In July 2012, findings of a public consultation were announced into the transformation of DVLA services. The outcomes of this review determined that transactions and services should be gradually migrated from the existing 39 DVLA Local Offices to a mix of alternative channels. DVLA has started the changes necessary to facilitate the closures of the local offices as a step change towards a digital business.

All local offices are scheduled to close in three tranches, these are highlighted below:

Work already done includes:

Extending the existing service for taxing vehicles at Post Office® branches to included taxing Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and requesting duplicate tax discs.

Enhancing the existing Automated First Registration and Licensing scheme to enable tax discs to be distributed from DVLA Swansea direct to customers, dealers and fleet operators.

Changes to law that allow newly registered vehicles to be used/driven on the road for up to 14 calendar days from the date of registration without the need to display the tax disc. This mitigates concerns raised by customers around delays in receiving documentation through the post.

Centralised the work of 10 area enforcement centres and processes around applying for trade licences at DVLA Swansea.

Introduction of centralised postal applications directed to DVLA Swansea including personalised registrations (from 1 July) and first registration applications using V55 forms (from 22 July).

Redirecting customer mail to DVLA Swansea for processing, communicating these changes via local office and motor industry representatives.