Private registration queries when visiting a dealer or indy etc..

[ringway]

If one buys a private registration number, what is the procedure when taking the car to a dealer or indy to have work carried out?

The garage will need to look up the cars service history etc..

So do you give the original reg number, the new reg number or both?

Also, if buying parts on-line or referencing other matters, which registration number do you submit?

TIA.

Paul.

 

[christopherwk]

I would use the VIN number, the dealer should have it, and usually notes it down when work is carried out to the car.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

The cars records should be stored against the VIN - it's unique and doesn't change.

The registration is just a piece of information associated with the VIN, and can change, just like your post code or telephone number.

So once you've told them that your registration number has changed - assuming that they update your record - you'll only need to give them your new registration number.

This is certainly the case for main dealers, but of course independents could do it any way they choose or not at all.

Edited to add:

If you use different businesses, each business will need to update their records.

Online parts retailers in particular may use a live look-up back to the DVLA database which enables them to call up vehicle details like manufacturer, model, year, etc based upon a registration number, in which case once the DVLA have transferred your registration number then the sites that use the look up will only find your car with the new registration number.

 

[bennesspipers]

For ordering parts,at MB or anywhere, it seems that within days of you changing the cars number all their computers know your new number, iv never had any trouble with that.

 

[EDZ649]

Paul, the only time this becomes a real problem is when you buy a car that has just had a number plate removed by the original owner. If the history isn't complete or you have a query the dealers have trouble finding it on their system.

I had a similar problem when I bought my last E55, I wanted to check about rust warranty work previously carried out at Tony Purslow and they didn't have a clue...

Haven't you put that plate on yet??

 

[219]

I normally quote either chassis no or engine no depending on which parts I am ordering .

 

[ringway]

Haven't you put that plate on yet??

LOL!

NO!

I said when we we dealing on that plate that I wasn't in any hurry and the rate at which things are progressing with it it may never make it on to one of my cars.

I've never had a private reg but have also seen another one that I may buy in the hope that someone may take a shine to it and I can make a few bob.

Thanks for all the info guy's, most helpful.

 

[SpikeUK]

As bennesspipers above, my experience is that within just a few days, the new registration is associated with your VIN.

 

[corned]

I was very surprised at the speed of the change in relation to car documentation.

When I bought my S211, the dealer had removed the plate to put on the previous owner's new steed. As I understand it, his private reg was put on the car from new. Yet when I went to view the car (within a couple of days of the car appearing) all the documentation, including a brand new MOT certificate, were in the new issued number - which the car holds now. The number plates were all there already on the car too. When I phoned around for insurance quotes later that day, the issued reg no always came up with the right car details.

Amazing!