DVLA issues important alert to millions of motorists amid surge | Personal Finance | Finance

February 15, 2026 2,488

Britain’s motorists are being urged to stay on high alert after thousands of drivers contacted the DVLA last year with worrying new reports. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued fresh guidance amid concerns over a key issue.

The advice comes after figures showed nearly 20,000 customers called its contact centre to flag suspicious emails, texts and other activity. In a new social media alert, the agency warned: “Unsure if the message you’ve received from DVLA is genuine? Learn how to spot scams with our official guidance.”

It comes amid growing concern that fraudsters are using increasingly sophisticated methods to trick drivers into handing over personal and financial details. The DVLA stressed that the only place to access official information and services is GOV.UK.

It warned that using other websites could mean motorists are charged more for services that are either cheaper – or completely free – on GOV.UK. In some cases, sites may be fraudulent.

Drivers are advised to search directly on GOV.UK when applying for or updating a driving licence, taxing a vehicle or making Clean Air Zone (CAZ) payments. It added people should not share licence or log book details.

The agency also cautioned motorists against posting images of their driving licence or V5C log book on social media. While receiving a new licence is a milestone, both documents contain key identifying details that criminals can exploit to steal identities or even clone vehicles. Victims can then find themselves receiving parking, congestion charge or speeding fines for offences they did not commit.

Emails and texts asking for bank details

Fraudsters frequently send emails or text messages asking recipients to confirm personal information such as bank or payment details. Some claim the motorist is due a vehicle tax refund.

The DVLA made clear it will never ask for bank account details or request confirmation of payment information by email or text. It will only ask customers to confirm personal details electronically if there is a live enquiry in progress.

Vehicle tax refunds are issued automatically and are never sent via an email containing a link. Anyone receiving a suspicious message is told not to click on links, but instead report it to the National Cyber Security Centre and then delete it.

Watch out for impersonation websites

Another growing tactic involves websites designed to look like official DVLA pages. These sites may charge additional fees for services available free or at lower cost on GOV.UK, including licence applications, vehicle tax transactions and CAZ payments.

Motorists are urged to double-check web addresses and ensure they are using GOV.UK before entering any personal details.