Selling my UK car to an EU buyer.

[456M]

I’m about to sell my UK car to an EU buyer.

I’m aware of the standard export procedure (fill ‘permanent export” section of Logbook and send it to DVLA along with new buyer’s details). Though it’s not clear whether I should keep the number plates or handle them to the new buyer (?).

Also, he’s asking a copy of my ID. Obviously I wouldn’t have a problem in showing my ID (to prove I’m the car’s owner), though I am a bit uncertain in handing a copy of my ID to a complete stranger.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

Edited by 456M on Monday 12th April 12:14

[shiversaint]

Is the sum of money large enough where his bank might have anti money laundering requirements? Might be something to do with that.

What does the buyer explain as justification for a copy of your ID?

[fflump]

456M said:

I’m about to sell my UK car to an EU buyer.

I’m aware of the standard export procedure (fill ‘permanent export” section of Logbook and send it to DVLA along with new buyer’s details). Though it’s not clear whether I should keep the number plates or handle them to the new buyer (?).

Also, he’s asking a copy of my ID. Obviously I wouldn’t have a problem in showing my ID (to prove I’m the car’owner), though I am a bit uncertain in handling a copy of my ID to a complete stranger.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

The physical plates have no legal status and if he chose to display them illegally that would be his look out. I doubt he even wants them TBH-you could ask?
Regarding ID, his request is not unreasonable. When I've sold expensive items abroad e.g. a £20k watch I've supplied a scanned copy of my passport with the last few numbers blocked out. The dangers of doing that are small IMO.

[456M]

Hi,

Regarding the plates, just got the following answer from DVLA :

"The physical number plates would stay on the vehicle until it is registered elsewhere."

As for the copy of my ID, i will ask the reason he needs it.

[MuscleSedan]

456M said:

As for the copy of my ID, i will ask the reason he needs it.

If you was intending to drop few £k into a strangers bank account plus make considerable travel arrangements to collect a vehicle I think you would expect prior confirmation of the sellers identity?

I was dealing with an overseas seller recently, went through the whole 'are you trying to scam me' stuff with him. He didn't even want to give me his phone number! 15 minutes on Google and I knew an incredible amount about him and his family anyway.

Sure, there's plenty of scams out there, but 99.9% of people are just going about their business in an honest decent manner.

[456M]

"If you was intending to drop few £k into a strangers bank account plus make considerable travel arrangements to collect a vehicle I think you would expect prior confirmation of the sellers identity?"

I gave him my name, address and phone number already. On top of that I am willing to show my ID before he proceeds with the purchase. Hence he would be sure of my identity. I just don't see why I should consign a copy of my ID, though I shall be waiting for his answer to consider his reasons.

Edited by 456M on Monday 12th April 12:13

Edited by 456M on Monday 12th April 12:32

[MuscleSedan]

All sounds good. A bit of due diligence on both sides and everything usually goes fine. I've sold a few things UK - Europe now. The first time it can be a bit disconcerting but once you get your head round it it's not really a big deal. The buyers I've dealt with have been courteous and efficient too making things pretty easy.

[Trif]

Having been the seller in this situation, I did the same to the buyer. My buyer didn't request this, but would have provided a copy.

[tomsugden]

Surely you're just selling the car, not exporting it? Your buyer is exporting it. I sold my Mum's old Saab 9000 Turbo as spares or repair to a Polish chap. He asked me to fill in the permanent export section but I refused as it was him exporting it, not me.

[456M]

tomsugden said:

Surely you're just selling the car, not exporting it? Your buyer is exporting it. I sold my Mum's old Saab 9000 Turbo as spares or repair to a Polish chap. He asked me to fill in the permanent export section but I refused as it was him exporting it, not me.

Hi, well he's exporting it but if I've well understood I (the seller) am supposed to fill in section 11 of Logbook and send it over to the DVLA (so I won't be hold responsible for everything he does with the vehicle after the purchase).

[tomsugden]

Personally I'd just fill in the ordinary notice of sale section, as that then relieves you of responsibility.

[456M]

tomsugden said:

Surely you're just selling the car, not exporting it? Your buyer is exporting it. I sold my Mum's old Saab 9000 Turbo as spares or repair to a Polish chap. He asked me to fill in the permanent export section but I refused as it was him exporting it, not me.

Tom you're totally right. DVLA confirmed that I don't need to send section 11 to them. (well done in pointing this out ! ;-)