Form V888 Guide: How to Request DVLA Vehicle Information

Form V888 lets individuals request information from DVLA's vehicle records. You can use it to request information about a vehicle currently or previously registered to you, or to ask for another vehicle's registered keeper details if you have reasonable cause.

V888 applications must be sent by post. Fees range from £2.50 to £5 per vehicle, depending on the information requested.

You can download the official V888 form from GOV.UK.

Table of Contents

• What Is Form V888 Used For?
• Which V888 Option Do You Need?
• How to Complete and Submit Form V888
• What Evidence Do You Need?
• Can You Find Vehicle Information Without V888?
• V888 vs V5C vs V62
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Form V888 Used For?

Form V888 is an official DVLA application for requesting information held in its vehicle records.
It has two main uses:

• Option A: Request information about a vehicle currently or previously registered to you.
• Option B: Request information about another person's vehicle or registered keeper details.

For example, you might need vehicle information following an incident that damaged your property, to identify the registered keeper of a vehicle abandoned on your land or to obtain records relating to a vehicle you previously kept.

DVLA does not automatically release another person's details. You must explain why you need the information and how you intend to use it. DVLA assesses whether you have reasonable cause.

Which V888 Option Do You Need?

The current V888 form has two options. Choose the one that matches your circumstances.

Option A: Your Own or Previously Registered Vehicle

Use Option A if you want information about a vehicle currently registered to you or one that was previously registered in your name.

You must complete sections 1 to 3 of the form, providing:

• Your name, address and contact details.
• Previous name and address details, where applicable.
• The vehicle registration number, make and model.
• A clear explanation of the information you need, why you need it and how you will use it.
• Your signed and dated declaration.

Fee: £5 per vehicle.

Option B: Another Vehicle or Registered Keeper

Use Option B if you need information about a vehicle registered to someone else.

The form includes specific categories:

You must complete sections 1 to 4, provide proof of address and include evidence relevant to your request.

There is also an Other category. If none of the listed reasons applies, explain what information you need, why you need it and how you will use it. The form does not specify a fee for this category.

DVLA will decide whether your request meets its requirements.

Payment must be made by cheque or postal order payable to 'DVLA Swansea'. DVLA does not accept damaged or altered cheques. The V888 form does not provide an online or card payment option.

How to Complete and Submit Form V888

Step 1: Download the Official Form

Download the latest DVLA V888 form from GOV.UK.

The form was updated in October 2026, so use the current version rather than an older saved copy.

Step 2: Choose Option A or Option B

Tick the relevant box at the top of the form.

• Option A: Complete sections 1 to 3.
• Option B: Complete sections 1 to 4.

Use black ink and capital letters, as instructed on the form.

Step 3: Enter Your Details and Explain Your Request

Provide the vehicle registration number, make and model, together with your personal details.

Explain specifically:

1. What information you need.
2. Why you need it.
3. How you intend to use it.

For third-party requests, include the circumstances that support your reasonable cause.

Step 4: Include Supporting Evidence and Payment

Check the evidence requirements for your chosen category. Option B applications require proof of address, and some categories require additional documents.

Include a cheque or postal order for the applicable fee.

Step 5: Sign and Post Your Application

Sign and date the declaration, then send the form, supporting documents and payment to:

Before posting, check that every required section is complete and that you have included the correct supporting documents.

What Evidence Do You Need?

The evidence depends on the type of information you're requesting.

All Option B applications require proof of address. The form gives examples of a bank statement or utility bill dated within the last three months.

Additional requirements include:

If you're reporting a vehicle on land you do not own, the form asks for a signed letter from the landowner authorising you to act on their behalf.

DVLA's MIS546 guidance explains the circumstances in which information may be released and the evidence needed.

Can You Find Vehicle Information Without V888?

You may not need V888 if you're only looking for basic vehicle information. GOV.UK provides free online services for checking certain vehicle records.

These services do not provide the registered keeper's name and address. If you're buying a used vehicle, start with the free checks and examine the seller's V5C before deciding whether you need further information.

What If You Only Need Your Own Records?

There is another option if you want personal information DVLA holds about you or your vehicle.

You can make a subject access request (SAR) for free. Unlike V888, DVLA accepts subject access requests by email or post.

V888 vs V5C vs V62: What's the Difference?

These documents serve different purposes.

V888 is not a replacement for V5C. It requests information rather than issuing a new registration certificate.

A V5C records the registered keeper, who is not necessarily the legal owner.

If you've lost your logbook, use the appropriate GOV.UK replacement V5C service or the V62 application process.

CarForms also offers a V62 application service for motorists who want assistance with their paperwork.

Start Your V62 Application →

Quick turnaround after ordering I just finished my order. It says the v62 form will be posted within 24 hours. I'm happy with that N Nedas Rascola · 23 Aug 2026 · Verified

Frequently Asked Questions

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