Thanks for the warning bunkmedal, I will make sure I apply for the V5C a few months before time of renewal. I know it is registered in my address as they did originally confirm by telephone. Still no reply from the CE. According to their complaints procedure they are meant to confirm receipt of a complaint instantly and provide a formal reply within two weeks, now almost three weeks passed (since they signed via recorded delivery) and still no reply - have written chasing and will no doubt have to again!

Kiki1 and SmallFrowne - Many thanks for you advice:-D. Shall wait in the hope it may turn up one day, though it wouldn't suprise me if they've also put the wrong address on it! Still think it's unfair so have now written to the Chief Executive of the DVLA. Shall post the outcome when I hear (probably in quite a while by their standards).

When buying a new car at first registration you sign a 'confirmation of registration details' which is emailed by the garage to the DVLA. Thats all you have and it says "Statement does not form proof of ownership of the vehicle, nor does it replace the Registration Certificate (V5C), which will be sent to you shortly from the DVLA" I argued that "sent to you shortly" does not mean "within 6 weeks", could be interpreted as a day, a month, a year?? I don't want to pay, but is it a legal requirement to have a V5C?

Hi, I bought a new car recently and still haven't received the V5C. DVLA have told me that I have to pay £25 for a replacement as I did not tell them within 6 weeks. How was I meant to know this, wasn't told on any correspondence I have?? Complained to Royal Mail - they say sender should make sure I get the item, not their fault. Complained to garage I bought the car from - they say they are not obliged to tell a customer this information, not their fault. Complained to DVLA - still have to pay! Isn't this unfair?