Motor trade businesses that supply replacement number plates must make sure they keep full customer records as required, or risk falling foul of a new crackdown, warns the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF).

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and Police nationwide are making unannounced spot checks on motor trade businesses that produce replacement number plates, checking that the correct records are being taken.

Mike Owen, the RMIF’s Head of Aftermarket, commented: ‘Since 2001, businesses have been required by law to keep records of number plate sales. To prevent the cloning of vehicle identities for criminal purposes, only those in possession of the correct documentation are permitted to purchase a replacement number plate for a vehicle. To avoid punitive action being taken against them, businesses must make sure that they take the proper details, and keep records.’

Documents that can be accepted to confirm identity are:

Driving licence
Utility bill issued within the last 6 months
Bank or building society statement
Passport (whether issued or not in the United Kingdom)
National identity card (non-UK nationals only)
Debit or credit card issued by a bank or building society
Police warrant card
Armed forces identity card

The documents to establish entitlement to the registration mark are:

Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C)
Certificate of entitlement to a mark (V750)
Cherished transfer retention document (V778)
Vehicle Licence renewal form (V11)
Temporary registration certificate (V379)
Authorisation Certificate (V948) with official DVLA stamp
Letter of authorisation from a fleet operator (including lease/hire company). The letter must quote the document reference number from the V5C.

Owen adds: ‘RMIF member businesses that require more information on this issue should contact the RMIF Member Helpline.’

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