One of the topics we get asked about quite a lot at OSV is car registration. How does it work? Who is responsible for it? How do I know if my car is registered?
And all of these questions are completely valid. Out of all the things related to cars, leasing and buying, car registration is a topic that tends to be forgotten or ignored. Until now, of course.
In this article, we’re going to talk you through everything to do with car registration. From how it’s done, what happens if you can’t find it registered, to how to put a private plate on a car.
What does car registration mean?
Firstly, what does it even mean when we talk about car registration?
Every single car from the UK driving on the roads today is in one big database, the DVLA. The DVLA is the Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority and contains all the information on all cars in the UK both on road and off road. It also collects points and issues your licence.
Registering your car simply means putting the car onto the DVLA database and that’s it. All cars must be registered on the DVLA database.
Who is responsible for car registration?
So, who registers the cars onto the DVLA database?
Who is responsible for registering a brand new car?
The dealership is the one responsible for registering your car on the DVLA database. No car should leave the dealership without being registered on the DVLA database. Sometimes the dealership will need extra information from you in which case it is your responsibility to provide this otherwise they can’t register it. But, generally, it’s down to the dealership.
Who is responsible for registering a used car?
When you buy a used car then you have to make sure it is registered to you. This is fairly straightforward, the person selling the car must;
- Complete section 6 of the V5C registration certificate (or the log book)
- Sign the declaration in section 8 – you must do this also
- Fill in section 10 which they will then give to you
- Send the V5C off to the DVLA
After this, the DVLA will send out a new V5C registration certificate to you. This usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.
It is important to note that we recommend you check that the seller has the V5C before you buy the car. If the seller cannot produce the registration certificate then you should not buy the car.
So, that’s who is responsible for car registration.
Why isn’t my car showing on the DVLA website?
If your car registration isn’t showing on the DVLA website then there are a few things that could have happened.
If you are buying a brand new car then this is very unlikely. However, it does happen so we’re going to talk you through the possible reasons why.
Dealerships are allocated the registration of a car between one and two weeks before it is delivered. But, they will not register it on the DVLA until the day of delivery. They don’t want to register and tax a car only for the order to be cancelled so that’s why they wait until the day of delivery.So one of the reasons is that it might not be on the DVLA because the car hasn’t been registered yet. Another reason could be that, due to the sheer volume of car registrations the DVLA get daily, it might not have been put up yet.
We would recommend waiting a few days and then checking again to see if it’s been registered. If it is still not there then don’t panic, this can easily be rectified.
You need to contact your vehicle broker or dealer immediately, if the dealership are in the wrong then they will sort it and that will be that. If they have done everything right then you need to contact the DVLA.
If you are leasing the car, it is at this point that you need to contact the finance house as well, as they are the registered keepers (read more on registered keepers here) and will have the log book. It will then be the finance houses job to rectify things with the DVLA.
The only problem that you may encounter is that you may want to get yourself insured on the car before it appears on the DVLA. Many insurance companies now get their quotes via an automated system where you simply put in your registration. But, if you don’t know your registration, how can you get an insurance quote?
We recommend that our customers ring the insurance company and explain the situation. They should then be able to give you an insurance quote using the P11d value and the specification.
However, if you have a used car, then there could be other reasons why your car is not showing on the DVLA website. For example;
- If the car is a kit car
- If it has been imported
- If the vehicle has been rebuilt or altered radically
- The car is an old or classic vehicle
In which case, you will need to register it yourself. This can be done no problem and we recommend you go to the Government page dedicated to car registration for more information on how this is done.
Car registration and private plates
If you want a private registration plate then we do recommend you go through the DVLA. They do it for £80 plus VAT and you know that they are a trustworthy source.
But what happens when you get your plate?If you buy a personalised plate online through their website, you will receive an email confirmation within 24 hours. Within two weeks, you will receive a Certificate of Entitlement (V750) in the post to the address you gave. This is your proof of entitlement and will contain the application form you must use to assign the personalised registration to the vehicle. Then, you have to apply to the DVLA to assign the registration number to the car. You can’t put the registration number on the vehicle until you have received a Registration Certificate (V5C) in the new registration number.
Unfortunately, you cannot put a registration number onto a ‘Q’ registered vehicle, nor can you make a vehicle look newer than it is. There are a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to private registration plates, so for more information you can read about it here.
Car registration and private plates on a lease car
If you have a private plate that you want to put on a lease car then here is what you do;
When you take the plate of the existing vehicle you should get a retention document. This will show the owner of the plate as the grantee. There will be a ‘nominee’ section of the document where the owner of the plate can nominate the registration plate to go on a car registered by someone else or a company. You need to fill this document out and send it to the DVLA. They will then amend the retention and put the name of the finance house.
This is a DVLA process and it should take between 6 to 8 weeks but during busy periods such as March and September, it can take longer. If you are in doubt about this, we recommend you ring your leasing company.
