09-10-2017, 10:02 PM
(09-10-2017, 09:24 PM)Martin Prior Wrote: If a registration is not on DVLA's system at all and someone has reasonable grounds to claim it, I can't see why it can't be re-issued on a non-transferable basis with the proviso that DVLA can take it back if someone else turns up with conclusive paperwork.
Unfortunately when that situation does arise, no-one wants to take responsibility to authorise the changes. Back in the 1990s I rescued an early Triumph Herald from a scrapyard; the registration and identity plates had been removed, but I found in the locked glovebox its logbook, original sales receipt and a handwritten daily log for its entire life! On the basis of the paperwork I tried to retrieve the original number, and after several inspections including one from the Fraud Squad I was told that since the registration was now on a Spartan kit-car which had changed hands several times it was not possible for me to claim the number; if I pursued the matter then both cars would be issued with new numbers and the original number would be withdrawn altogether!
A similar situation involved one of the original Works Spitfires; the registration number had been re-issued to a bitsa (made up from genuine Works parts) and when the original turned up in France complete with the ex-Works receipt and export documents the DVLA refused to do anything about correcting the situation and the genuine car now has a completely bogus registration.