Unable to renew car tax and DVLA refuse to answer the phone

AJ84

Hi all,
Long story short though summarised in the title...
The car was supposed to go to a dealership to be traded in over the weekend a few days prior to tax renewal date.  During this window, the numberplate on the car had been put onto retention and reverted back to its original.
Unfortunately due to a delay, the selling of the vehicle has now been moved to this weekend and so on Sunday 30th May, I proceeded into renewing the tax via the online linke and V11.  
But... the issue is, the ref number on the V11 is not being accepted on the DVLA site stating the below message which I can only think is due to the numberplate change where the reference number is associated to the plate now on retention.

On the assumption bank holiday they were shut, I tried ringing the DVLA pretty much all day Tuesday from morning to evening to be told they are too busy and to ring back later at every attempt.  I also had a live chat explaining the situation + the fact no one is answering to which she responded...you guessed it... you need to ring the DVLA.
I am now seeing on their twitter account they are now in the middle of industrial action and to avoid calling the call centres.

Completely stuck as to what to do.  
1. Website won't accept V11 number to tax
2. Can't get through to DVLA
3. Live chat says ring DVLA
4. Can't go to PO as new V5 has not arrived post number plate change
5. Can't drive car due to no tax which is severely impacting nursery runs, day2day shops, work etc.
6. Can't complete the sale to then pickup new car as the car is effectively prisoned by lack of tax to get to the dealer but also lack of V5.

Any advice would be appreciated!
Thanks in advance

Error is:

Vehicle details could not be found

Sorry, your vehicle registration mark or reference number has not been recognised. This means you cannot proceed with your Tax application.

sheslookinhot

Just use the car for a few days or be without one, or use public transport / a taxi if you need to travel.

AdrianC

I'm not sure where the surprise is - yes, the old V11 is linked to the registration printed on it.

You've changed the plate, so you need to wait for the new V5C through (with the new reg on it) before you can tax or SORN or change keeper.

When the new V5C arrives, you can tax it online.

Yes, the DVLA have been going through industrial action due to concerns over safety of their Covid working practices. This has been going on for a couple of months.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-57327481

flashg67

How long has it been? My last V5 came though within a week (in Feb). I don't think you / the dealer will be able to change the new keeper either without it

AdrianC

flashg67 said:

How long has it been?

I'm reading it as they did the plate change online late last week, in the run up to the bank holiday weekend...

k3lvc

Does change of plate online not generate a new V5 reference number in the email confirmation ?

I bought a motorbike remotely last week and and it's being delivered in a few days time - I was able to SORN from the reference number in the 'Change of Keeper' email I received