Transferring car ownership.

[sunbeam alpine]

Could someone be kind enough to give me a step-by-step idiot's guide to transferring ownership of a UK-registered car?

Ideally also indicating at which stage to get insurance (can my sis insure the car while the registration is still in mum's name?).

I understand the tax gets cancelled by a change of ownership. Can it all be done online or is it still at post offices?

To add an extra level of complication, we can't find the V5...

Situation - my sister has moved back from the US to take care of our mum. Mum has a car which she can no longer drive, but is taxed insured etc. in her name. Both I and my sister are named drivers on the insurance as it was handy to have a car when visiting. As I've lived overseas since the early '90's, and my sister left the UK in 1988, we don't have any idea of what's involved in transferring ownership.

Thanks in advance...

[clockworks]

Why not just leave it in your mum's name until the current insurance runs out, then do the change of ownership if your sister can get insurance cheaper in her own name?

You can apply for a duplicate V5 in your mum's name, then do the transfer on line when the time comes

[redandwhite]

Your sis will struggle to get insurance on it with her own policy whilst still owned by your mum. She’s fine as a named driver as she currently is.

[sunbeam alpine]

Thanks for your replies! The reason I thought it would be necessary to change is that mum is suffering from dementia and is certainly no longer able to drive. She does still have a driving licence but that will never be renewed. I don't want there to be any problems with the insurance as I believe that it is a requirement that the policyholder has a current driving licence.

Alternatively, can my sister insure the car in her name without changing the owner details?

Oops - should have read the replies better!

Insurance runs out half way through next month, which is why she's looking at it now (I've been badgering her for a few months).

Edited by sunbeam alpine on Friday 11th September 15:33

[Bumblebee7]

Apply online for a duplicate V5C. Then when insurance needs to be renewed, transfer the title and your sister can be insured as the policyholder.

If your mum has a valid driving licence you will be fine for now.