We Don't Settle Car Ownership Disputes - DVLA

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has issued a strong public caution distancing itself from disputes over vehicle ownership, declaring that it has no legal mandate to adjudicate or arbitrate such conflicts. 

The Authority stated its role remains strictly administrative- limited to the registration and licensing of vehicles based on documents submitted by applicants at the time of registration.

In a notice signed by the Chief Executive Officer, Julius Neequaye Kotey, the Authority stressed that disagreements over the rightful ownership or legal title of vehicles must be resolved through the courts or Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms under the Judicial Service.

According to the DVLA, it is not a judicial institution and therefore lacks the legal power to determine who owns a vehicle whenever conflicts arise between parties, urging the public against assuming that possession of DVLA registration documents automatically settled questions of legal ownership.

The notice further explained that the DVLA would only effect changes in ownership records after the presentation of a valid court order or a legally executed transfer agreement signed by the parties involved. Without such documentation, the Authority says it cannot alter its records, regardless of claims made by disputing individuals.

With this announcement vehicle buyers, dealers and financiers are expected to exercise greater due diligence before entering into vehicle transactions. 

The DVLA also urged citizens to ensure that every vehicle transaction is backed by proper legal documentation to avoid future litigation and financial loss. 

Read the full unedited release from the DVLA: 

PUBLIC NOTICE: DISPUTES OVER VEHICLE OWNERSHIP

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) wishes to inform the general public that our mandate is limited to the registration and licensing of vehicles based on the documentation provided at the time of application.

Please be advised of the following:

• No Legal Jurisdiction: The DVLA is not a judicial body and does not have the legal authority to settle or arbitrate disputes regarding the ownership of vehicles.

• Resolution of Disputes: Any contest or disagreement regarding the legal title or ownership of a vehicle must be settled through the Law Courts or via the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms of the Judicial Service.

• Documentation: The DVLA will only update its records or effect a change of ownership upon the presentation of a valid Court Order or a mutually signed legal transfer agreement.

We urge all citizens to ensure clear legal title before proceeding with any vehicle transaction.

Signed,

Julius Neequaye Kotey

Chief Executive Officer, DVLA