DVLA paper forms - seriously what is going on there (RANT)

Anthony147

Just had the misfortune to need a service from the DVLA - put a registration on retention between cars.

Attempted to do it online and it reports I cannot.

Here’s where it gets absolutely ridiculous and kafkaesque -

I should download form V317, complete it in pen, send it and the V5C to them alongside a cheque or postal order for £80.

So - Form isn’t in an completable format (yes with appropriate software any form us editable) having a form you can fill in is a very simple thing to build and has the benefit of fewer mistakes than handwriting

It’s 2026 - I haven’t had a printer at home for over a decade so will have to print it elsewhere

It’s still 2026 - I don’t have a chequebook and visiting the post office for a postal order at a cost of £10 is being deliberately obstructive.

The year is 2026 - EVERYTHING on the V5C comes from their systems

Insisting on a paper form that isn’t really useable, payment in an obsolete method and sending documents that contain nothing they do not have access to, just simply makes no sense, isn’t customer focussed and seems almost designed to frustrate people.

Just why is it this bad? - it’s not difficult, simply common sense for leadership - what’s the experience like when you walk it through, fix the pain points, improve it and don’t be obtuse in processes.

born_again

Never done a retention other than online.

Perhaps check your system. Or the time you are doing it…😶‍🌫️

This service is available:

• Monday to Friday, 7am to 9pm
• Saturday and Sunday, 7am to 8pm

Anthony147

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81892516#Comment_81892516

definitely definitely not down to timings - have tried several times and I get as they say they need to do check (only had car for 2 years so could have been Sorned or untaxed previously) BUT as mentioned the form and V5 do not give them anything they do not have or couldn’t be done online.

Simple solution - Instantly done when all good, if checking anything - please wait whilst we conduct checks.

The fill in a form and print it, paying by cheque or postal order only and sending the V5 under the auspices of checks is similarly outrageous in this day and age. Simply - have an online form, take payment with a reference number (for example the registration that is being put on retention) and check whatever it is your checking before sending retention cert and new v5.

They appear to be making it as obtuse and onerous as possible - hence the rant