What documents do I need to part exchange my car

Part exchange is when you trade in your current car when buying a new one. With part exchange, you can deduct the value of your current car from the price of the car you want to buy. The trade-in value is agreed between you and the dealer, based on your car's condition and other factors. It’s a quick way to change cars without having to find a separate buyer.
Related: How to part exchange my car on Autotrader

When you part exchange your car, the dealer will ask for certain documents. These documents help confirm your identity, your car’s ownership, and its history. Here’s a list of documents you’ll likely need to part exchange your car:

Your V5C logbook proves you’re the registered keeper. Without it, the dealer can’t confirm ownership. If you’ve lost it, you should request for a replacement from the DVLA using a V62 form.

Your car’s service history shows how well your car has been looked after. A full history helps the dealership give a fair part exchange value for your car.
If you don’t have the book, check with the manufacturer or garage where you serviced it as they may have digital records of the type of service you got, the date of service, and even the cost of service. If your car’s had previous owners, then it may be worth contacting them too to see if they have any records.

You should carry your driving licence to confirm your identity. If you’ve misplaced it, then another form of photo ID such as your passport may be accepted - you should check with the dealer first in this case.

4. Proof of address

You may require a proof of address for verification. A recent utility bill or bank statement should work as proof.

Your MOT certificates prove your car’s roadworthiness. The dealership can access your car’s MOT history online on Gov.uk, so you may not have to carry any documents for your MOT.
If you’ve lost your MOT certificates and the dealership asks you to carry them for the part exchange, you can get a replacement certificate online on Gov.uk or in person from any MOT centre. If your car doesn’t have an MOT, then it’s up to the dealership if they’ll accept your car for part exchange or not, so it may be worth getting an MOT done before you part exchange your car.

If your car has outstanding finance, you must show a settlement letter from the lender. The letter will show how much the dealer will have to pay to settle the balance and contain the lender’s bank details. You should request the settlement letter from your finance lender.

Besides the documents outlines above, you should carry:

1. Spare keys

You should carry all of your car’s keys to the dealership for the part exchange. Having a full set shows that the car has been kept properly. If you’ve only got one, be upfront – this may lower the valuation of your car. It may be worth getting a replacement key if it’s not too expensive to avoid lowering the value of your car. Find out how to get a replacement key in our complete guide.

If your car came with a locking wheel nut key, then you should carry it to the dealership along with the documents.
If you’re unsure about whether or not your car came with a locking wheel nut key, you should inspect your car’s tyres for any cylindrical nuts that look different from the standard type of nuts on other cars. If you’re still unsure, you could ask a garage near you. The locking wheel nut key is usually in some sort of container. The container’s location varies from car to car, but it’s commonly found in the glovebox or where the car’s spare wheel inflation kit is stored. If you’ve lost the key, you can usually get a replacement from your car’s manufacturer.

Note: This list isn’t exhaustive. Dealerships may request other documents too, like your car’s manual or a passport. It’s best to call ahead and check what they’ll need before your appointment.

When you arrive, the dealer will inspect your car, check the documents, and confirm the valuation. If everything looks good, they’ll make you an offer. If you’re happy with the offer, you can then put the value of your old car towards your new one.
Once the deal is done, you’ll hand over your old car and its documents. In return, when you pick up your new car, the dealer will give you: • A receipt for the sale • The V5C for your new car • The MOT certificate • The car’s handbook and service history • All sets of keys And that’s it, once you’ve exchanged all the necessary documents, you’ll be able to drive away your new car. Looking to part exchange your current car? Browse from thousands of new and used cars available on Autotrader.