Data release for the automotive industry

DVLA works alongside manufacturers, dealers, finance houses, insurance companies and the police at the heart of Britain’s automotive industry. Through properly controlled data release from the DVLA vehicle register we help each stakeholder fulfil its role in keeping motorists moving safely and legally.

In all matters regarding data release we act responsibly and in accordance with legislation.

Supporting responsible motorists
DVLA provides a wide range of services to the motor industry such as driver licensing, vehicle registration, special registration marks, vehicle taxation and motoring advice. By releasing information within the context of reasonable cause we help others operate more effectively for the benefit of all responsible motorists.

• Finance houses call on DVLA to help trace vehicle keepers who fraudulently obtain leasing or loan agreements. The effect is to reduce losses and so enable more competitive finance pricing.
• Insurance companies use information from DVLA to trace parties involved in road traffic accidents. This helps resolve insurance claims and reduce insurance fraud which, in turn, helps control the costs of insurance premiums.
• Solicitors access data from DVLA to help trace motorists whose vehicles are involved in legal proceedings.
• Car dealers are improving the trustworthiness of the used car market by using information from DVLA to check whether vehicles have been involved in accidents, if the mileage has been ‘clocked’ or if a vehicle is an illegal import.
• Vehicle manufacturers rely on data from DVLA to contact vehicle keepers if there is a need for a vehicle safety recall.

Making the roads safer

By enabling the police and other law enforcement agencies to access DVLA data quickly and easily we help keep the roads safer through the identification of unlicensed drivers and vehicles without valid road tax, insurance or MOT certification.

Non-personal vehicle data
This product consists of vehicle identifying information and is currently provided to 5 commercial organisations. The data includes vehicle registration mark, make, model and other vehicle specifications but does not include any personal information.

Many community benefits

Motorists have a responsibility to tax, insure and MOT their vehicles, abide by road traffic regulations and park according to the conditions set by the parking provider. Properly managed data release and our support for law enforcement helps control the costs of motoring, reduces vehicle related crimes, makes the motoring environment flow with greater efficiency and ultimately leads to more pleasant and secure communities.