So hopefully that has cleared a few things up about car registration. It might seem a bit overwhelming, particularly if you have to register your car yourself but we can assure that it’s not. If you are in doubt, however, you can ring us on 01903 538835 and one of our team will be happy to talk it through with you.
supposed to be picking up a new car tomorrow but cant get insurance because its not registered on the dvla. 3 insurance companies refused to insure it so far.
Hi Francis,
Thank you for your comment. We hope that this article Why is my car not showing on the DVLA is of some help to you. The Dealership are responsible for registering your car with the DVLA prior to your collecting it from them. We would recommend that you speak with them about this. As you can see, the article linked above gives detail of the reasons why it may not be there when you purchase it. The DVLA site also has a form you can use to register your vehicle yourself if it has not been done.
We hope that this information helps you and that you enjoy your new vehicle.
Hi, please can you help. I have ordered a new lease car and stated it was to be a 69 plate and delivered in September. They have just told me the number plate already and it is a 19plate! Can I insist the dealer changes the plate and registers it after September or is it too late? Thank you
Hi Ben,
Thank you for your question. If the vehicle has been registered, it cannot be de-registered easily. However, it sounds like the supplier may have gained additional discount on the condition the vehicle was registered with a 19 plate. But they should have informed you of that at the point of order. If they did not, then you are within your rights to cancel the vehicle and obtain a full refund as they have failed under their CRA 2015 obligations. If we can help you out with an alternative vehicle please call Amanda on 01903 223391. I hope that this is helpful to you.
Thank you Rachel for your quick reply. I have spoken to them today and they insist I must take the car and can not cancel. I paid £300 initially (£50 finance fee and £250 processing fee). I also signed an initial agreement for the car that stated the monthly cost. It is only now when they have sent me the finance paperwork and VW dealership order sheet that they have put the monthly contract cost up (albeit only by just over £2 per month) but again this is another difference to their original quote which I based my order on. They have told me today that I have no right for my £300 money back. It could now start getting messy. What would I need to do to enforce the CRA 2015 obligations? Again, would the increase in the monthly payment from time of order to them now issuing the financial agreement constitute a failure on their part under this CRA 2015 obligations? Thank you again Ben
Hi Ben,
Thank you for the update. If you signed an order form with the dealer/broker and what you are receiving is different to what was agreed, in law they are not fulfilling their committments and therefore they are in breach of contract.
It is important to note that we are not a legal advisory service and you should seek your own independent legal resource via Citizen’s Advice (or other legal services).
Without seeing the order you have signed, it is hard for us to provide much additional advice, but if you are not receiving what you have ordered, that is a breach of agreement, and therefore, they should refund you all your monies.
I would like to take this offline and email you directly, please confirm that you are happy for us to do this.
I an waiting to pick up my disability car from Vauxhall, we ordered it on Friday 19th August 2019. We keep being told that there waiting for the car to be registered as it only came from France on the 18th August 2019. Is there any advice you can give me please.
Hi Paul,
Thank you for your question. We don’t actually deal with motability vehicles. However, I can advise that cars are generally registered the day before, or on the day of, delivery. So, I can only assume that the vehicle is currently goinjg through a process with motability which is holding it up.
We hope that this helps.
This is very interesting. We were due to pick up our motability vehicle today (19th August, 2019) from vauxhall, however I got a phone call from them yesterday stating that they were having an issue registering the car. I was told that head office have said that there is a computer software problem and they can’t register certain vehicles until the issue was solved, however, I am not buying this excuse as I am unable to find anything online about this.
Hi Lisa,
Unfortunately, as mentioned in a previous post, we do not work with Motability. As the issue is with them at the present time we would recommend you contact them for further updates if you have not heard anything.
Hi we left a deposit on a car before lockdown which was unregistered we were told it was a 2019 model by the dealer
We gave now been in contact with the dealer who is in the process of registering the car .I have contacted our insurance company who have adviced at the moment they wont insure the car .we were told the car is a 2019 model but not registered yet ,but how so we find out exactly how old the car is for all we know the car could be 2018 model ,its is being delivered from ssyongsang uk anytime now to the dealers .is there a time limit that a car has to be registered. Our insurance co are getting in touch with the underwriters .at this moment we dont know why they wont insure it .if they decide to insure it will there be a problem getting parts for a car that maybe a 2019 model but registered in 2020
Hi Gillian,
There shouldn’t be any problem getting parts on a 2019/2020 model of a vehicle. You can still obtain parts for older models of most vehicles available for purchase new or used.
Hi
If i buy a new car in August which has to be made from the factory, and is not ready until the end of September, will I get the benefit of the new September plates or August plate?
Hi Loren,
Thank you for your comment. It depends upon the dealership, whether it’s a pre-registered vehicle or not, this is something the dealership would be able to answer. If the dealer has told you that the vehicle needs to be registered and delivered in August or early September then it will be on an August plate. However, if it isn’t registered until September and delivery happens afterwards, then it will be on a new plate.
If you are still in the process of looking, please contact our offices on 01903 223391 and we would be happy to help you find a new vehicle.
