How to report a cloned number plate as new police tool launches

Drivers who think their number plate has been cloned can now report it through a new national online service on police force websites, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said on 14 October 2024. The service was developed with the DVLA and shares each report with the agency automatically. It matters for anyone wondering how to report a cloned number plate, because victims who reported online or by phone through a generic police form previously also had to contact the DVLA separately, by phone or in writing, according to the NPCC.

The service is open to registered keepers, and to people acting for a keeper who is vulnerable or cannot use online services, provided they have the keeper’s permission. The NPCC said businesses, fleet operators and leasing companies can also use it if they believe one of their registration marks has been cloned and they give a suitable contact.

What the cloned numberplate reporting tool does

The service is reached through the Single Online Home on police force websites. Victims report directly to the local force where the vehicle is registered, using a bespoke form that guides them through the process and explains what to do next. They can upload detailed information and receive a reference number as acknowledgement, and the NPCC said they can add follow-up information if further fines or tickets arrive.

The NPCC said the report is shared with the DVLA so it can be logged against the vehicle’s records. A statement in its release said: “Ensuring we collect the right information from the victim in the first instance supports policing in making enquiries, identifying and investigating offending vehicles and those responsible for the cloning.”

Police studies estimate the minimum cost to society of crime facilitated by cloned plates alone at £30m a year, the NPCC said.

Cloned car registration UK: what to do now

GOV.UK guidance says you must be the registered keeper or have their permission to report. In England and Wales it points drivers to the cloned number plates form on the police website, or the police on 101, and says police using the form will tell the DVLA for you. In Scotland and Northern Ireland the guidance says to call 101. The NPCC release does not say whether the new online service extends to those nations.

If you have been sent a fine or charge for a vehicle that is not yours, GOV.UK says to contact the organisation that issued it, say you have reported the cloning to police and the DVLA, and include the DVLA’s confirmation letter. Newham Council tells drivers disputing a Penalty Charge Notice to quote the police crime or incident reference and upload colour photographs of their vehicle from all angles. The sources do not say whether the new service changes the DVLA confirmation letter, so check with the issuer what evidence it will accept.

What happens after a report is made

The NPCC said police may flag the registration mark on their systems as a suspected cloned plate. That should help officers spot future incidents and stop enforcement being wrongly directed at the innocent keeper. Police may give updates where appropriate and will make contact if they need more information.

GOV.UK says you can keep driving, though police who see a vehicle with your plate, including yours, may stop it and ask for your report reference number, V5C log book and driving licence. It also advises making further reports if new fines arrive, because incidents in new locations are useful to police.

The NPCC said the tool is part of work with the DVLA and government under the Road Safety Strategy. That includes a review of the number plate standard, tougher DVLA checks on suppliers and a consultation on stiffer penalties for illegal plates.

Your questions answered

What happens if someone has cloned my number plate?

You may receive fines or charges for a vehicle that is not yours. GOV.UK says to report it, challenge the penalties with your evidence, and carry your reference number, V5C and licence in case police stop you.

How common is number plate cloning?

The sources give no count of cases. The NPCC said the national tool will help police collect data to understand the scale, and put the minimum yearly cost of crime facilitated by cloned plates at £30m.

How to prevent number plate cloning?

The sources offer no steps for individual drivers. The government’s Road Safety Strategy, as described by the NPCC, aims to tighten plate standards and supplier checks and to toughen penalties. Reporting can help police flag your registration.