How you can find your previous car registrations

How to find your old car registrations

1. Search your emails

One of the simplest ways to look up old car registrations finding old car registrations is by searching your email archives. Specifically, search for emails from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

2. Check finance provider contracts

If you financed your vehicle through a financial institution, such as a bank or a car dealership, chances are you signed contracts outlining the terms of your agreement. These contracts typically include detailed information about the financed vehicle. Take some time to sift through your email or physical records to locate these contracts. If you can’t locate them, reach out to the finance company via email or phone. You can also request information about a vehicle from the DVLA using the V888 form, which can be filled out online.

3. Check parking apps

Most people have used a parking app when paying to park their car and these require you to list your car and its registration details. Unless it’s been actively removed, the app will keep your previously listed cars.

4. Cherished number plates

If you have a private number plate, there are steps to take to ensure you can include your vehicle.

• When entering the registration number of your vehicle into the claims form, the Vehicle Found results will be displayed.
• It will show the vehicle currently with that registration.
• Select this is not the correct vehicle and enter the dates that the registration was on the vehicle you are claiming for.
• You will be displayed with the vehicle for the dates you've entered. Complete the rest of the form and at the end you will be given an option to add another claim.

5. Data Subject Access Request (DSAR)

If obtaining copies directly from the finance companies proves challenging, we can help you draft a formal Data Subject Access Request (DSAR) to submit to each company. A DSAR allows you to request access to personal data held by an organization. However, please note:

1. Retention Periods: Finance companies are typically required to retain records for a specific period. If the agreements are beyond this retention period, retrieving them may be difficult.

2. Legal Constraints: Some agreements may no longer be accessible due to legal constraints or data protection regulations.

3. Drafting the DSAR: If you choose this option, we will provide you with a template DSAR letter. You can customise it with your details and send it to the relevant finance companies.

The easiest way to find vehicle registration numbers

The easiest way to find your vehicle registration numbers is to use the resources we have available to you such as our handy search tool.

This is the best alternative to trying to find old documentation or calling old finance companies trying to get copies. With a few basic details that you know already, such as your name and email address, we can locate your previous agreements and let you know if you could be owed compensation.

Making a claim

At Slater and Gordon, we are car claims experts and are on hand to help with any queries you may have. Finding your previous agreements has never been easier, using our eligibility checker means you can find out if you could be owed money and make a claim in minutes. Click here to get started.