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Failing to notify DVLA of change of keeper/ownership

According to the law, when there is a change in the registered keeper of a vehicle, the current registered keeper is required to inform the DVLA. Failure to comply with this requirement could result in a fine of up to £1,000.

The DVLA deals with the majority of issues relating to the licensing and registration of the millions of vehicles on the UK roads today. The DVLA is entitled to carry out, and frequently does, criminal prosecutions in the Magistrates Court for certain offences. The most common of these offences is failing to notify the DVLA of a change of keeper for a vehicle.

The law confirms that when a vehicle is sold or scrapped or written off after an accident or even seized by an insurance company the onus is on the registered keeper to inform the DVLA of the change of keeper. This duty is ongoing until the paperwork is returned to the DVLA and their records are updated. It is worth noting at this point that, in our experience, the DVLA are not the most efficient of organisations. This means that enquiries by phone are not always recorded and sometimes post from people, informing them of a change in keeper, goes missing. If the DVLA has no record of your reply to them then they will continue to chase the keeper for the correct form and also ask for a fine to be paid for not keeping them updated, when often the person has clearly returned the correct paperwork.

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DVLA summons

This is the point at which we can help. If the DVLA continue to pursue the matter and issue a summons for you then there is a real risk that a criminal conviction and large fine will follow at the Magistrates Court. We would be able to liaise with the DVLA at an early stage and look towards getting them to discontinue your case as the matter would not longer be in the public interest to pursue.

If you wish to discuss this type of offence further please of experienced driving offences team on call 01616 966 229.

How long do you have to notify DVLA of change of ownership?

You are typically required to notify the DVLA of a change of vehicle ownership promptly. While there is no specific time frame specified in the law, it's advisable to do so as soon as the ownership change occurs to avoid any potential legal issues or fines.

Forgot to change ownership on car

If you have forgotten to change the ownership of your car with the DVLA, it's important to rectify this as soon as possible. Failing to update the ownership can lead to legal complications and potential fines. Contact the DVLA promptly to initiate the necessary transfer of ownership.

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