The DVAL V5C document shows the ‘registered keeper’ of a vehicle in the UK. If you need an apostille for your DVLA vehicle registration document (V5C), you can’t apply it directly to the original. The V5C is a UK government-issued document and must remain unaltered.

Why the Original V5C Can’t Be Apostilled

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) does not legalise many original government documents like the V5C unless they are signed by a recognised official. The DVLA do not signed the V5C, therefore, it cannot be apostilled in its original form.

1. Present the Original V5C: Present your original V5C to a solicitor or notary.
2. Certified Copy Creation: The solicitor or notary will make a copy and certify it as a true copy of the original.
3. Apostille Application: Submit the certified copy to the FCDO for apostille.

This method ensures the apostille is attached to a certified copy, leaving the original V5C untouched.

Important Notes

• Laminated Documents: If your V5C is laminated, the FCDO cannot apostille it directly. However, a solicitor or notary can create and certify a copy, which can then be apostilled.
• Electronic Apostille (e-Apostille): The V5C can only be legalised with the e-Apostille, if a solicitor or notary has seen the original and made a digital copy with a secure ‘enhanced digital signature’.

Costs and Timeframes

We aim to process all V5C documents in just 2 days. This includes copying the document, solicitor certification of the copy, and the FCDO apostille. Visit our apostille prices page for the latest fees for solicitor certification and apostille service.

Summary

• Original V5C cannot be apostilled directly.
• A certified copy must be made by a solicitor or notary.
• The apostille is applied to the certified copy, not the original.

For more information on legalising a DVLA document or V5C, do not hesitate to contact the legalisation team for more advice.