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How to Complain to DVLA
Contact the DVLA team you dealt with first. If that does not work, complain to the DVLA complaints team, which aims to reply within 10 working days, then the Head of Complaints. If you are still unhappy you can ask for an Independent Complaints Assessor, and then ask your MP to refer you to the Ombudsman.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
How It Works
The Stages
Contact the department first. Then complain online or to Complaints Team, DVLA, Swansea, SA6 7JL (DVLA aims to reply within 10 working days). If unresolved, contact the Head of Complaints (same address, aims for 10 working days). Then ask DVLA to refer it to an Independent Complaints Assessor. Data protection complaints go to the ICO instead. After the ICA, an MP can refer it to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 10 working daysDVLA aims to replyAt each stage
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Have your driver number, registration or reference ready.
Step 2 of 5
Contact the DVLA team you dealt with.
Step 3 of 5
Complain to the complaints team.
Step 4 of 5
Escalate to the Head of Complaints.
Step 5 of 5
Ask for an Independent Complaints Assessor.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
DVLA Complaints
Complaints team, then Head of Complaints.
Independent Complaints Assessor
Ask DVLA to refer you.
Your MP
Can refer a complaint about a government department to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Use GOV.UK for DVLA services: copycat sites charge extra.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/government/organisations/driver-and-vehicle-licensing-agency/about/complaints-procedure Checked 13 October 2026