I have bought a brand new motorhome that was made in Germany, from a dealer. The vehicle was fully paid for on 22 August 2020 and collected on 01 September 2020. Apparently they had the registration rejected on 03 September by the DVLA due to the the certificate of conformity being filled out incorrectly and returned to the dealer. This effectively meant that my vehicle had not been registered. The dealer did not inform me of this situation, but sent a further registration at a date they say they can’t recall back to the DVLA. This effectively means that my vehicle, of which I am now in possession of is still unregistered, as of today’s date 18 September 2020. I called the DVLA to find out why my registration was not appearing on their database and they then told me of the reason. They also stated that I am un der no circumstances to use the vehicle until it is registered and taxed. This leaves me with a very expensive motorhome sitting on my drive that I cannot use. What should I do next
Hi Tony,
The registration of the vehicle is something that the dealership is responsible for. If it is yet to appear on the DVLA database and the dealership has no record of submitting it then we would recommend you speak with them and stress the importance of the situation. If the vehicle were used then you would be able to register this yourself.
I brought a 2018 car on may 01 from a dealer my temporary registration is going to expired on June 10 and I still have not received my permanent one as yet I call the dealer and they said they did not receive it yet from dmv. Should I be worried
Hi Ellen,
Thank you for your email. We are sorry that we are unable to help you with this enquiry as we are based in the UK and the system for US registrations will be different to the one that we are accustomed to.
I am still waiting for my car to be delivered just recieved the registration plate details which says it was assigned the number in November 2nd, yet the car only arrived in the uk 13th December is this right or am I being stung along
Hi Karen, we would recommend getting in contact with your vehicle supplier and asking them to confirm the registration details with you. We hope this helps.
I’m buying a new car March 2022 can I ask the dealership to register me a private plate or do I just get the one I’m given, and then apply for a private plate afterwards?
Hi there Raymond, thank you for your question. You can buy a private number plate from either a dealer or the DVLA. If you purchase through a dealer, they can help assign the private plate to your car. However, if you plan on doing this yourself the car must be registered to you first. I hope this answers your question. Is there anything else we can help with?
I have found that my vehicle has had the incorrect model listed on the V5 (the V5 states its a quattro model but it is not I have learned). I am in dispute with Audi as they have said its the DVLA’s fault; however would I be correct in saying that the dealership is responsible for providing the correct details such as model name and VIN number etc to the DVLA?
Hi Ben,
The original registering dealership does not have the autonomy to change the description of the vehicle as it is populated via the chassis number from the Manufacturer themselves, this does sound like it is a technical error that does sometimes occur. To get this put right you would need to contact the DVLA and advise it’s incorrect and provide some evidence that it is not a Quattro, perhaps a print our from the Audi system or confirmation from an Audi Dealer that it is a 2wd, not a Quattro, or ask the franchised dealer you purchased it from to do the same. I hope this helps.
Hi, Just wondered if you could advise. I am purchasing a new Ford vehicle, which arrived at the dealership on 31/01//2022 (after almost a 1 year wait). Can I request that registration is not completed until 01/03/2022 to get the ’22’ plate. If there anything I can do to achieve this request with the dealership it paying in full etc, or is it at their desecration.Many thanks,
Hi there Stuart, thank you for your query. We’re sorry you had to wait so long for your vehicle. The details of the registration is at the discretion of the dealership. We would advise getting in contact with your dealer to discuss this further. We hope you enjoy your new long-awaited Ford vehicle! Is there anything else we can help with?
I am collecting my new car on 2nd March 2022 but the dealer has already registered it so it has a 71 plate. I told them I wanted to wait to collect it until I was able to have a 22 plate. Will the dealer be able to change it ?
Hi there Julie, thank you for your question. As the vehicle has already been registered the number plate cannot be changed to a 22 plate. We would advise getting in contact with the Dealer in question directly for any further action. We hope this helps.
We ordered a car in December which they told us was already on its way to them with ETA in February. They contacted us two weeks ago and asked a few details like the settlement figure on our PX car and told us the car was imminent, and in fact might already be in their compound but he hadn’t checked. A couple of days later we got the V5. That was 14th February but we still don’t have the car. We aren’t usually too bothered about the reg, but I must admit it is frustrating that we will be buying a brand new car that has already depreciated before we had even seen it, let alone driven it. We now hear on the grapevine that Peugeot aren’t releasing any cars currently due to an impending recall due to an issue with a window motor. At this point in time it is looking like our brand new car – our first brand new car in 14 years – will already be 6 weeks old when we receive it. We also think he has signed the finance paper work on our behalf, because he sent my partner an SMS and asked her to confirm the number on it (ie an identity verification check) – she didn’t read the message at the time and just provided the code, but when she read it properly later realised it said “To sign the agreement, enter this code”. We’ve already had a letter from PSA Finance advising they’ll start taking payments on 14th March and we haven’t got the car yet!
