Table of Content

Using Car Details Check to Access Previous Ownership Information

To review car ownership data, you need to take a few steps, but it is important to know what information you can and cannot share.

Access to the Car Details Check database is available for all used cars registered in the UK since they were first registered. If you want to find car owner details, remember that only legal channels apply.


Important Note

Our service cannot identify car owners by registration number, including a fixed name and address. GDPR prohibits disclosing vehicle owners' names and addresses.

Car Details Check is a leading service that provides the most accurate and up-to-date car owner details and car reg check owner reports without violating data privacy rules.

Can You Identify the Owner of a Car from Its Registration?

Obtaining an unknown driver's personal information from a vehicle registration number is difficult. No free or paid car check service can lawfully reveal a driver's personal information based on registration.

In some cases, you can request this information. The DVLA holds driver and keeper information but will only release it with sufficient cause.

Road safety issues like accidents, unauthorised parking, and traffic violations are considered reasonable cause. Personal data of car reg owner check and drivers will remain secured under data privacy laws without these criteria.

What Details Can a Car Registration Check Reveal?

A complete ownership check can reveal:

  • Access to car ownership history, including all recorded keepers and sales dates.
  • Previous owner's sale date
  • Previous owner's purchase date
  • Current keeper's ownership duration
  • Current keeper purchase date
  • The number of prior owners listed in the V5C logbook.
  • The original registration date of the car.
  • Vehicle age (determined from registration date)
  • Latest V5C release date
  • Vehicle registration city, region, or county (DVLA local office)
 This is useful if you want to find registered owner of vehicle, check the ownership of car, or verify if you're dealing with the correct registered owner of vehicle.

Other Vehicle Information Included in a Number Plate Search

Our service offers a comprehensive vehicle history report, including

  • Customised MOT history with labelled advisory items.
  • All categories (A, B, C, D, S, and N) have write-off status.
  • Vehicle theft and records
  • VIC (Vehicle Identity Check) inspections
  • Import/export status
  • Improved mileage analysis with geographic charts using RMI and BVRLA data.
  • Detect mileage fraud
We use DVLA, DVSA, Police National Computer (PNC theft markers), Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB), and other reputable sources to ensure correctness for number plate check, check number plate owner, or to find number plate owner details.

When Might You Need to Trace a Vehicle's Previous or Current Owner?

Our customers use our checks to fill gaps in a vehicle's service history, usually for missing cam belt changes or manufacturer-recommended repairs. Start developing accurate maintenance records with a Car Service History Check.

Other groups that seek owner information include classic car enthusiasts. These owners may have significant records or historic insights regarding a vintage car.

Accidents and Insurance Verification

The askMID website can verify vehicle insurance in road traffic incidents or 'drive-offs' where a third party escapes without revealing insurance or personal information. This verification requires only the registration number. For faster results, conduct a Car Insurance Check with us when you want to find a number plate owner or find a car owner in case of disputes.

DVLA Notifications

Vehicle owners sometimes neglect to notify the DVLA after selling or transferring ownership. An oversight can result in unexpected parking or speeding penalties. In such cases, contact the DVLA immediately as you may need the car keeper's details.

Before transferring the car, tell the DVLA of the sale or transfer date to prevent further liabilities.

How to Request Owner Information from the DVLA

If you have a good reason to ask the DVLA for information about a driver, you need to fill out a V888 form and post it. Send your application and £2.50 cheque or postal order to "DVLA, Swansea" to:

Vehicle Record Enquiries
  • DVLA
  • Swansea
  • SA99 1AJ
This is the only way to legally find who owns a car, find a car registration number owner, or confirm who owns car registration number. For official details, GOV.UK provides more information.

Best Ways to Track Down Car Owner Information Legally

Online tools cannot identify vehicle owners from registration numbers. There are allowed methods, and the right one depends on why you need the owner's information.

Situations Where Finding a Car Owner May Be Necessary

If you cannot reach the owner of an abandoned vehicle outside your property, report it to your local government.

You can submit a V888 form to the DVLA and provide a 'reasonable cause' for requesting the owner's data, but reporting the car to your council is usually faster and easier.

How to Check if You Are the Legal Owner of a Vehicle

To get vehicle information from the DVLA, submit a V888 form. This helps to check registered owner information and confirm legal ownership.

Steps to Take If You Want to Buy Back Your Old Car

Start with the DVLA's Vehicle Enquiry Service. This displays vehicle information such as manufacturer, colour, registration date, and fuel type. However, it does not list the registered keeper.

Alternative methods may help you find vehicle owner details. Social networking, an owner's club for vintage cars, or the applicable dealership for traded-in cars are all options.

Is It Possible to Find the Name or Address from a Registration Number?

You must meet certain requirements to apply to the DVLA using a V888 form to obtain the registered keeper's details from a car registration number. DVLA will only give this information if you can prove 'just cause'. If a 'just cause' exists, the DVLA may share a registered keeper's name and address with third-party parking firms.

FAQs

How Can I Find The Registered Keeper's Details Without A V5c Document?

You can get registered keeper details from the DVLA without a V5C by submitting a V888 form. Please provide the car's registration number and a "reasonable cause" for your request, such as an accident or abandoned vehicle. The only authority allowed to disclose the registered keeper's name and address is the DVLA.

 

Why Should You Verify A Vehicle's Keeper History Before Buying?

The number of previous owners is crucial when considering a vehicle's history. A higher number of owners may suggest more aggressive usage and different care standards, which could affect vehicle condition and performance.

 

What Is The Cost Of Checking A Vehicle's Previous Owners?

A thorough car check costs £10–£20, depending on the provider. Use a car value check or car reg check owner report before purchase.

 

What Information Does A Number Plate Check Provide?

It shows make, model, colour, MOT history, mileage records, tax status, and number of past owners, but not the current owner's information.

 

Is It Possible To Find Out Who Owns A Car in the UK?

Yes, but only with a V888 form from the DVLA and proof of "reasonable cause." This applies if you want to find owner of vehicle, can I find out who owns a car, or find a vehicle owner legally.

 

Can I Check A Car's Previous Owners For Free?

No, information about the former owner is not free. You've to pay or apply for a vehicle check from the DVLA to check ownership of car, how to find out who owns a car, or how to check who owns a car when needed.

Author Image
Tony Gastro

A dynamic automotive industry expert with 15+ years of experience in design, engineering, and market strategy. Specialises in cutting-edge innovation, sustainability, and performance, leading transformative growth across global automotive markets.