Can a motor trader assign a private plate online?

[Stevoraith]

Looking for some advice from the collective knowledge of SE.

Four weeks ago I bought an approved used car from a main dealer.
I've been waiting patiently for the V5 to arrive so I can assign the private number I have on retention.

The DVLA told me today that they are now processing docs recieved the week after I bought my car, so I checked with the dealer to see if there had maybe been a delay in them sending the docs..... turns out they have no record of sending them.

So, the question is, assuming the dealer can find the V5, can he then use the online system to assign my private plate there and then?
That would be a much more preferable option than waiting another 4 weeks for them to send the docs by post.

Anyone had a dealer do this for them on a used car since the online system came in?

[H8OAG]

Hi

Assuming you have not bought from "Honest Arthur's Sheds and Smokers"......yes

They need to be registered to DVLA Digital Services

https://dvladigital.blog.gov.uk/2015/05 ... t-take-up/

[Stevoraith]

Thanks Iain, I thought you may know.

The dealer is a BMW franchised dealer in Oxford so you'd think they will be registered....

Having said that they've not been the most efficient to deal with so far.
I did mention getting them to assign the reg number before I picked it up- he said he'd rather not in case I didn't like the car (I hadn't viewed it before pick up) but I sensed it was more to avoid any hassle on his part.

I've looked at the bit on line where he can do it and it asks for the post code of the registered keeper (which will be the previous owner still). Does this cause any issues with recording extra owners or do I have to make the previous keeper a nominee or anything daft like that?

[H8OAG]

Not sure on that one....push back and get him to try!
The whole concept of digital services is to replicate the counter services from the recently departed DVLA local offices.
If the Dealer cannot oblige?...this is a busy time for DVLA.... so lead time witll be 2-3 weeks

[Stevoraith]

Well I spoke to the DVLA so that I could get step by step instructions to tell the dealer..... but apparently a dealer cannot do it.

The only way to assign a private plate online is if the car is already in my name.

I'm not sure I entirely believe that as it seems to draw out a process which used to be pretty quick but I'm giving up and sending them a V62 (application for a lost V5).

It was a lot simpler when you took your wee green slip to the local office and put your plate on straight away.

[Eric K]

Yeah I think you need to get your new V5 and then send it back with your V778.

Took less than seven days last time.

Caterham couldn't do this for me.

Mind you, I think Caterham couldn't wipe their own bottoms.

[rossybee]

Mind you, I think Caterham couldn't wipe their own bottoms.

How true - although they were very good with a goodwill gesture for me, back in the day