get your mate to fill in a V62 - he'll also need a cheque for £19 with it unless he has the New Keepers Supplement (the small green slip from the V5).

It usually takes about 3 weeks to receive a new V5 but can take upto six - if he hasn't heard anything after about 4 weeks he should ring 0870 240 0010 and get them to check on their records if his application has been recieved and if it is going through okay.

DVLA will contact the previous owner to let thaem know somebody else is applying for the V5 - they will then issue the correct document to your friend.