DVLA have lost my V5 document and marriage certificate

Helen217

I needed to change my surname on my V5 document, so I checked their website on what I should do and then send the form, along with a copy of my marriage certificate as it instructed, to the DVLA for the documents to be changed and reissued. This was back in May 2020! A few months passed and to be honest I forgot I hadn't received it back. I chased them for it in August and was told that paper applications were taking longer to process than usual due to Covid-19, and as I'd already made an application they would process it and return any documentation as quickly as possible. I then chased them again in October when I'd still not received anything back and asked for it to be investigated. They responded asking me to check when the original V5 had been issued using an online link they provided and I gave them the date which was in 2017. They came back to me saying that applications were taking up to 8 weeks to process at the moment and as it had been longer than this since I had sent in my documents (now 6 months!) I needed to fill in a V62 for and pay £25 for a replacement! I've queried this since I've sent them the documents needed (including my marriage certificate which is being conveniently glossed over) and it would appear my documents have been lost! What can I do as I don't feel I should be charged for a replacement when they have lost the paperwork including another legal document - marriage certificate! Please help!

AdrianC

When lockdown kicked in, back in March, DVLA's website was very clear in saying "Don't post us anything, we aren't opening it".

Being in Wales, the lockdown lasted longer than in England, and they didn't start processing post again until July - by which time, you can imagine how big the backlog was...

So, yes, it's entirely possible that the paperwork is still mislaid in the bowels of Swansea, rather than permanently lost-lost. But the only way to find out is to wait.

Do you have any proof of posting?

A replacement marriage certificate can be ordered, and costs £11.
https://www.gov.uk/order-copy-birth-death-marriage-certificate

facade

If it is lost, it is lost I'm afraid, the DVLA are a bit inflexible on this and making us pay for their mistakes. (Probably as people can just claim  the DVLA have lost it not them)

No help now, but you don't have to send proof to change your name by marriage.

sheramber

facade said:

 

No help now, but you don't have to send proof to change your name by marriage.

Seems you do  https://www.gov.uk/change-name-driving-licence
Send DVLA your old driving licence along with the right application form and any supporting documents to change your name or gender.