Varies massively, I have just spent the best part of 6 MONTHS getting(trying) a V5 copy from my old car for the person who now has the engine from it, he needs to prove age for a IVA on his kit car, the copies were nearly all black and ilegibal(sp), IVA people now satisfied with a letter from dvla confirming reg and age/engine number, but what a run around, pisses me off when they have the same bloody access to the info!!
tabetha