Registered keeper of a lease car: who has the V5C?
The leasing contract is in your name, but you'll see the leasing company's name down as the
Words by: Nimisha Jain
Published on 29 October 2024 | 0 min read
In this guide, we explain who a ‘registered keeper’ is and what this means for you when you lease a car.
What does registered keeper of a leased car mean
All vehicles have a registration certificate, also known as a V5C or logbook, which provides details such as the make and model of the car, when the was car sold, and the registered keeper’s name and address. For leased vehicle this is the leasing company as they own the vehicle. The registered keeper may be different to the person who drives the car. This is the case with leased cars and vans. It could apply in different situations too, like when you drive your parents’ car but they’re still the registered keeper of the car. The registered keeper of the car is legally responsible for the car. This includes being registered with the DVLA, holding the necessary vehicle documents and keeping any personal details updated with the DVLA. So if you lease a car or van, while you get to keep and drive the vehicle for the length of the leasing contract, the lease provider is still the registered keeper of the car. At the same time, while the lease provider is the registered keeper of the vehicle, as part of your leasing contract you still need to get the leased vehicle insured and make sure it has a valid MOT while you are in possession and still responsible for the vehicle.
V5C logbook of a leased vehicle
As the leasing company is the registered keeper of the car, the V5C document (logbook) is sent to the company, and they keep the V5C with them.
This is so that the leasing provider can tax the car or van, as annual road tax is included in your vehicle lease.
There may be times where you need the V5C document for example for parking permits or insurance, so it’s important to know what to do when it’s needed.
Insuring a leased car
A lot of this information is available on the car’s V5C so you should contact the lease provider if you need more information about the car for insurance. Related: Do I need to insure a leased car?
Parking permit for a leased car
To apply for a parking permit, your local council may ask you for a copy of your V5C logbook. With a leased car, the council may also ask you for extra information such as a letter from the lease provider stating your name, address, vehicle registration number, make and model etc.
Once you know what details and documents are required, you can ask the lease provider to send you a copy of your V5C logbook along with a letter with the requested details to apply for a parking permit.
It’s important to know that your lease provider may charge an administration fee for providing this information.
Tickets and fines on a leased car
Can I put private number plates on a leased car?
Yes it is possible to put a private number plate(sometimes called a cherished plate) on a leased car or van.
Your lease provider will need to do this on your behalf as they are the registered owner of the vehicle and hold the V5C document. The leasing company may also charge you an admin fee for and plate changes and it can often take a few weeks to organise with the DVLA. Its also important to remember to leave enough time at the end of the lease to organise to have the private number plates removed. Again the leasing provider will need to do this with the DVLA and it can take a few weeks to action.
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