA on your behalf. This includes assigning your private plate to the car and later returning it to your name when your lease ends. You may also be charged an administration fee for this service.
It’s worth keeping in mind that the process can take some time, so if you want to drive your lease car with your private plate straight away, it’s best to request this early. And, of course, if you don’t return the plate to your name before handing back the car at the end of the lease, you risk losing your plate altogether.
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