DVLA is urging drivers to keep their money in their pocket this Christmas after the agency revealed that more than 800 drivers had notified them about third-party websites charging hefty premiums for their services.

Many of these sites appear high up in the results on a Google search, resulting in scores of drivers inadvertently using a third-party website, when they believe they are dealing with DVLA. The agency is reminding drivers to always use GOV.UK, the official government website, to prevent being charged additional fees.

New figures released today show that in the last 12 months, DVLA received notifications from 803 drivers who unnecessarily parted with money to renew their driving licence at 70 years old through a third-party website. Some of these sites charge up to £81 handling fee, which is £20 more than the cost of a typical weekly family shop.

Third party websites charge a fee to pass a driver’s application to DVLA, but these sites are not affiliated with DVLA, and applications made through third party websites will not be processed any quicker than those made through GOV.UK. This is the only place to access DVLA’s online services and where you can be guaranteed not to be charged additional fees on top of any statutory fees that may apply.
 

Source: New feed