The DVLA has introduced a new online service that allows motorists to apply for and a receive a duplicate V5C log book in just five days.

It previously took up to six weeks to receive a duplicate log book using the old postal-based system.

The 'Get a vehicle log book (V5C)' service has been designed for motorists who have lost or damaged their log book. There is a £25 charge for the new document.

Every year, DVLA issues around 500,000 duplicate log books where motorists have either lost or damaged their document.

Julie Lennard, DVLA chief executive, said: “DVLA’s new online service to apply for a duplicate log book is quick and easy to use and means customers who have unfortunately either lost or damaged theirs will receive their new document within a matter of days.”

The new service can be accessed here, on the GOV.UK website.

This is the second online service DVLA has launched in the last four months, following the change address on vehicle log book service which was launched in June and has been used more than 300,000 times.