Driving Licence and Vehicle Registration Records

The History

In 1903 the Motor Car Act introduced both driving licences and motor car registration.

They were both dealt with by local authorities from 1903 until 1970 when the The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) took over the responsibility.

What records can you find?

The DVLA maintains two registers of interest to family historians.

The  vehicle register records details of vehicles used on roads in the UK.

Details on file include the index number, make,colour and all of the owners names and addresses and dates of purchase and sale.

The Driver Register records details of every drivers name, address, data or birth and convictions.

These records are made available to the public although only in certain circumstances which sadly do not include family history.

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Some of the early local authority records may be available in County Records Offices.