Am about to buy a car from a guy who is 100 miles away. He works, which is relevant in terms of his daytime availability. And the car is on a private plate he wishes to keep.

As I undestand it, he needs to put the plate on retention and get a new V50 before he can sign the latter and hand it over to me. For my part I need to arrange insurance and register ownership and then tax the car all within an hour or two before driving the car home. Can this be done on line? Can you instantly re-register yourself as keeper?

What is the procedure?

Why do you need to register ownership so quickly? A signed letter from him stating you have purchased the car should be ok surely?

how do you tax it for the return journey home?

You can tax the car online using the details on the green ‘new keeper’ slip on the existing log book if you’ve just bought the car and don't have the log book/ registration document in your own name.

The number change can be done online in seconds. Only rarely does DVLA require an inspection before allowing the number to come off. V5 normally turns up in a week.

Seller should take plate off once decision to sell has been made or immediately there is strong interest.

The process is correct
He goes online and moves the plate off the car.
He gets the new plate form at this point and can print it and get the new plates for the car.
He then has to wait for the postal delivery of the new V5.
This has the new identification number needed for the next step.
I would say 2-3 days from completing the plate online these days.
You can now use the new V5 to get plates made.

This must be the longest standing car change in history Howard. What is it? The Ferrari, an electric replacement for the C or a new Plus 6 ?

And I thought Italy had a ponderous bureaucratic system. Sounds like the UK is even worse. Never mind pollution, the whole world is doomed to disappear under a pile of virtual red tape.

These days even red tape is probably synthetic, non biodegradable and has a carbon footprint twice its own weight.

and then over here.... we have 50 states with 50 different sets of rules

It may sound a little difficult but it is actually quite fast and easy Peter. I have been quite impressed by the ease and speed of DVLA. Compared to some Gov depts they are well organised.

Having just sold my "daily" - I to was amazed how quick and easy GOV.COM worked!

The buyer was at my house 20 minutes with his phone, in this time we, completed the bank transfer (funds straight into my acc) - changed the V5 - taxed the vehicle in his name - he also started the insurance policy....to drive the car away...fully legal.

I would go so far as to say that it is quicker now than before!