Finding the owner of a personal number plate - legally

[Marf]

I've identified a plate I'd like to buy but have no idea how to approach the owner, or even if it's possible to do this?

[Shaw Tarse]

This question has been asked before,I don't think you can get their name & address from dvla (unless you have a good reason)

[Marf]

I feared as much, I know the car it is on hasn't been taxed for 18 months.

If the car were to go for scrap, what would happen to the plate? Would it go back through the DVLA plate auctions?

[Shaw Tarse]

As far as I know the plate is scrapped too?
Though I wouldn't be surprised if this changes ££££

[Marf]

Hmm, well I'd hope that the DVLA's money grubbing might offer a reprieve.

[S3_Graham]

Marf said:

Hmm, well I'd hope that the DVLA's money grubbing might offer a reprieve.

Does the car regularly block your driveway and you need to get in contact with the owner to ask them to move it??

[uk66fastback]

You could try phoning one of the Reg plate companies - you're not telling me they don't know how to get hold of people somehow through their plate ... and say you want XXXXXXX and you know the car it is on but don't know how to get hold of it etc.

Probably have to pay an inflated fee tough.

I wanted D351 GNP many years ago - even asked some coppers sat in a squad car one day how I could get it - they couldn't help.

Never did get it.

Can you say what the no. is you're after?

[Ozzie Osmond]

Marf said:

If the car were to go for scrap, what would happen to the plate? Would it go back through the DVLA plate auctions?

No, the plates never come round again.

You say you've "identified" the plate. Sounds like a note under the windscreen wiper would be the best way to contact the owner.

[Marf]

uk66fastback said:

You could try phoning one of the Reg plate companies - you're not telling me they don't know how to get hold of people somehow through their plate ... and say you want XXXXXXX and you know the car it is on but don't know how to get hold of it etc.

Probably have to pay an inflated fee tough.

Not tried that no, may have to have a ring round.

uk66fastback said:

Can you say what the no. is you're after?

I'd rather not, suffice to say it's personal to me and wouldn't belong in the chav number plates thread

Ozzie Osmond said:

Marf said:

If the car were to go for scrap, what would happen to the plate? Would it go back through the DVLA plate auctions?

No, the plates never come round again.

You say you've "identified" the plate. Sounds like a note under the windscreen wiper would be the best way to contact the owner.

If I could do that I'd not be posting here

Direct.gov vehicle check aided me in it's identification. All I know is the information provided on that website and have no idea where the car actually is.

[The Moose]

Have you done things like googling the plate etc?

What's the vehicle it's on? Any marque/model specific forums to look at?

[Fun Bus]

I know you're not keen to share what the plate is OP, but if you did you could find someone knows something or even owns it!

I know, I'm clutching at straws.

[Shaw Tarse]

Just because it's not taxed, doesn't mean it's been scrapped.

[Marf]

The Moose said:

Have you done things like googling the plate etc?

Yep to no avail.

The Moose said:

What's the vehicle it's on? Any marque/model specific forums to look at?

Hadn't thought of that, will give it a go. It's on a MkIII Golf.

Edited by Marf on Saturday 6th October 18:28

[Marf]

Shaw Tarse said:

Just because it's not taxed, doesn't mean it's been scrapped.

Yep I know, just thinking that it may end up that way given how long it's been untaxed.

[The Moose]

Marf said:

The Moose said:

Have you done things like googling the plate etc?

Yep to no avail.

The Moose said:

What's the vehicle it's on? Any marque/model specific forums to look at?

Hadn't thought of that, will give it a go. It's on a MkIII Golf.

See what happens. Maybe off road for a restoration project - hence sorn for a while. Bit of a long shot though.

[E500 TAT]

The next problem, if you find the car is that if it's not been taxed for 18 months it's probably well out of MOT too.

If you bought the car you'd have to get the car road legal again before you could transfere the plate over to another car or onto a retention certificate.

[E500 TAT]

Have you checked to see if it's been written off?

An HPI check?

[Marf]

E500 TAT said:

The next problem, if you find the car is that if it's not been taxed for 18 months it's probably well out of MOT too.

If you bought the car you'd have to get the car road legal again before you could transfere the plate over to another car or onto a retention certificate.

Damn yeah you're right. I'd forgotten all about that, I went through all that to get a plate off my dads car a while back.

Bah, I guess it's hopeless

[LaurasOtherHalf]

I'm in the same boat, it can't be done (legally).

How about we start a "do you know this plate" thread where we could post up what we want & if anyone sees it they could pass our details on?