Registration as a built-up? is this easier?

[u09521]

You need the RC1 and proof of sale with a copy of their ID from the owner that's on the system.
It makes sense - you cannot go and de-register or register or scrap or change ownership without the official owners permission.
If its on the system they will provide the details of the owner and hopefully you can still find them.
If you can't, you have to write a registered letter to the official address on the system and wait for it to be returned to you as undeliverable. Then you can make an affidavit using the returned letter as the basis of proof that the owner can't be found. Then some process I don't have experience of happens, but I'm sure it will be long and frustrating.
Only the official owner can request a copy of the RC1 and they must collect it in person from the relevant licensing office, so if you find them be nice.
Only the official owner can scrap/deregister remove the vehicle from the system. In order to do that all the arrear license fees must be paid.
If it was de-registered/scrapped you can re-register after getting police clearance, mass certificate, data dots, roadworthy cert (provided you have the scrapping/dereg certificate VDC)
If you don't have a genuine RC1, and its on the system, there is basically no chance unless the official owner is involved.
Don't be scammed by people who claim they have 'contacts'