Release of information from DVLA records

Data protection
The law requires the Agency to protect the privacy of individual motorists and to ensure that personal data is used fairly and lawfully. However, whilst the registers are not an open record, there is a limited range of circumstances in which data can be used properly for other purposes.

Release of information from DVLA’s vehicle register
Regulations allow for the release of information from DVLA’s vehicle register to the police, to local authorities for the investigation of an offence or on-road parking contravention, and to anybody who demonstrates reasonable cause to have the information. Regulations also allow for a fee to be charged to cover the cost of processing requests, but not for a profit to be made.

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 or other legislation and the collection of taxes.

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.

When we do release data it is always for a specified purpose. The attached links list circumstances where information has been previously released, the types of organisations that request information and a list of companies that request and receive information via a secure electronic link.

List of the reasonable cause circumstances
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)

DVLA’s driver register
Disclosure of driver information is more limited than vehicle information. However, the Agency can share driver data with other government departments or public sector bodies who can demonstrate a statutory provision to permit sharing and meet the Data Protection Act requirements. The legislation will state for what purpose the information can be requested and how it may be used.

Driver information may be shared, with the consent of the driver, with other organisations such as car hire companies or employers wishing to confirm employees’ entitlement to drive. The organisations must show a demonstrable and relevant need to obtain that information.

Data Subject Access request
The Data Protection Act gives you the right to obtain information held about yourself from the DVLA records.
For information on how to make a data subject access request see the following link:

How to request information from DVLA records

Data Sharing Across the EU
The European Car and Driver Licence Information System (EUCARIS) is an electronic system that facilitates the exchange of driver and vehicle information between participating countries. This enables EU registration authorities to check that a vehicle presented for registration has not been scrapped or stolen in another Member State. It is also used to check the validity and authenticity of a driver licence presented for exchange.

DVLA has links with numerous other member states to ensure the authenticity of vehicles imported into the UK, or non-UK driver licences presented for exchange and vice versa.

Making a request for information from DVLA records
You can request personal information about yourself, or information about other vehicle keepers, in writing. Requests for vehicle information can be made online or by telephone.

How to request information from DVLA records

What to do if you suspect your details have been requested unlawfully
If you think that your details have been obtained fraudulently or misused, you should write to Data Sharing Team, DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1DY. You should give your vehicle’s registration mark, and explain how the information has been misused. DVLA will investigate all allegations where information has been requested unlawfully and where appropriate, refer to the Information Commissioner for prosecution.

If you are not satisfied with the way DVLA has handled your complaint, you should contact the Information Commissioner at Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AF.

Whilst DVLA is keen to ensure that information is released only in appropriate circumstances, it has no authority to arbitrate in disputes between parties. Disputes over circumstances leading to incidents, etc, must be decided between the relevant parties.

Reasonable cause for data release