Press release no:3 - DVLA saving stamps to be replaced by Post Office® scheme

Following the introduction of the Post Office® saving stamps scheme, which can be used to save for car tax as well as other products, DVLA is to withdraw Motor Vehicle Licence (MVL) Saving Stamps from sale on 31 March 2005. This change will avoid duplication of administrative effort, and ensure the continuation of a saving option for customers.

Customers who have already purchased DVLA stamps will be able to redeem them at vehicle licence issuing Post Office® branches until 31 March 2006. Customers wishing to save for their car tax will be able to purchase Post Office® saving stamps of the same value (£5.00 each).

Trevor Horton DVLA External & Corporate Service Director comments:

“In recognition of the fact that Post Office® saving stamps can now be used to save for car tax, we are withdrawing DVLA MVL stamps from sale. Our customers will of course still be able to use stamps to save towards the purchase of their tax discs, and, they will be able to redeem any existing DVLA MVL stamps at vehicle licence issuing Post Office® branches until 31 March 2006. After this date DVLA MVL stamps can only be used at DVLA Local Offices or refunded through DVLA, Swansea.

To maximise customer convenience, we will permit the use of a combination of DVLA MVL and Post Office® saving stamps to buy car tax in vehicle licence issuing Post Office® branches during the transition phase. These must however be saved on the designated stamp cards.”

Notes to Editors

• For further information on DVLA Motor Vehicle Licence (MVL) Saving Stamps, customers should telephone the DVLA enquiry unit on 0870 240 0010.
• Until 31 March 2006, customers may use a mixture of both DVLA MVL stamps and Post Office® saving stamps to buy their car tax at vehicle license issuing Post Office® branches. However, both types of stamps must not be mixed on the same stamp card.
• DVLA MVL stamps must be attached to the V218 Vehicle Licence Saving Stamps Card (V218W can also be used in Wales). Post Office® saving stamps must be attached to the Post Office® saving stamps collector card, P6386 (or P6386W in Wales). Both cards are available from all Post Office® branches.
• DVLNI MVL stamps are also being withdrawn in line with DVLA.
• Post Office® saving stamps can only be used in Post Office® branches. They can not be used at DVLA Local Offices / DVLNI Local Offices or refunded through DVLA or DVLNI.