The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is warning motorists to stay vigilant or risk facing unexpected fines. In a recent alert shared on X, the agency advised drivers to "stay safe online" and only use the official website for DVLA services as using unofficial websites could result in higher charges or, even worse, falling victim to scams.
In a further warning on their website, it states: "Using any other website could mean you’ll be charged more for services that are either cheaper or completely free on GOV.UK. Other websites may even be fraudulent, so our advice is to always use GOV.UK when transacting with DVLA."
In addition to warning about scams, the DVLA advises people never to share certain personal information with strangers, as doing so could lead to unexpected fines. The experts stress: "Getting your driving licence is a big milestone, and you may be tempted to share your new shiny licence or V5C (log book) on social media.
Drivers are also warned not to confirm their personal details if they receive a text message requesting them to do so, as this is a common scam tactic. Fraudsters often send emails or texts posing as official sources, asking for bank information or attempting to trick recipients into believing they’re owed a large vehicle tax refund. The motoring experts warn: "DVLA will never ask you for your bank account details or ask you to confirm payment details. We will only ask you to confirm your personal details by email or text if you have a live enquiry with us."