Hi there Daniel, sorry to hear about your late vehicle delivery and thank you for your query. We would advise getting in contact with PSA and letting them know you have not received the vehicle, explain about the message you received via SMS, and that you are not prepared to pay for the vehicle until it has been delivered. You should also request a copy of the signed agreement from PSA.
If the vehicle has not been on the public road it could be de-registered and re-registered on a new plate, however, this is at the discretion of the dealership and can take some time to do. We hope this helps your situation, do you have any further questions?
Hi , I’m currently waiting on my lease car to be delivered. Since December. I have just received the license plate marked with the 22 reg. Does this mean there car has already been registered with DVLA and in the uk ? I’ve also tried to get an insurance quote but the car doesn’t come up on the compare sites.
Thank you
Hello Jay, thank you for your query. The dealership is responsible for registering your new vehicle, and they may have just allocated you a registration number but not registered it on the DVLA database. We would advise contacting your chosen insurance company by phone and explaining the situation, they should then provide you with an insurance quote using the P11d value and the specification. We hope this helps your vehicle situation, do you have any further questions?
15th March 2022
We ordered a new car from a BMW dealership in summer 2021 with a estimated delivery date of October 2021. This has slipped several times, including in the last week, and at this point all we have been told is the car is still at the exit port (but not where that is). They added, they believe before end March delivery still feasible, and assume will be achieved given their own end of financial year goals /targets.
In terms of car registration, 3 queries please:
1) Can I insist on receiving a 2022 number plate given the extensive delay, even if they receive the car before 31st March? IE We will say we’ll pick up after 31st March. OR
2) Can I insist on receiving a 2022 number plate only if they cant give me a pick up date before the end of March 2022.
3) when do dealerships register usually – when they get the car? Or in advance of delivery to the dealership.
Taking a new car in the year after I purchased, with effectively an old number plate, seems wrong to me.
Can you advise where we stand?? Thank you so much. Jane Farrell
Hi there Jane, sorry to hear about your experience with the BMW dealership and thank you for your queries. The vehicle cannot be registered until it has entered into the UK, so it should be on the latest registration plate. Normally vehicles are registered the day before it is delivered to you or you are collecting it. If you have any further issues we are more than happy to help. Get in touch with our Vehicle Specialists on 01903 538835.
Hi I was suppose to get my new car this week I was given date Reg time of drop off and pick up of old car lease car NHS I have been sent email now saying they cannot guarantee it and took delivery details off site it’s a Peugeot E-208 they said in email due to Peugeot saying a taxing recall ?? I have googled what this stands for and cannot find anything I was sent Reg please can you let me know what a taxing recall is and how long it takes guttered I am now now getting my new car on Friday
Hi there Clare, thank you for your query and sorry to hear about your experience with your e-208 vehicle delay. It’s likely the car has had a recall from Peugeot, so the company cannot tax the car. This as a result means you won’t be given a time frame as Peugeot may have to wait for parts to come available. This can often happen time to time. Do you have any further questions?
I ordered a new evoque oct 21 for estimated delivery for March 22, I was then told I would receive the car beg may which I agreed was acceptable, I heard nothing from the dealership so emailed to check car was on schedule to be now told the car is being built in may and is now a different model and has increased in cost, and the car will be ready beg July, I’m not happy with this or the service I have recieved, the lady I dealt with was apologetic but very abrupt . I have asked as it is only 8 weeks before new registration if it can be registered in sept instead to which I have been told no they cannot do this, this car is my third car from this particular dealership. I really need to know if legally I can insist they delay the registration?
Hi there Sandra, sorry to hear about your experience with your vehicle process. No, you usually cannot insist delay of the vehicle registration. However, please note that we are not licensed to give legal advice, so you should receive professional advice from a licensed legal practitioner. If you are looking for an alternative supplier this time or for your next vehicle, we are more than happy to help. To pencil in a date for the future, get in touch on 01903 538835.
Ordered a car that wasn’t due for arrival until November, had a call on 3rd October to say it had arrived. We can’t collect until 17th October so have ensure no finance etc is sorted until then as it is a factory order car that we haven’t even seen a driveable model of. However, the registration documents arrived through our door dated 30th September- the vehicle hadn’t arrived at the dealership on this date. Is this normal to pre-register vehicles? I feel a bit put out that my vehicle has been registered before it arrived- just feels a bit like they were desperate to push it into the September sales bracket and my car will now be 3 weeks older than it should be when we first get it. Any thoughts or is this normal?
Hi there Fran, sorry to hear about your experience with your vehicle order. Often when this happens, it is because the manufacturer has put a deal onto the dealer to register a certain number of vehicles by a certain time in order to reach targets. Although this is normal practise in dealerships, you should have been told beforehand that your car would be pre-registered. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
I ordered a VW ID3 last June 2022, I wasn’t given a delivery date, the dealership said it could be anything between 12 to 18 months on delivery due to semi conductor shortages. I received an e-mail last week 12th January 2023 from my local VW dealership saying the car was on the way to them and that they wanted paid and are insisting the car is registured before 30th January 2023. I told the delershipe that I was on holidays and won’t be back in the U.K till 10th February 2023.
