Everything you need to know about Form V888/2A

What is Form V888/2A?

Form V888/2A is the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) application companies use to request the name and address of the person who was the registered keeper of a vehicle on a specific date — the "keeper at date of event." From 1 June 2019, the DVLA split the older general V888/2 form into two more specific versions: V888/2A for keeper-at-date-of-event enquiries, and V888/2B for other types of vehicle record requests. The split lets the DVLA process the most common request type — parking enforcement — more efficiently.

Who uses Form V888/2A and why?

Private parking enforcement companies are the primary users of V888/2A. When a vehicle is issued a parking charge notice (PCN) for a contravention on private land, the parking company needs the registered keeper's details as of the date of the parking event to pursue payment. To access this data, the company must be an accredited member of a DVLA-recognised Trade Association — currently the British Parking Association (BPA) or the International Parking Community (IPC) — and must comply with the relevant Code of Practice. Non-accredited companies cannot obtain keeper data through this route.

What "reasonable cause" means for V888/2A

The DVLA requires companies to demonstrate reasonable cause specific to the date-of-event enquiry — typically evidence that a genuine parking contravention occurred on private land, that the company operates under a valid landowner agreement, and that the request complies with their Trade Association's Code of Practice (including requirements like signage standards and grace periods). Requests that don't meet these standards are refused, and the DVLA periodically audits accredited members for compliance.

How do you submit Form V888/2A?

Accredited parking companies typically submit V888/2A requests electronically through the DVLA's Automated Requesting system (bulk electronic access), rather than one-off paper forms, given the high volume of enquiries most operators generate. Smaller operators or one-off requests may use the paper form, posted to DVLA Swansea with the vehicle details, date and location of the event, and the per-enquiry fee. The DVLA typically responds within a few days for electronic bulk requests and a few weeks for paper submissions.