Is there any way that a private individual can find out the details of the owner of a car, if they know the registration number?
I ask because I have a relatively rare model of car with a personalised number plate which has been in our family since 1964, and 10 days ago I saw an identical model, same colour, same everything, bearing an almost identical number in our local town, and I'd just like to meet the owner.
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There\'s no legal method, but you could try searching on the web for clubs specialising in the make/model to see if the other owner is registered or sticking a small piece in the local rag. They love those \"would like to get in touch with\" articles.
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Its possible to trace the owner of a car thro the DVLA. You need a good reason tho, and they would not consider yours valid.
If its rare car what about an owners club or register? It may be there. have a trawl round the net for either.
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Aha! Too slow on the old enter button there, Monsieur le Renault
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Aha! Too slow on the old enter button there, Monsieur le Renault
Merde! - I had to wait for the glo plugs to warm up!
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www.dvla.gov.uk/vehicles/relinfo.htm
Release of another vehicle?s keeper details
You can obtain the name and address of the registered keeper of a vehicle if you can show reasonable cause for needing the information.
Members of the public will need to complete form V888. Companies should complete form VQ3 , or apply in writing (both forms are available from DVLA). You should include a fee of £2.50, the vehicle registration number of the vehicle you are requesting information on, full reason for your request and the date of event.
Send your application to: Vehicle Record Enquiries, Vehicle Customer Services, DVLA, Swansea SA99 1AJ.
If its 'rare' is there an owners club or register of owners?
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Bah - I was even slower, but was looking for the link ;-(
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'Reasonable cause' - say that the vehicle frequently parks in your private entrance, blocking your own car either in or out, and you would like to contact the owner to ask them to desist. You have tried leaving notes on the windscreen but they are ignored. You would now like your solicitor to write to the owner on your behalf.
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As Martin states if you are open and above board with DVLA then it may well be that they will release the details. You could quietly remind them that The Freedom of Information Act 2000 is due to come into force on 1.1.2005 at which time they will be obliged to release the information as I understand it.
DVD
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"You could quietly remind them that The Freedom of Information Act 2000 is due to come into force on 1.1.2005 at which time they will be obliged to release the information as I understand it"
To the best of my knowledge, and i work indirectly with this every day, the Freedom of Information act is for access to imformation held on you. Therefore would not work in this case.
An easy way to get the info is by asking a friendly PC, preferably one you know, to do a vehicle check on the PNC - which is linked with the DVLA database. You never know, you might learn about all his motor convictions too!!!
Also comes in handy for HPI etc checks!
All in the line of duty of course, they are a public service after all.
Dave.
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Topaktas...I have just had a word with my friendly neighbourhood Police Station and asked whether they would be willing to pass on a letter addressed to the owner of vehicle reg ABC 123A for the reason you have given.
The answer was 'No' because whenever they do a search for info re owner etc. they have to specify reason for enquiry...your reason would be rejected.
However, if you are really keen (to the extent of shelling out), they suggest you approach HPI (01722 422422) who are allowed to reveal various details (apparently for £35). They also suggested that the AA or Green Flag could probably do the same thing at a lower charge.
HTH
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DVD
I'm not sure that the FOIA is meant for things like that. It does cover your information, but the data protection act covers the use of third party information (like the use of electoral roll information for marketing). I think they will be obliged to release details of your information that they hold, but not that of other people.
More info on www.dataprotection.gov.uk
Jonathan
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Haven't made detailed study of the Act but from the first Section (copied below) I take it that it refers to any information, not just personal. The FoI was promised years ago to follow the American line and they, I understand , can search records on vehicle ownership and even Driving licences.
Right to information
General right of access to information held by public authorities.
Section 1.
(1) Any person making a request for information to a public authority is entitled-
(a) to be informed in writing by the public authority whether it holds information of the description specified in the request, and
(b) if that is the case, to have that information communicated to him.
DavidHM/PU will smack my wrist I feel sure.
DVD
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Insurance companies and brokers have on-line access to driver details. At least whenever I ring for a quote they ask for the car reg number and then ask me to confirm name and address.
So if you have a friend who works in an insurance brokers . . . .
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I think there are some moral issues here.
There are quite a few ways this info could be collected, BUT the people who can get this info will very likely be signed up to the data protection act.
For example I could go onto our systems and probably get the info you require, as we have direct links to the insurance companies, but this info is to help us with billing, and is kept strictly confidential between us and the insurance company. Its not there for us to find out personal details of anybody we want to. That is is essence the reason for the data protection act.
Now how would you feel if there was somebody out there giving out your private details as "a favour to a friend"?
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Data Protection Act 1998, section 35:
"35. - (1) Personal data are exempt from the non-disclosure provisions where the disclosure is required by or under any enactment, by any rule of law or by the order of a court.
(2) Personal data are exempt from the non-disclosure provisions where the disclosure is necessary-
(a) for the purpose of, or in connection with, any legal proceedings (including prospective legal proceedings), or
(b) for the purpose of obtaining legal advice,
or is otherwise necessary for the purposes of establishing, exercising or defending legal rights."
It is surprising how often this provision can be used to get round a refusal to provide information...
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Does anyone have a link to a site that explains the DPA and FOI in laymans terms? A quick Google has got my head spinning.
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pdc
Get a bottle of asprins and glass of water and sally down to
www.tinyurl.com/tqv7
Having a speed read of the explanatory notes has left me with the feeling that this is more Labour Party speel - all promise and no substance. I am now doubtful that vehicle/Driving Licence details will be released. As to what will be released is anybodies guess.
DVD
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