Why can't a get a refund for my tax disc?

My wife & I both have personalised number plates & for the 3rd time I have lost out with DVLA when changing the registration to a new car. The total of the money involved is now approaching £350. We have removed the tax disc from the car we were selling on each occasion and submitted it for a refund to DVLA and on each occasion we have been refused on the grounds that a replacement disc has been issued to the dealer we have sold the car to. (On each occasion the dealer advised us not to apply for the refund until after the registration had been successfully changed).

I cannot see how DVLA can do this. The dealer had NO DISC to surrender because we had it, yet they proceeded to issue a new disc for the outstanding months and told us we were entitled to NOTHING. Can you advise me what I can do because I consider that what the dealers are doing is deliberate. They are telling you to wait until they get the replacement disc before you apply for the refund, so that they get the replacement disc instead of you getting the refund. The DVLA refuse to discuss the matter and say I must take it up with the dealer. I even wrote on my refund claim that I WANTED A REFUND AND NOT A REPLACEMENT DISC!

Asked on 22 September 2012 by Malcolm Attey

Answered by Honest John
You cannot apply for a refund on a tax disc unless you remain the registered keeper of the car. The rules were changed a few years ago to make the theft of tax discs not worthwhile.
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