V888: Request by an individual for information about a vehicle
Form V888 is how an individual asks DVLA for information held about a vehicle, whether it is their own, one they used to own, or someone else's.
This is the genuine DVLA PDF, unmodified. Source: DVLA official page.
What is V888?
Gov.uk sets out three things a V888 can cover: information about your own vehicle, information about a vehicle you previously owned, and the registered keeper details of a vehicle belonging to someone else. The first two are straightforward. The third is not, because keeper details are personal data.
For someone else's vehicle you have to show reasonable cause and explain how the information will be used. Typical grounds are an accident, damage to property, a trespassing vehicle or an insurance matter. DVLA assesses each request against that test and will refuse one that does not meet it. Fees can apply depending on what you are asking for.
Who files V888?
- Drivers involved in a collision who need the other keeper's details
- Landowners dealing with a vehicle abandoned or parked without permission
- People needing a record of a vehicle they used to keep
- Anyone pursuing an insurance or civil claim that turns on who kept a vehicle
How to fill out V888
- Enter the vehicle registration number and any make or model details you have.
- Give your own name, address and contact details as the person making the request.
- State clearly what information you want and, for someone else's vehicle, the reasonable cause for asking.
- Enclose supporting evidence for the reason given, such as an incident reference or photographs, and the fee where one applies.
- Sign the declaration and post the form to DVLA, Swansea, at the address printed on the form.
Get V888
DVLA publishes V888 as a flat PDF with no built-in form fields, so there is no quick-fill form here. Open it in the editor to type directly onto the pages, tick boxes and sign, or download the official blank and complete it in your PDF reader or by hand.
Frequently asked questions
What is reasonable cause?
It means a genuine, evidenced reason for needing the keeper's details, such as a collision, damage to property or a vehicle parked on private land. Curiosity or tracing someone is not reasonable cause and DVLA will refuse.
Is there a fee?
Gov.uk says fees may apply depending on the type of vehicle information requested. Check the current fee on gov.uk before sending payment.
Do I need V888 for basic vehicle details?
Not usually. Gov.uk has a free online service that shows tax and MOT status and basic details for any registration number. V888 is for information that service does not give you.