How can I find my old car?

Looking to reunite with an old car? Here’s how…

You’ve likely owned many cars, but sometimes one leaves a lasting mark – a car that tugs at the heartstrings or sparks a happy memory. Ever wondered if that special car is still out there? Maybe even buy it back?

Finding it isn’t always easy, but it’s possible. We break down the best tools and methods to help you track it down – unless it’s already been crushed.

Ask the DVLA to find the old car

Your first point of call should be the DVLA. They’re responsible for maintaining databases of all licensed drivers and vehicles in the UK. It issues driving licences, collects vehicle excise duty (car tax), manages vehicle registrations and changes of ownership, and handles the sale of personalised number plates.

Here are some steps to talk to find your old car using the DVLA:

1) Get the V888 form

To request information about your old car, fill out the V888 form – a ‘Request by an Individual for Information About a Vehicle.’

• Download it from the gov.uk website.
• Or request it by phone or visit a local DVLA office.

2) Prepare your application

• You must provide proof of your current address (a recent utility bill or bank statement dated within the last three months).
• If requesting info about a vehicle registered to someone else, be prepared to explain your valid reason (‘reasonable cause’) for the request, due to data protection laws.

3) Choose the correct option on the V888 form

• Select Option B if you want information on a vehicle previously registered in your name.
• (Option A is for information about a vehicle currently registered to someone else.)

4) Pay the fee

• There’s a £5 fee to process your V888 request.

5) Submit the form and wait

• Send the completed form along with your proof of address and payment.
• The DVLA aims to respond within four weeks.

Check if the car is still on the road

The quickest way to see if your old car is still out there is by running a free MOT history check using Carwow’s online tool. If the car has a valid MOT or recent test history, it’s likely still on the road.

Other methods to find an old car

If the usual searches come up short, don’t fret – there are other ways to track down your former car.

1) Try online archives

Visit DriveArchive.co.uk, a free database where vehicle owners voluntarily upload details and photos of cars they’ve owned. It’s a privacy-safe way to spot a familiar registration or image of your old car.

2) Reach out to owners’ clubs

If your old car was a classic or had cult status, an owners’ club could be your best lead. These communities often keep informal records and may know if your car is still on the road – or even who owns it now. For rare or valuable vehicles, your chances improve further, as they’re often preserved and tracked in registers.

3) Use social media

Tap into car enthusiast groups across platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Reddit. Share any photos or details you have of the car – model, year, reg number, unique features – and ask the community for help. You might be surprised by the reach and response.

4) Contact the dealership

If you traded in your car fairly recently, the garage or dealer may remember where it went next. Due to privacy laws, they’re not obliged to help, but if you make a genuine case, they might be willing to pass your contact details to the current owner.

5) Post a ‘Wanted’ ad

Place an ad on online car marketplaces, owners’ forums, or in classic car magazines. Let people know you’re searching – sometimes other enthusiasts or even the current owner might spot your post. You never know who’s seen the car recently or has more info to share.

6) Google the registration number

It sounds simple, but typing your old car’s registration number into a search engine can yield surprising results – auction listings, forum posts, or even social media photos from the current owner.

Finding my old car FAQs

What is the best way to find your old car?

One of the best ways to find your old car is to run its registration number through an MOT history checker, like the one on GOV.UK or at Carwow. If the car is still on the road, the MOT history will show recent activity. This confirms that it’s still in use and gives you a place to start.

Can I find my old car without a registration number?

You can’t directly find an old car without its registration number, but there are a few ways to potentially locate it:

• Check old documents, photos, or emails for the reg.
• Try contacting the dealership where you sold it.
• Review past insurance records.
• Post on social media and owners’ forums with details like the make, model, colour, and any standout features.

How can I find my old car registration number?

To find an old car’s registration number, review your records such as bills, finance agreements, or insurance papers. You can also search your emails for DVLA vehicle tax confirmations, which include the registration.

How do I find the VIN number of my old car?

To find your old car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), check common spots on the car itself.

Check the car itself:

• Driver’s side dashboard (visible through the windshield)
• Driver’s door frame (sticker or plate)
• Under the bonnet near the engine
• In the boot near the spare tyre

Look in vehicle documents:

• V5C logbook (vehicle registration document)
• Insurance papers
• Finance contracts

Other places to check:

• Chassis (often stamped in the engine bay)
• Owner’s manual
• Build or compliance plates

If all else fails, search online databases such as the DVLA using your car’s registration number to find the VIN.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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