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In certain circumstances information from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s (DVLA) registers can lawfully be disclosed. The way you make your application depends on the information you require. Requests for information from the DVLA can be made online, by telephone or in writing.
You can use the online vehicle details enquiry service to check certain information that DVLA holds about a vehicle, including year of manufacture, date of first registration, engine capacity, colour, expiry date of current licence disc/SORN declaration and vehicle excise duty rate. No personal details are released.
Vehicle details enquiry
The DVLA operates two premium rate telephone services which give vehicle information. Calls are charged at 51 pence per minute (other service providers charges may vary)
and lines operate Monday to Friday between 8.00 am and 7.00 pm, and Saturday between 8.00 am and 2.00 pm.
Vehicle check service - telephone number 0906 185 8585
You can check a vehicle’s date of first registration, year of manufacture, engine capacity (cc), CO2 emissions and confirmation of colour. No personal details are released.
Date of liability (vehicle tax due date) line – telephone number 0906 765 7585
This service provides information on the expiry date of the current licence disc or SORN declaration. Although the vehicle record is constantly updated, it is possible that an outstanding vehicle licence application may be waiting for processing and has not yet updated the vehicle record. The information given via this service will, in most instances, be correct but should not be taken as confirmation that there is a current vehicle licence in force. No personal details are released.
Requests for personal information about another vehicle’s keeper; information about previous keepers for a vehicle now registered in your name; or for information held about you on the Agency’s registers, should be made by post. Requests for personal information about previous and current keeper details, or information about yourself should be made by post.
You can obtain the name and address of the registered keeper of another vehicle if you can demonstrate ‘reasonable cause’ for needing the information. Before information is released the DVLA must consider the reasons for your request and how the information will be used. Failure to provide the necessary evidence or incomplete application forms will result in your application being rejected.
More about 'reasonable cause'
Note; it’s an offence to unlawfully obtain personal data that’s contrary to Section 55 of the Data Protection Act 1998. Unlimited fines in the Crown Court (or to a maximum of £5,000 in the Magistrates Court) exist as penalties in respect of these offences.
There are three forms that can be used to request information. You should use the appropriate form depending on who you are and your reasons for asking for information and also read the notes for guidance carefully before answering all the necessary questions:
All car parking companies who require vehicle keeper details to contact drivers, who may have failed to comply with conditions for parking, have to provide evidence that a parking charge scheme is in operation and they are acting on behalf of the landowner. Companies have to confirm that they are members of an Accredited Trade Associate which has a mandatory code of practice that all members must adhere to.
The fee for vehicle keeper information at a specific date of event is £2.50. If further information is required e.g. a copy of a document or additional keeper information, a fee of £5.00 is required per vehicle. The fee is payable to cover the costs of providing the information.
Once the form is completed send it with any necessary documents to:
Vehicles Fee Paying Enquiry Section
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1AJ
Some companies are able to request and receive information via a secure link.
Information about Approved Conditional Access (ACA)
As the current registered keeper of a vehicle you can request information about the history of your vehicle and previous keepers. You must complete the relevant sections on the V888 form and send it with the fee of £5.00 to the address above.
Please note: a new V888 form was introduced in December 2008, edition 08/10. From 1 June 2009, DVLA will reject applications from customers who have completed an out of date V888 form.
The Data Protection Act gives you the right to obtain information held about yourself from DVLA records. Requests for information must be made in writing providing your full name and address, details of the vehicle registration mark(s) of your vehicle(s) and full details of your request. The fee for this service is £5.00 and requests should be sent to:
Vehicles Fee Paying Enquiry Section
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1AJ
Requests for information must be made in writing providing your full name and address details, driver licence number or your date of birth if your driver licence number isn’t known. The fee for this service is £5.00 and requests should be sent to DVRE 5, D7, DVLA, Swansea, SA6 7JL.
