Registration Plate not showing up on DVLA - Avoid?

[gj1245]

In two minds about going to look at a BMW E46 325ti that's near to me. Only when I tried to enter the REG into DVLA database, mot history database or in fact any type of websites offering a free reg check - it failed to return any results (registration not recognized). It's a 52 reg plate so it roughly matches up to the car's age and it doesn't seem like a private plate either. Wondering what could cause this and should I avoid altogether or is it worth a punt?

[Ankh87]

If you work for a certain company (i.e. animal testing, Government, Army) then you can complete a form, send it to the DVLA to which it then removes your car from the online database. It can never be returned back to the database. This stops say people finding out your information (contacting the DVLA and asking for your address to report an accident) and possibly causing issues.
Company I work for does this but I refused as if you do this then you cannot tax it online and any insurance can't be done online either.

I'd say ask the seller for the vin or for photos of the MOT certificates. If they say it's online, tell them you've checked and it's not appearing. Most people have facebook, whatsapp or something they can send a picture message with.
If they just say no then walk away.

[Trevor555]

Has it just had a private plate removed?

If the seller says not then avoid.

[gj1245]

It's listed on Facebook and I really can't be bothered trying to do it over messages so will probably go and have a look at it anyway and see what he says. Had no idea DVLA removed cars from the database, that could come in quite handy if you're partial to some hooliganism behind the wheel
Private plate removed was the only scenario I could think of Trevor so I'll be sure to ask him that, is there any way I'd be able to check this though? I suppose he could just lie about it?

[Trevor555]

gj1245 said:

Private plate removed was the only scenario I could think of Trevor so I'll be sure to ask him that, is there any way I'd be able to check this though? I suppose he could just lie about it?

The data base usually updates within 2 working days, MOT and Road tax checks.

Hpi, and other vehicle check websites can take a little longer.

[gj1245]

It's been listed for two weeks now so it probably won't be that then. Starting to think it might not be worth bothering with. Shame because otherwise it looks relatively straight.

[Trevor555]

gj1245 said:

It's been listed for two weeks now so it probably won't be that then. Starting to think it might not be worth bothering with. Shame because otherwise it looks relatively straight.

Yes, you'll have to avoid it.

You wont be able to tax it if it's not showing on the DVLA system.

Small chance it could be a DVLA mistake, only way you'll know is by calling the DVLA with the Vin number if the seller will share that with you.