They are been very pushy saying VW U.K insist the car is registered before end January 2023. I’ve told them to wait till my return back home.
Can they proceed with the cars registration even tho I haven’t paid or organised any finance or can sign for the car before my return back home?
The local VW dealership also saying they will use VW free 5 day insurance cover in my name to get the car registered, And that they want the car paid and collected within two days of my return back home.
I’m not agreeable with the VW delerships hard sales tactics.
I ordered a lease car a year ago and due to various reasons (not in our control) this car was not available until December 2022 with numerous date changes along the way.
The lease company say the car is now with the dealer.
We are only 4 weeks from the 2023 plate. Can I insist I take delivery of the car after the 2023 change of plate and will this mean I get the 2023 plate?
If I take delivery before March it effectively gives me an “old” plate. When is a car registered with the latest plate?
Thank you.
Hi there Michelle, thank you for your query. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that you will be able to take delivery on the new plate, because a vehicle normally has to be registered within a certain period of time from when it arrives at the dealership. However, it will certainly be worthwhile contacting the lease company and asking the question.
i ordered a new car on 30th September 22, I was told my car would be here in January 23, however I am now being told by the end of February 23. I ordered the car on a finance basis however not signed the finance contract yet. I received a V5 in the post stating the car had been registered in my name on 31st January even though i haven’t signed the finance agreement and the dealership told me it could not be registered until i signed (apparently it is technically not my car until i signed). can a new car be registered in my name before i signed the fianance agreement (only the order form)? and if it arrives after the 28th Feb, should this be the new reg plate? thanks
Hi there Kelly, thank you for your query. No, the new car should not have been registered in your name before you sign the finance agreement. If the car does arrive after February 28th, then the registration plate will be the old one for the car as it has been registered. Depending on the finance agreement will depend on whether this has a negative impact on you financially. You should check the agreement does not start until the day you pick the vehicle up.
Hi,
I ordered a new car October 2022 with an estimated delivery date of 31st January. It has not arrived yet and has been given an ETA for delivery to dealership if 3/3/23. Will this be a new 23 plate? It’s a motability vehicle if that affects it?
Hi there Trisha, it’s possible that the vehicle will be registered with a “23” plate. However, this will depend on several factors, including the policies of your dealership and the DVLA, as well as any delays or changes to the delivery schedule. It’s also worth noting that Motability vehicles may have slightly different registration processes and policies than other types of vehicles, so it’s a good idea to check with your Motability provider or dealership for more specific information about your order and delivery.
Hi, I am waiting for my new car to arrive in the UK, should be the end of March 23. My question is, where do the dealership’s get the registration number from, ? is it DVLA and if so, if a number that is available on the DVLA website for this years plate can I request the dealership gets the one I want as the have already charged me for 1st registration of £55 and delivery/plates £495.83.
thanks
Audrey
Hi there Audrey, thank you for your query and congratulations on your new car purchase! The dealership will get the registration number for your car from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). When you buy a new car, the dealership will send the necessary paperwork to the DVLA, who will then issue a registration number for your vehicle.
In terms of requesting a specific registration number, you can certainly ask the dealership if they can try to get the one you want. However, there is no guarantee that they will be able to obtain it for you, as registration numbers are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, some registration numbers may be reserved or already assigned to other vehicles.
If you have already paid the registration and delivery fees, it’s worth asking the dealership if you can change the registration number. They may or may not be able to accommodate your request, but it’s worth asking.
Hi, I have a new lease vehicle due end of March 2023, the lease company have gave me the car registration number, but are unable to provide a delivery date. If the registration number is available then does this mean the vehicle has already arrived in the UK?
Thanks
Hi there Shane, thank you for your query.
Dealerships are allocated the registration of a car between one and two weeks before it is delivered. But, they will not register it on the DVLA until the day of delivery. They don’t want to register and tax a car only for the order to be cancelled so that’s why they wait until the day of delivery.
It’s possible that the vehicle has been manufactured and is currently in transit to the UK, or it may already be in the UK but awaiting delivery to the lease company or their supplier. It’s also possible that the registration number has been reserved for the vehicle, but the actual physical registration plates have not yet been attached to the vehicle.
If you’re looking for more specific information about the delivery date of your lease vehicle, you may want to contact the lease company or their supplier directly to see if they have any further details. They may be able to provide you with an estimated delivery date based on their current inventory and delivery schedule sometime soon.
We’ve ordered a car and the dealers tried to deliver earlier than we wanted, because we asked to wait for the 23 plate the dealers now saying its had to go to the dvla to be de-registered then re-registered with the new plate? They won’t give an estimate as to how long this will take. Any ideas?
Hi there, thank you for your query. The process of de-registering and re-registering a car with a new registration plate can vary depending on a number of factors, including the specific vehicle and the workload of the DVLA at the time. It is possible that the process could take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
The dealer should be able to provide you with updates on the progress of the registration process and should let you know as soon as the car is ready for delivery. If you have a specific deadline or time frame in mind, we recommend communicating this to the dealer and asking if they can expedite the process if possible.
