Thousands of motorists are paying for DVLA-related services that are available for free via GOV.UK, the organisation has warned.
There are a growing number of websites purporting to offer DVLA-related online services, but which are not actually affiliated with the organisation.
Even services that do involve a payment to the DVLA are cheaper if arrived through GOV.UK.
Free or low-cost services that motorists are paying over the odds for include:
- Changing the address on a driving licence
- Changing the address on a V5C vehicle registration certificate
- Renewing a driving licence from age 70
Transactions are always safer and more secure through GOV.UK, too.
“We recommend you always double check you’re using GOV.UK when accessing our online services,” said DVLA chief executive Julie Lennard.
Motorists can do this by checking the website URL that it includes ‘GOV.UK’.
“GOV.UK is the only site where customers will find our official services.
“You may be charged a premium when using other websites offering services that are not connected with the DVLA.”
Copycats ‘not illegal’
Moneysavingexpert.com deputy editor Guy Anker said such copycat sites are not illegal, “but they dress up like legitimate websites, and use clever tricks to appear higher on search engines.
“They get you to fill in forms, which requires no more work on your part than if you’d done it yourself via the official site, and then overcharge you for ‘administration’ or ‘services’.”
In reality, this simply involves passing it to the relevant body and actually requires no extra work.
“These services are usually free or much cheaper if you do it yourself, which can leave a very sour taste.”
One of the worst examples spotted by Moneysavingexpert.com is firms offering ‘checking services’ for driving licence renewals at a cost of £60.
On GOV.UK, this costs just £14.
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