Researching the history of your vehicle - DVLA info

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LesWaters
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Joined: Wed Mar 10, 2021 8:51 pm

Researching the history of your vehicle - DVLA info

Post by LesWaters »

Not so long ago an owner of a classic vehicle could obtain details of its previous owners from the DVLA. This essential information allowed a current owner to research and uncover the history of their vehicle. Information was obtained by paying a fee, completing a form V888, and providing proof of identity and vehicle ownership.

This is no longer possible. In 2017 a new policy was published following the introduction of the GDPR. This policy is now contained in a 2019 DVLA document "Giving people information from our vehicle record" which you can find here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... record.pdf

A table on page 4 of this document sets out the information the DVLA will provide if you are the current registered keeper and you need to know the history of your vehicle. They list three sets of circumstances, and the page sets out the process you must follow (complete form V888, pay a fee, prove your identity). They will tell you:
1. The number of previous registered keepers.
2. Details of vehicle changes, such as colour or engine
3. Details of any previous keepers where you can provide evidence as to why the previous keeper's details are required.

They add, "We can sometimes release details of previous keepers where the law allows us to do so. For example, where the previous keeper details are needed for court proceedings. Whether details can be released will depend on the circumstances of the case."

So, this document does envisage the possibility of circumstances where the DVLA would provide details of a previous keeper. Has anybody researching the history of a vehicle discovered a scenario where this information was successfully obtained from the DVLA?

Billy26F5
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Re: Researching the history of your vehicle - DVLA info

Post by Billy26F5 »

I haven't heard of anyone managing yet, we'll need to have a go ourselves on some of our vehicles so I might come back to this.
Sandy
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