When you are looking to upgrade or get your next vehicle we will be more than happy to assist the next time around.
I ordered a car last year but then cancelled it in Summer. The dealership went on to allow delivery of the vehicle and then registered it to me, as I had cancelled they sold the vehicle on as pre registered and sent the V5 to me apparently ( I didn’t get it). Now there is someone driving a vehicle under my name and they are applying to get a change of ownership, is this legal? Someone could be getting speeding fines under my name. The dealership are taking quite a relaxed view on this.
Hi there Lisa, thank you for your query. We’re sorry to hear this has happened, this is not normal behaviour for a dealership. We would advise getting in contact with the DVLA to check that your name is registered with the DVLA first. If this is the case and your name is registered with the said vehicle, you should take legal action.
When you are looking to upgrade or get your next vehicle we will be more than happy to assist the next time around.
How long is taking DVLA to register brand new vehicle by post right now?
According to the DVLA website, the dealership will register a new vehicle for you. You should receive the new log book (VC5) within 4 weeks. If you have not received the V5C, you should contact the DVLA immediately, otherwise, you must pay £25 for a replacement. We hope this helps, do you have any further questions?
I want my new motorcycle delivered before the May bank holiday, I have insured it from the 1st of May as I wish to ride it to a show on that day, can the dealer register it pre 1st May or will they have to tax it before May and will that be possible if the insurance has not started?
Hi R. Reade, thanks for your comment! It’s always exciting to get a new motorcycle and have plans for a show to attend. In terms of registration and taxation, it would be best to check with the dealer where you purchased the motorcycle from. They will be able to advise you on the registration process and whether it’s possible to register and tax the motorcycle before May 1st. It’s also worth checking with your insurance provider to ensure that your insurance policy will cover the motorcycle during the registration and tax process. Best of luck with your new motorcycle and the show!
Hello. I began a PCP purchase with a KIA dealership, unfortunately, after months of excuses form them I never received the vehicle and cancelled the order. My question is regarding the V5 document. Whilst I was waiting, the dealership registered the vehicle in my name, I received the V5 document, which I still have. Could you let me know what I should do? I have checked the DVLA website and I can only report as sold/SORN etc. Many thnaks
Hello Mark, sorry to hear about the inconvenience you’ve experienced with the KIA dealership regarding the registration of your vehicle and the V5 document. We recommend the following steps:
1. Contact the KIA dealership directly: Reach out to them to address the issue and seek guidance on how to proceed with the registration and V5 document.
2. Contact the DVLA: Inform the DVLA about the situation and ask for their advice on the next steps. They will provide you with specific instructions based on your circumstances.
I was due to collect my car on Saturday morning. I received a call from the dealership on the Friday at 16:30 to say that there had been a problem with their system going down and that they couldn’t register the car. Although the system was back up and running by 16:30 if they couldn’t do it by 17:30 then it would have to be done on the Monday. Before I challenge the dealership my question is the 17:30 cut off time is this a DVLA criteria or is it because who ever is responsible for registering the car finishing time (if it was the latter and it was there finishing time, with it being their system I would have expected them to put the effort in to complete the task. I will then challenge the dealership for compensation for the inconvenience caused).
Hi there Michael, sorry to hear about the inconvenience with the car registration process. The 17:30 cut-off time isn’t a DVLA criteria; it may be a dealership deadline. It might be helpful to have a friendly conversation with them to understand the delay better. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to reach out.
My dad is having the exact issue with regards to the peugeit dealer registering his car. He went there last Tuesday they took his OKs vehicle off him and unregistered it nd then they couldn’t register the new one. So in theory he doesn’t have a car, they have given him a hire car. A week in and still not sorted, not sure what he can do next.
I’m sorry to hear about your dad’s situation with the Peugeot dealer. In this case, your dad should first reach out to the Peugeot dealer and express his concerns. They should provide a clear timeline for resolving the problem with the new car’s registration.
If the issue persists or if your dad is not satisfied with the dealer’s response, he can contact Peugeot UK’s customer service or the manufacturer’s regional support team. They may be able to expedite the resolution process and ensure he has a registered vehicle as soon as possible.
Additionally, keeping records of all communications and any paperwork related to the situation can be helpful in case further action is needed. I hope this helps, and I hope your dad’s car registration issue gets resolved soon.
I’m picking up a new car today, 2nd October. I’ve just looked online and they registered my car on 29th September. Is this allowed? I think they have done it ro up their September sales figures. I’ve bought quite a few new cars and never had any registered before I pick them up. Now it is a September registered car instead if October which could affect its future value.
Congratulations on your new car, Jenny! It’s not uncommon for dealerships to register cars a few days before delivery, especially at the end of a month, to meet sales targets. While this might affect the car’s registration date, it typically shouldn’t significantly impact its future value.
