The register of number plate suppliers
- Who does it affect?
- Who does not have to register?
- How to apply to register as a number plate supplier
- Sales records
- Enforcement
- Warning
The Register of Number Plate Suppliers was introduced in January 2003. From that date all number plate suppliers in England and Wales were required to register with Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The object of the scheme is to ensure that number plates are only sold to purchasers who can establish a connection with the vehicle for which the plates are intended and can verify their own details. This is achieved by producing documents such as the vehicle registration certificate (V5C) and the photocard driving licence. Number plate suppliers are required to keep records of sales and make them available for inspection by the police and local authorities:
This is an important source of information for the investigation of vehicle crime. These measures introduce some control over the supply of number plates and represent an essential component of the Government’s vehicle crime reduction strategy.
- Register of number plate suppliers
[This information is held on and external site.]
Who does it affect?
A number plate supplier is someone whose business consists wholly or partly in supplying number plates i.e. finished plates that include the registration mark of a vehicle registered with DVLA. Manufacturers, distributors, assemblers, motor factors, motor dealers and retail outlets including on-line retailers could fall within the scope of the scheme provided that they supply the finished product.
Who does not have to register?
- suppliers who only supply plates for newly registered vehicles for the first time in the UK
- number plate suppliers located entirely outside England and Wales are outside the scope of the legislation at present
- manufacturers of number plate components who do not sell complete plates are outside the scope of the legislation
- people who manufacture plates solely for their own use, rather than for sale, are not within the scope of the legislation eg A fleet operator who assembles plates and fits them to his fleet. As he does not sell the plates, he is not a supplier for the purposes of the legislation. However, as an extra statutory concession, fleet operators that are members of DVLAs fleet re-licensing scheme are permitted to register if they so wish. These are companies with fleets of 50 vehicles or more who would have logistical difficulties in providing the necessary documentary evidence to buy plates
• please note that a motor trader who fits new plates to used vehicles to sell on is not exempted because the plates are supplied along with the vehicle, but personal identification is not required from the purchaser
How to apply to register as a number plate supplier
For information on what you need to do and the application forms needed to register, please see How to register as a number plate supplier.
Sales records
The scheme requires businesses to provide records of sales to assist the police and persons appointed by the local authority in the detection of crime. For further information, please see Registered number plate supplier - sales records.
Enforcement
The Vehicles (Crime) Act 2001 authorises a police officer (or a person appointed by a Local Authority) to at any reasonable time, enter the premises of a registered business to inspect records and take copies or extracts. DVLA also has a team of inspectors who visit suppliers’ premises. They are always pleased to answer questions and offer advice to help suppliers comply with the legislation. If they believe stronger action is warranted, they will contact police or trading standards to discuss the possibility of a prosecution. In the event of a conviction, a Magistrate’s Court may either fine/suspend (or both) a supplier if they fail to comply with the requirements of the scheme. The court has the power to suspend a supplier from the register for up to five years.
It is an offence for manufacturers to provide number plates or materials to suppliers in England and Wales who are not listed on the register unless they are exempt or outside the scope of the legislation.
Manufacturers must not provide number plate materials to suppliers in England and Wales who are not listed on the Register unless they are exempt. The scheme does not apply to Businesses trading solely in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Warning
Any unauthorised use of the DVLA name or marks (except where correctly describing or identifying services provided by DVLA) could constitute an offence, and DVLA reserves its rights to take legal action against any such infringements without further notice.
Page last updated: 23/11/2006