Collection Day Checklist: Essential Items to Bring for Your New Vehicle
After all the research, test drives and negotiations, collection day is the moment everything becomes real. It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement and drive away without checking everything you should. A little preparation beforehand makes the whole process smoother and ensures you leave with confidence rather than loose ends.
Insurance Must Be in Place Before You Drive
This is the single most important thing to arrange before you collect. You cannot legally drive a vehicle on a public road in the UK without at least third-party insurance. Make sure your policy is active and covers the specific registration number of the car you are collecting — not just a note to add the vehicle later.
If you are replacing an existing vehicle, contact your insurer in advance to update the details on your current policy. If you are insuring a car for the first time, it is worth sorting the policy a day before collection to allow time for any queries. Bring your insurance documents or have them accessible on your phone when you arrive.
Your Driving Licence
The dealership will need to verify your identity before completing the handover. Bring your full UK driving licence — both the photocard and, if you still have it, the counterpart — though most dealerships will only need to see the photocard. If you are taking the car away on the day, your licence also confirms you are legally permitted to drive.
Payment or Finance Confirmation
If you are paying by bank transfer, confirm with the dealership in advance how much is due and the correct account details. Avoid paying large amounts in cash unless you have arranged this beforehand. If your purchase is on finance, ensure the agreement is fully signed and that you have received your copy of the credit agreement documentation. Under UK consumer credit law, you are entitled to a copy of the agreement at the time of signing.
Part Exchange Documents (if applicable)
If you are trading in a vehicle, bring all the paperwork for it: the V5C logbook, MOT certificates, service history, and any spare keys. The more complete your documentation, the smoother the process. Incomplete records can sometimes delay the handover or affect the agreed part exchange value if a discrepancy comes to light.
Same-day collection at Autochoice: Autochoice Car Supermarket in Blackburn offers same-day collection on many vehicles, subject to finance being in place and paperwork being complete. Their team can walk you through what to bring when you book your collection appointment.
What to Check at Handover
When you collect the vehicle, take a few minutes to go through the following:
Check the V5C logbook is present and that the registered keeper details are correct or in the process of being transferred to you.
Confirm the number of keys and that all of them work.
Verify the MOT details — you should know the expiry date before you drive away.
Check that the fuel level matches what was agreed and that the vehicle matches the condition you inspected.
Make sure the service history booklet or documentation is included.
Ask about any outstanding recall notices for the vehicle model.
Updating the DVLA and Setting Up Tax
Road tax is no longer transferable between owners. As the new registered keeper, you will need to tax the vehicle before driving it away. This can be done online at the DVLA website in a matter of minutes using the reference number from the V5C. The dealership should be able to confirm whether the car is currently taxed and assist you if needed.
Once you are home, notify the DVLA of the change of ownership using the V5C. If the dealership completes this on your behalf, ask for confirmation. The new V5C in your name typically arrives within four to six weeks.