The key factors affecting resale value are age, mileage, condition, and service history. A late September registration shouldn’t have a major impact. If you have specific concerns, feel free to discuss them with the dealership, and they can provide more details about the registration process. Safe driving!
Hi, I have bought a new car from the local Peugeot dealer, it was delivered to them on the 31st Oct, because their valeter was on holiday I was informed handover could not take place until the 7th November, I requested that they did not register the car until at least the 1st Nov, the salesman agreed and said that was fine. I then annoyingly received the V5C and the vehicle had been registered on the 31st Oct, their excuse is that they only get days to register a car after delivery. Please can you tell me is this true and if so how many days do they get, I believe it was because it was for the end of the month sales figure and can not see one day making any difference., I realise it doesn’t make any difference to the resale value but to me they just ignored my request and my brand new car is a month old. Thank in advance.
Hi there Lynda, I understand your frustration. Typically, there’s no fixed rule on when a car must be registered after delivery. While dealers have their processes, it’s unusual for a specific time limit. It’s advisable to discuss this with the dealer and express your concerns. If needed, you might want to contact Peugeot’s customer service for further assistance.
Hi I bought a brand new not a pre-reg MG car from Arnold Clark. Pcp. I waited 8 months for it to arrive. November 2022. 1 year to date and no log book given to me ,car needing tax. car has been registered to another keeper. DVLA confirmed that my name does not match what is on the log book. ( not a brand new car) I checked a online portal and noticed the following registration place is Edinburgh. Registration date is 01 January 2022. What does this mean.?
Hi there Louise, I’m not a legal expert, but the information you provided raises concerns about the registration and log book for your MG car. Here are some potential steps you could consider:
Contact Arnold Clark: Reach out to the dealership from which you purchased the car, specifically the sales or customer service department. Explain the situation and inquire about the discrepancy in the registration and log book.
Check the Sales Agreement: Review your sales agreement to ensure that the details match what was promised at the time of purchase. If there are any discrepancies, this documentation can serve as evidence.
DVLA Communication: Continue communicating with the DVLA to rectify the issue. They may be able to provide guidance on the steps you need to take to update the registration information and obtain the correct log book.
Legal Advice: If the issue persists, consider seeking legal advice. Consult with a solicitor or legal professional who specializes in automotive matters. They can guide you on the best course of action to resolve the registration and log book problems.
Consumer Protection: Be aware of consumer protection laws that may apply in your jurisdiction. These laws are designed to protect buyers in situations where they do not receive what was promised at the time of purchase.
Hi, i purchasdd a used car, got my v5 within a couple of days, now the dealer i brought it from wants a photocopy of tge 1st and 2nd pages. Is this normal. I thought u only gave that info to them when you sold them a car?
Hi there Kathy, thank you for your query. It’s not uncommon for a dealer to request a photocopy of the V5 document, especially if you recently purchased a used car from them. The first and second pages of the V5 document contain important information about the registered keeper and the vehicle itself.
This request is often made to update their records and facilitate administrative processes. It allows them to have the most accurate and up-to-date information about the vehicles they have sold and helps with any necessary follow-up, such as warranty registration or service reminders.
However, to ensure the legitimacy of the request, you may want to verify the dealer’s request directly with them.
We were promised handover today on a new Ford car which was already in the showroom only to be told that it was now not possible.
There was apparently an issue when taxing the car regarding registering it but all a bit vague.
Obviously we are disappointed and a bit confused as to how this could happen?
Hi there Michael, thank you for your query. I understand your disappointment and confusion regarding the delayed handover of your new Ford car. While these situations can be frustrating, dealerships typically aim to resolve such matters promptly. I recommend reaching out to the dealership directly for a detailed explanation of the issue and an updated timeline for the handover. They should be able to provide clarity on the situation and address any concerns you may have.
I bought a car in 2019 which was registered by the dealership showing 2330 miles on 01/07/2019 and again on 03/07/2019 showing 2000 miles.
I am currently trying to sell this vehicle, but due to this discrepancy I am having problems selling,
Hi there Pamela, thank you for your query. To address the mileage discrepancy, I recommend taking the following steps:
Check Service Records: Review the service history and any maintenance records for your car. They might provide insights into the accurate mileage.
Contact the Dealership: Reach out to the dealership where you bought the car. They should have records of the initial mileage and might help clarify the discrepancy.
Independent Inspection: Consider getting an independent inspection. A qualified mechanic can assess the overall condition of the car, and this information may reassure potential buyers.
Correct Documentation: Ensure that your current V5C registration document accurately reflects the correct mileage. If not, contact the DVLA to rectify it.
Be Transparent: When communicating with potential buyers, be transparent about the situation. Provide them with the information you’ve gathered and assure them of the car’s overall condition.
Hi i am going to look at what is advertised a brand new car it hasnt got a registrstion number yet. Could a brand new car be over a year old physically but will look brand new from the date it is registered. Linda
Hi there Linda, thank you for reaching out. When a car is manufactured, it doesn’t have a registration number until it’s officially registered by its owner. The registration process typically occurs when the car is purchased from a dealership or transferred to a new owner.
