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DVLA to use credit reference agency for ID checks
But will data protection laws scupper plans?

By Andy McCue

Published: Friday 05 March 2004

The DVLA is to clamp down on fraudulent vehicle registration applications and improve the accuracy of its databases by using a private-sector credit reference agency to check false name and address details are not being submitted.

A report commissioned by the Department for Transport found that the current vehicle registration system could be tightened up by linking to a third-party ID-checking database because wider data-sharing plans between government agency databases are hampered by data protection laws.

The new plan means names and addresses supplied by the vehicle owners on registration applications can be cross-checked to make sure they are not false, the report said.

A DVLA spokesman said all data protection requirements will be met. "This is intended to increase the confidence that the details being provided on selected applications, which are used to update the vehicle record, are correct," he said.

The DVLA is now looking to enter into a three-year contract with a private sector company that could do the checks. The UK Passport Service is one government agency that already uses credit checking firms such as Equifax. The DVLA spokesman said no decisions have yet been taken on whether such checks could be extended to other applications such as driving licences.

Concerns over the accuracy of some government databases means the move is vital if the DVLA's records are to form any part of the foundation for the Home Office's proposed national ID card scheme.

But red tape could yet scupper the plans. The UK Passport Service is currently trialling a 'personal ID project' at its Glasgow processing office that uses DVLA, DWP and Equifax databases for extra checks. But the viability of the process is hampered by the need to gain consent from every applicant in order to comply with data protection legislation.

The DVLA would not comment on the future of its data sharing plans with the Passport Service and said only that "current arrangements" will continue.