Q575: Is there any way I can find out who the owner of a car is?

If you used to own the vehicle but don't anymore
If you have a letter from the DVLA confirming that you are no longer the registered keeper of the vehicle, send a copy to the organisation that sent you the fine. It's a good idea to keep a copy of any documentation that you send.
 

If you have never owned the vehicle
Write to the DVLA at the address above and ask them for proof that you're not the registered keeper of the vehicle – provide them with as much information about the vehicle as you can. The DVLA will then update their records and send you a letter to confirm this within 4 weeks. You can then send it to the organisation that sent you the fine.

If you suspect your vehicle's number plates may have been cloned because you've received a parking ticket/fine but know it wasn't your vehicle
Cloning involves the copying of the identity of a similar (non-stolen) vehicle already on the road. Criminals find an exact match of the car they have stolen and copy the identity of the legitimate vehicle. This makes the vehicle they have stolen look legal based on false number plates being fitted. Unfortunately, it is up to you as the registered keeper to satisfy the issuer of the ticket that it was not you or your vehicle at the time and place where the alleged offence occurred.

If you suspect your vehicle registration has been cloned, we would suggest you:

• Report the matter to your local police via the non-emergency 101 number, the contact us page on their website (see Q727) or by going to the police station.
• Contact the organisation that sent you the ticket/documentation and explain the circumstances to them.
• Complete any relevant documentation you have been sent and return it to the organisation that issued it, providing them with any evidence that you have to prove your case – see additional suggestions below.
• Write to the DVLA at the above address and explain the circumstances to them – include the crime reference number if the police gave you one. They will keep a record of the matter for future reference.

• You could consider taking a photograph of the rear of your vehicle that may show that it was not your car. There will be differences between your car and the cloned one.
• Legally manufactured number plates must have the details of the manufacturer on them so that may also be a way of distinguishing the vehicles, providing the photograph is of a high enough quality.
• Can you prove your vehicle wasn't in the location at the time of the offence e.g. if you park your car in a car park whilst at work the operator may have CCTV evidence to prove that your car was there at the time of the alleged offence.

If you fail to notify the DVLA, you will be liable for a substantial fine if found guilty of the offence.

A registration document (V5) is not proof of ownership. The registered keeper should be the person who is actually using / keeping the vehicle and this is not necessarily the owner of the vehicle or the person who is paying for it.

That person is the person responsible for the vehicle so far as official communications from the police/DVLA etc., but the owner is the person who put up the cash (or was given it as a gift).

The DVLA make a point of saying that the person named on the registration document is not necessarily the owner.

This is particularly true with a company car which is owned by the company, however the registration document should show the registered keeper, i.e. the day to day user (this may be an employee who has it as a permanent perk with his/her job).

In the case of a car used by a married couple, ownership of any property is usually classed as joint and if the husband/wife was stopped driving the vehicle without insurance the police would probably accept that he/she was the joint owner and not look to the other partner for additional offences, such as owner permitting no insurance.

A registered keeper will usually be regarded as responsible for parking tickets etc. so it would be wise to have the registration document changed if you are the owner, but not the user/keeper. Additionally, as the owner/registered keeper of a vehicle, there might also be some circumstances where you could be prosecuted for an offence, e.g. if you are permitting someone to use the vehicle knowing full well it is not insured or roadworthy.