Even if a brand new car has been physically manufactured for some time before being sold, once it’s registered, it will be assigned a current registration year. This means that even though the car may have been manufactured earlier, its registration date will reflect when it was officially registered and put into service.
If you’re considering purchasing a brand new car that hasn’t been registered yet, rest assured that once it’s registered, it will be considered a new car with a current registration year, regardless of when it was physically manufactured.
I hope this helps clarify things for you! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.
A dealership have an electric van for sale with less than 100 miles on the clock but listed as ‘used’ rather than brand new. They said because it has been registered, it cannot be sold as new. Does the vehicle need to be registered by the dealership in my name for it to be classed as new. The reason I ask is that I require an electric van for business purposes as an electric vehicle qualifies for 100% capital allowance. HMRC state the vehicle must be new. The van for sale meets my requirements and is new but am cautious of making a costly error id it cannot be classed as new.
Hi there Bob, thank you for your query. In the UK, a vehicle is typically considered “new” if it has not been previously registered to an owner. Once a vehicle is registered by a dealership, even if it has minimal mileage, it is generally classified as “used” because it has been officially put into service. However, it’s essential to verify this with the dealership and potentially consult with legal or tax professionals to ensure compliance with HMRC regulations regarding capital allowances for business vehicles. While the van may still meet your needs and be eligible for certain allowances, confirming its classification as new or used is crucial for tax purposes.
Hi, I am thinking of getting a new car on cpc will it be the dealers name on the registration document when he registers it and tax it or is it mine
as my insurance will still be on my trade in car till i get to the dealers.
When you purchase a new car on Contract Purchase, the registration document will typically be in your name, not the dealer’s. However, it’s best to confirm this with the dealer directly to ensure clarity regarding the registration process. Additionally, regarding insurance, you can discuss temporary insurance coverage for the new vehicle with your insurer or the dealer to ensure you’re properly covered during the transition period.
Hello,
I recently purchased a new vehicle on PCP in Scotland from Northern Ireland. I was scheduled to collect the car tomorrow after completing all the necessary paperwork. However, I received an email from the dealership today informing me that they were unable to register the car on the DVLA website. The website prompted them to input an address in the UK mainland in order to proceed. As a result, they were advised to complete a V55 form and send it by post to the DVLA, including my Northern Ireland address.
I would like to inquire whether this is the standard procedure or if the dealership is simply unfamiliar with the process.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Hi there Olu, thank you for your query. Here’s some points to consider:
DVLA Registration Process: It is possible that the dealership is not familiar with the specific registration process for vehicles purchased in one part of the UK (Scotland) and registered in another (Northern Ireland). The DVLA website does require specific address information for registration, which might differ slightly between the mainland UK and Northern Ireland.
V55 Form Submission: Completing a V55 form and sending it by post to the DVLA is a standard procedure when the online system cannot process the registration. This form is used for first-time registration of vehicles and includes details such as your address, vehicle specifications, and other relevant information.
Address Requirements: Ensure that all the address details provided to the dealership match exactly with those on your official documents. Any discrepancy might cause issues in the registration process.
Contact the DVLA: For clarity and to expedite the process, you might consider contacting the DVLA directly. They can confirm whether the steps taken by the dealership are correct and advise on any additional actions you might need to take.
Hi
Just taken delivery of a new van. The paperwork has been sent off to DVLA form V55, but it has not appeared on the dvla web site or.received the V 5 as yet.
My question is it taxed to drive on the road? – sorry should have said we have a private number plate and they used that plate to register it.
Just very worried and dealer seems un informative re this.
Thanks
Sallie
Hi there Sallie, thank you for your query. When you’ve sent off the V55 form to the DVLA for registration, it typically takes some time for the vehicle to appear on the DVLA website and for you to receive the V5C (logbook).
Here are a few steps you can take to ensure everything is in order:
Check with the Dealer: Confirm that the dealer has indeed submitted all necessary documents and registered the vehicle with the DVLA using your private number plate.
DVLA Contact: You can contact the DVLA directly to check the status of your registration and ensure your vehicle is taxed.
Temporary Coverage: Ask the dealer if there’s any temporary registration or tax arrangement in place while the paperwork is being processed.
If your van is registered but just not showing up on the DVLA site yet, you should still be legally covered. However, it’s always best to confirm with both the dealer and the DVLA to avoid any potential issues.
Hope this helps, and congrats on your new van!
A new car, showing a PDI service on the main dealers own service record, in May 2017 was first registered and declared new in January 2018 and sold as a 2018 car. Is this legal.
Thank you
Hi there John, thank you for your query. If the car was sold as a “new” 2018 model despite being manufactured earlier, it might not be a significant issue legally, but it could be misleading. It’s important to check the VIN and service records to ensure everything aligns with what was represented at the time of sale. If you’re concerned, consulting with a legal professional or the relevant consumer protection agency could provide more clarity on your rights in this situation.