Finding the owner of a car through their Reg

[London_Gains]

Hi all,

Seen similar threads but nothing quite bang on. Say for example if I wanted to buy AB 11 CDE, and couldn't see it for sale on any website. How would I be able to check whether this was ever registered to a car at all? Are there any rules around which reg's are applied to cars? ( I assumed all but for those perceived to be rude).

How do I go about checking whether the plate was ever registered to a car?

 

[Stuartt]

Hi , there is no vehicle data for that reg, so if it exists it's not on a car, and it's not available to buy through the DVLA,

AH11 CDE or AL11 CDE are available at £799

Stuart

 

[PerryGunn]

Hi , there is no vehicle data for that reg, so if it exists it's not on a car, and it's not available to buy through the DVLA,

AH11 CDE or AL11 CDE are available at £799

I think you missed the 'for example' bit Stuart

The OP was asking in general terms how he could check if any plate that he was interested in had been registered to a car and gave AB11 CDE as an example - so if you know of any websites that can tell if a plate was issued....

Personally, I'd try something like an online insurance quote as they seem linked into the DVLA and can pull back car details from a reg no. - that should cover current cars but as for cars that have been written off/destroyed/broken or number plates that have been withdrawn/revoked....?

 

[Stuartt]

Hi , there is no vehicle data for that reg, so if it exists it's not on a car, and it's not available to buy through the DVLA,

AH11 CDE or AL11 CDE are available at £799

I think you missed the 'for example' bit Stuart

The OP was asking in general terms how he could check if any plate that he was interested in had been registered to a car and gave AB11 CDE as an example - so if you know of any websites that can tell if a plate was issued....

Personally, I'd try something like an online insurance quote as they seem linked into the DVLA and can pull back car details from a reg no. - that should cover current cars but as for cars that have been written off/destroyed/broken or number plates that have been withdrawn/revoked....?

Thanks Perry

Note to self leave it till after 7am before posting on the forum. :headbang:

I use the iPhone app My Car Check as it works just off the reg.

Stuart

 

[Mister T]

Lots of car parts websites (e.g. eurocarparts.com) have a lookup vehicle by reg thingy.

 

[Ducklakeview]

Hi all,

Seen similar threads but nothing quite bang on. Say for example if I wanted to buy AB 11 CDE, and couldn't see it for sale on any website. How would I be able to check whether this was ever registered to a car at all? Are there any rules around which reg's are applied to cars? ( I assumed all but for those perceived to be rude).

How do I go about checking whether the plate was ever registered to a car?

It IS possible, although the way I suggest isn't entirely erm, 100% legit...

What you need to do, is perform a "paid enquiry" to the DVLA, cost is £3 or £4. Basically, write in giving your details, the reg & details of the car. The next bit is where it's a bit dodgy.. You need to tell DVLA WHY you are requesting the keeper's details.

A friend of mine simply says "my car was damaged whilst in Asda/Tesco car park in (location near to where car was seen) on (date) A witness took a picture of the offending vehicle and gave it to me on my return." My friend has done this a few times, for the wrong reasons, but has had a 100% success with it. DVLA write back with the details of the keeper on the day in question.


As I say, not legit but it has worked for him.

Mike

 

[M1ghty_m0use]

"A friend of Mine" that old chestnut :rofl:

 

[ronk]

A friend of mine simply says "my car was damaged whilst in Asda/Tesco car park in (location near to where car was seen) on (date) A witness took a picture of the offending vehicle and gave it to me on my return." My friend has done this a few times, for the wrong reasons, but has had a 100% success with it. DVLA write back with the details of the keeper on the day in question.

That's scary - a govt organisation giving personal info away! What happens if you get into a road rage situation? Next thing you've got a bunch of heavies on your doorstep!!

 

[DumfriesDik]

Next thing you've got a bunch of heavies on your doorstep!!

Think we are safe on that one, Lolo Ferrari passed away a few years ago now.

Personally, I would just email the DVLA and ask them if you are able to buy the plate from them. If not, can they pass on your contact details to the owner?

If not, I like the idea of a ding in the car park routine. Cunning.

 

[Ewazix]

Next thing you've got a bunch of heavies on your doorstep!!

Think we are safe on that one, Lolo Ferrari passed away a few years ago now.

Personally, I would just email the DVLA and ask them if you are able to buy the plate from them. If not, can they pass on your contact details to the owner?

If not, I like the idea of a ding in the car park routine. Cunning.

Cunning in this case = illegal so think carefully before jumping in on this little wheeze.

You have to sign a certificate confirming the reason for the application acknowledging that false applications are a criminal breach of the Data Protection Act. They require the Police reference number of reported incidents, insurance Co and policy number re claims, a photo of the damaged vehicle, copies of any quote, invoice or repair and witness details. DVLA also audit random applications and may contact the keepers. Even if they don't, if the keeper twigs that someone has obtained the details from DVLA and complains you will need to prove why you were entitled to apply for the data.