Reasonable cause for data release

As a general rule, reasonable cause for the release of data from the DVLA vehicle register relates to motoring incidents with driver or keeper liability. These can include matters of road safety, events occurring as a consequence of vehicle use, the enforcement of road traffic legislation and the collection of taxes. 

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

The practical applications
We receive requests for information from private organisations as diverse as car parking enforcement companies, solicitors, finance houses and property managers. All manual applications are looked at individually to ensure that they meet the reasonable cause criteria. Organisations and companies that request data via a secure electronic link must first serve a 6 month probationary period making manual requests only. Strict contractual terms detail when information may be requested and how it can be used. When we do release data it is always for a specified purpose.

The following examples offer guidance, but this is not a definitive list.

Parking
By releasing vehicle data we enable land owners or their agents to protect their property by tracing the keeper of a vehicle that:

• Obstructs access or has been abandoned on private property without the knowledge or permission of the land owner.
• Where parking facilities exist, has been parked without payment of the relevant fees or has been parked inconsiderately, for example without entitlement in a space reserved for disabled motorists.

• Contravened the parking conditions by overstaying permitted time period.

Fraud
DVLA vehicle data release can be used to:

• Trace the keeper of a vehicle that has been driven off without paying road, tunnel or bridge charges;
• Trace the keeper of a vehicle that has been driven off without paying, or used fraudulent means of payment, for petrol or vehicle repairs;
• Help a loss adjuster acting for an insurance company verify whether a road traffic accident has been staged or if a theft claim is fraudulent;
• Enable tracing of previous owners as part of an investigation into suspected vehicle ‘clocking’ offences under the Trade Descriptions Act.

Finance

There are many instances where DVLA vehicle data release can have significant financial implications. It can be used to: 

• Reduce crime by enabling finance companies to trace vehicle keepers who have fraudulently obtained a leasing or loan agreement on a vehicle;
• Help a court appointed receiver or liquidator determine vehicle assets during insolvency proceedings;
• Confirm vehicle keeper details and so enable vehicle seizure by debt collection agents acting under a court order.

Accidents/ Incidents

Data release from the DVLA vehicle register is sometimes used to resolve incidents involving vehicles. For instance, it can:

• Help an insurance company acting for a policy holder trace other parties involved in a road traffic accident or incident;
• Help trace the keeper of a vehicle involved in a minor hit and run incident that does not warrant a full police investigation. This could include personal injury or damage to a vehicle or property;
• Enable a solicitor acting for a client to trace the keeper of a vehicle involved in an incident or where the vehicle is involved in legal proceedings.

Other uses

There are a great many miscellaneous situations where reasonable cause can be shown for the release of DVLA vehicle register data. These include:

• Sourcing contact details for a vehicle safety recall by a manufacturer or distributor;
• Enabling a person acting as an executor of an estate to confirm vehicle assets;
• Helping the current registered keeper of a vehicle trace the full history of the vehicle. This could be for personal interest, insurance purposes, to provide to a new keeper on sale or transfer or to resolve a motor trade dispute.

 
Download ‘List of the type of organisations that request information from DVLA’s vehicle register' (PDF,10K)

Download ‘List of companies requesting and receiving information via an electronic link (PDF,10K)