How to get information from DVA records

In certain circumstances information from the Driver & Vehicle Agency’s (DVA) registers can lawfully be disclosed. The way you make your application depends on the information you require. Requests for information from the DVA can be made by phone or in writing.

Enquiries by phone

In addition to the general enquiries phone service, the DVA operates a premium rate phone service which gives limited vehicle information.

An enquiry from this service will confirm chassis number and VIC marker details as stated by the enquirer. The following information is also provided: fuel type; SORN status; date of cherished transfer; previous numbers; origin and date of manufacture; date of registration, year of manufacture, engine capacity (cc), CO2 emissions, expiry date of the current tax disc and confirmation of colour.

DVA’s premium line service phone 0906 5161 666. Calls are charged at £1.50 per minute and lines operate Monday to Friday between 9 am and 5 pm.

Enquiries by post

Requests for personal information about another vehicle’s keeper, information about previous keepers for a vehicle now registered in your name, or for information held about you on the agency’s registers, should be made by post.

Release of another vehicle’s keeper details

You can obtain the name and address of the registered keeper of another vehicle if you can demonstrate 'reasonable cause' for needing the information. Before information is released, the DVA must consider the reasons for your request and how the information will be used. Failure to provide the necessary evidence or incomplete application forms will result in your application being rejected.

It’s an offence to unlawfully obtain personal data that’s contrary to Section 55 of the Data Protection Act 1998. Unlimited fines in the Crown Court (or to a maximum of £5,000 in the Magistrates' Court) exist as penalties in respect of these offences.

More about what 'reasonable cause' means

There are three forms that can be used to request information. You should use the appropriate form depending on who you are and your reasons for asking for information: You should read the notes for guidance carefully before answering all the necessary questions.

Using the V888/2(NI) and V888/3(NI)

All companies using the V888/2(NI) and V888/3(NI) forms must provide details about their business along with the application.

The required fee

The fee for vehicle keeper information at a specific date of event is £2.50. If further information is required eg: a copy of a document or additional keeper information, a fee of £5.00 is required per vehicle. The fee is payable to cover the costs of providing the information.

Where to send your application

Once the form is completed send it with any necessary documents to:

Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA)
Fee Paying Enquiry Section
County Hall
Castlerock Road
Coleraine
BT51 3TA

Previous keeper details for your vehicle

As the current registered keeper of a vehicle you can request information about the history of your vehicle and previous keepers. You must complete the relevant sections on the V888(NI) form and send it with the fee of £5.00 to the address above.

Release of information about yourself

The Data Protection Act gives you the right to obtain information held about you on DVA records. Requests for information should be made in writing to the address below, quoting your full name, address and the registration number of your vehicle.

Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA)
Vehicle Enquiries Section
County Hall
Castlerock Road
Coleraine
BT51 3TA