A vehicle logbook (V5C) in the UK usually takes about 2–4 weeks to arrive, but in many cases it can be quicker (around 5–7 working days) and in some situations it can stretch to 4–6 weeks.

Usual timeframes

  • When buying a used vehicle and the keeper change is done online, people often report getting the logbook within about 3–7 working days.
  • When applying by post (for example with form V62), guidance and motoring sites say to allow up to about 4 weeks for it to come.
  • If you are already the registered keeper and just need a replacement , it commonly arrives within about 2 weeks.

When it can take longer

  • Some forum users mention cases stretching to 5–6 weeks, especially when there are postal delays or processing backlogs.
  • Brand‑new registrations or special cases can also push the wait closer to 6 weeks before everything is fully processed.

When you should start to worry

  • If it has been more than 4 weeks , most guidance suggests you should start checking what is going on (online tracking if available, or by contacting the relevant agency such as DVLA).
  • If someone keeps saying they have “sent it off” but nothing shows up after 5–6 weeks, forum discussions often flag that as a red flag and suggest double‑checking that the change was ever submitted.

Quick Scoop (in your post style)

In most everyday cases, the answer to “how long does a logbook take to come” is:

  • Often: about 5–7 working days after an online keeper change.
  • Typically: up to 2–4 weeks if done by post or using a V62 form.
  • Occasionally: 4–6 weeks in slower or more complex cases.

If you say how and when you applied (online vs post, new car vs replacement), the timeframe can be narrowed down even more.