What you describe seems way more automated than what we have today in Russia. Still…
> Literally nothing about buying a car involves actual people reviewing anything. It's all automated, it's all online.
Who gives dealer access and rights to update government database? I would not be surprised if the dealer does not have access but update their own system and then submit documents to an agency which checks them and modifies the database. DVLA API is documented online and unless they have another undocumented endpoints I don’t see any way to register a vehicle with it.
> Although you can download some forms online, you will still need to return them via post. This is because the forms may ask for sensitive information or require that a passport photo be affixed to the application.
Summing up - it seems what you experienced at the dealer is a sugarcoating for the same old paper based registration process that requires countless clerks.
> Literally nothing about buying a car involves actual people reviewing anything. It's all automated, it's all online.
Who gives dealer access and rights to update government database? I would not be surprised if the dealer does not have access but update their own system and then submit documents to an agency which checks them and modifies the database. DVLA API is documented online and unless they have another undocumented endpoints I don’t see any way to register a vehicle with it.
Car registration process is documented here - https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-registration/new-registrations
This source suggests registration forms have to be sent by mail! https://dvlacheck.uk/online-forms/
> Although you can download some forms online, you will still need to return them via post. This is because the forms may ask for sensitive information or require that a passport photo be affixed to the application.
Summing up - it seems what you experienced at the dealer is a sugarcoating for the same old paper based registration process that requires countless clerks.