What does it mean when the DVLA can’t find your details?
The DVLA is the government body that is the national centre for issuing licences and registering cars. So, it essentially keeps all the information about all the cars registered in the United Kingdom.
Which means your car should be on there. Right? There may be an occasion when the DVLA cannot find your details.
The main thing to do in this situation is to not panic. There are a few reasons why the DVLA might not have your details and in this article, we are going to go through these reasons, and what you can do to fix them.
Who are the DVLA?
The DVLA are, as we mentioned above, the national centre for issuing licences and registering cars. Everyone who drives a car in this country is on the DVLA register. That’s around 45 million driver records and 39 million vehicle records.
The DVLA also collect your Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), record disqualifications and medical conditions and help the police to name but a few responsibilities.
Why are my details not on the DVLA website?
There are different reasons why your details might not be on the DVLA website. In this section of the article, we are going to talk about the different scenarios and how you can fix them.
Why is my new car not showing up on the DVLA website?
If you have bought a new car and you are waiting for it to be delivered, then you might want to check its registered on the DVLA website. However, you may find that it isn’t on there. But don’t worry, there is a perfectly valid explanation for this. Dealerships are allocated the registration number of a car a week or two before it’s due to be delivered. However, they won’t register the car with the DVLA until the day of delivery. This is essentially because they don’t want to register a car and then the order be cancelled. So your new car won’t be on the DVLA website until the day of delivery. And even then, it might take a few days for it to appear. This is because of the sheer amount of cars that get registered on the DVLA website every day, so it may take a few days. We recommend checking back a week or so after to ensure that it’s on there.
There may be an occasion where the dealership may need more information from you before they can register the car. In which case, you will have to provide them with the information promptly so they can register the car.
However, there could be another reason. While it’s very rare, we have seen it happen. The dealership may have put the wrong registration plate on your car. So, the registration plate that has been allocated to you could be something like BBC but your registration plate on your car is BCC. In which case, you contact the dealer and they will change it no problem.
What should I do if my car still isn’t appearing on the DVLA?
If your car still isn’t appearing on the DVLA then this is what you have to do;
Contact the dealership or vehicle broker you got your car from. If the dealership is in the wrong, then it will be fixed with no problem. If the dealership says they’ve done everything right then you will contact the DVLA. If you are leasing a car, then you will need to contact your finance house they will be the ones who will contact the DVLA because they are the registered keeper of the vehicle. You can read more about registered keepers here.
However, if you are buying the car, then you will contact the DVLA yourself. They will then rectify the issue. Once the vehicle is registered, you will receive the V5C, or the log book, within 6 weeks.
Why is my used car not showing up on the DVLA website?
If you have just bought a used car, then you will need to register it with the DVLA under your name. This is pretty straightforward and doesn’t take too long.
The seller will fill out section 6 of the log book. This is the ‘new keeper or new name/new address details’. You will both sign the declaration in section 8. They will have to fill in section 10, the ‘new keeper supplement’ and hand this over to you. This is also known as the V5C/2. They will then send the V5C to the DVLA.
You will then receive a new V5C within 2 to 4 weeks of getting the old one.
What do I do if I haven’t received a new log book?
If you haven’t received your new log book then you will have to complete a V62 form which you can download here (or get from any Post Office branch).
You will then send it to the DVLA with the V5C/2 given to you by the person who sold you the vehicle. You need to send the V5C/2 with it, otherwise you will have to pay.
If you still haven’t received anything after six weeks after sending the V62 form in, you will have to contact the DVLA.
How do I view my driving licence details?
You will be able to check your driving licence details here. You can;
- See your driving record
- Check penalty points and disqualifications
- Create a licence ‘check code’ to share this information with someone else such as a car hire company (this code is only valid for 21 days)
There is no reason why the DVLA should not have your licence details correct. The only reason they may not, is if you haven’t updated them. For example, when you have moved house or changed your name.
How do I change my details on the DVLA?
If you need to change your name or your address then you need to do this as soon as possible. You will have to ensure that your licence, your vehicle log book and vehicle tax are all up to date with this new information.
If you tax your car via direct debit then you will need to change the billing address as well. If you don’t update your address, then you can be fined up to £1,000. It only takes five minutes, is free, and you can do it all online here. In conclusion, the chances of the DVLA not having your details is very slim. There is a chance that the dealership registered the wrong plate with the wrong car when you first purchased it, in which case, it is very easily fixable. Or, the details may have not been put on the DVLA website yet. When you buy a used car it is your responsibility, and the sellers, to change these details and register the used car with you on the DVLA. It is also your responsibility to change your information, such as your address, should it change.
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133 Comments
I want to change my address. I can’t ring as they say too busy, ring back. Three days trying. Online, they don’t recognise my car details. Say I’ll be fined £1,000 if don’t change details of new address, but I CAN’T! Perhaps they should be fined for making it impossible.
Hi Natalia, sorry to hear about your experience with the DVLA. We recommend you keep trying on the phone, usually if you contact them first thing in the morning you have a better chance of getting through. We wish you luck.
Literally tried renewing my old licence, used my last known address I thought was on there can’t find it. Tried every address I’ve ever lived at still can’t find it. DVLA just say they can only check licence with address. This has been going on months no one will help me beginning to think I’m never going to drive this is so frustrating!!
Hi Ben, sorry to hear you’re experiencing trouble renewing your old licence with the DVLA. Here are some suggestions that might help you resolve this issue:
Contact the DVLA again and explain the situation in detail. Ask if there is any way they can help you locate your license, such as by checking their records for any alternative addresses associated with your name or by conducting a more thorough search of their database. It may be worth speaking to a supervisor or manager if you’re not getting the assistance you need.
Consider reaching out to a local driving school or driving instructor for assistance. They may have experience dealing with the DVLA and be able to offer guidance on how to resolve your issue.
If you haven’t already, search through any old paperwork, such as old bills or bank statements, for clues as to where you were living when you last renewed your license.
Check with family members or friends who may have kept old letters or documents with your address on them. Sometimes, people hold onto old paperwork that can help you track down an old address.
If all else fails, consider starting the process of obtaining a new license. This may be a bit more time-consuming and require more documentation, but it will allow you to get back on the road and driving again.
My husband cannot view his licence online even though all of his details are up to date
Hi there Anna, your husband needs to contact the DVLA for further advice and assistance. You can contact them on: 0300 790 6801 they are available Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm and Saturdays, 8am to 2pm.
I am renewing my Driver License early expired
22 July 2023 . Renewing Online but it doesnt recognise my My ID number of my Driver License
Correct Address Because I change my Address when I move to my New Address
Hi there Vicente, we would advise getting in touch with the DVLA for further assistance on the matter. You can contact them via telephone on: 0300 790 6801 they are available Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm and Saturdays, 8am to 2pm.
My son had his licence revoked under the new driver rules.
Got his provisional back, tried to book his theory and says cannot find his details, rang DVLA numerous times, they direct us to call DVSA, again called them numerous times. No joy with either of them. Told to write a letter, did that 10 weeks ago, still now answer. Don’t know where to go from here.
Hi there Jane, we would advise to keep trying on the phones to DVSA. Usually, if you call them first thing in the morning you have a better chance of getting through.