If you are the owner of a private number plate, there may come a time when you need to transfer or change the number.
It will either already be assigned to a vehicle on a V5C vehicle logbook (or V62 new keeper document) or it will be on a retention certificate V778.
Below are the different steps necessary to perform a transfer of a DVLA number plate. If you have decided to sell your personalised number, you will need to take the appropriate measures to legally transfer the private plate to its new owner.
How to put a private plate on a car
If you would like to transfer your private plate to a new car, there are two steps involved.
The first part is the removal of the private plate from its current vehicle, and the second part is assigning the plate to the new vehicle.
For a vehicle to be eligible for transfer, there are specific requirements that need to be met and certain steps that must be followed to transfer a number plate successfully.
The vehicle must be:
• Registered with the DVLA
• Have a current MOT, (or in the case of HGV vehicles, an HGV test certificate.)
• Be operable (meaning it can move under its own power)
• Proof of tax for the past 5 years (or currently have a SORN in place - Standard Off-Road Notification).
• Be available for inspection.
• Registration numbers that begin with ‘NIQ’ or ‘Q’ cannot be retained.
Applying Online
Applying online through the DVLA website with form V317 and a transaction fee of £80 is probably the simplest and quickest method to remove a plate from its original vehicle.
To do this you must have possession of the vehicle's logbook (V5C), and if no inspection is required, the private number can be promptly removed.
Upon completion, an immediate retention reference number will be provided. This reference number can then be used to assign the private plate to a new vehicle via the DVLA's same online service.
If your intention is solely to remove the plate from your vehicle without transferring it elsewhere, a retention document (V778) will be issued along with a new logbook via the post. For instances where the number is to be assigned to a new individual or surrendered, the V778 will facilitate this transaction.
This process takes just a few minutes to complete. Once the plate has been removed from a vehicle, a reference number will be issued which can be immediately assigned to a new vehicle through the DVLA portal.
Applying By post
Alternatively, applications can be made by post, although this method will take a little longer, the cost remains consistent at £80. You will need the following in order for DVLA to proceed with your application:
- Form V317 for the transfer or retention of the vehicle registration number.
- V5C vehicle logbook (or V62 new keeper document).
- £80 transfer fee.
Once the application is received, the vehicle's original registration number will be automatically reinstated. You will then receive a V778 retention document for the private number and a new logbook (V5C) with the original registration number for the vehicle.
To transfer the private plate to a new car, both the V778 and V5C must be sent along with a completed V62 application for a vehicle registration certificate.
This process takes much longer with numbers being unassigned and reassigned to another vehicle in 2 different applications which can take around 2 weeks on average. Receipt of a new logbook can take 4-6 weeks.
Transfer private plate to new car
Again, this is a relatively straightforward process, but the vehicle requirements remain the same, it must have:
• MOT
• Be operable,
• Have proof of tax
• Available for inspection.
When acquiring a new private number plate from either a dealer or an individual, you'll need to assign the plate to your vehicle. Typically, car dealers handle this process for brand-new vehicle purchases if the vehicle hasn't yet been registered.
It is important to ensure that all numbers used meet the eligibility requirements set by the DVLA. Numbers starting with 'NIQ' or 'Q' cannot be used, and a number cannot be assigned to a Q-registered vehicle (which typically refers to vehicles with uncertain age or identity).
Moreover, you cannot assign any number that would give the impression that the vehicle is newer than its actual age.
Online
Assigning your new private number online is a very quick process, taking just a few minutes through the DVLA portal. All you will need to do is enter the vehicle information, including the current registration number and logbook details, along with other necessary information. If you lack the V5C or V62, you'll have to wait until you receive the updated V5C logbook before proceeding. However, if no inspection is required, the new private number will be assigned immediately.
By Post:
To assign a new private number by post, you'll need to submit the vehicle logbook (V5C), proof of registration entitlement or retention, and a V62 application for a vehicle registration certificate. Upon successful assignment of your private number plate, you'll receive a new vehicle logbook. However, this method takes longer, with the new logbook taking 4-6 weeks to arrive. Nonetheless, once the application is approved, you can drive the car with the new plates without waiting for the logbook to arrive.
Certificate of Entitlement (V750) to a Vehicle:
The Certificate of Entitlement (V750) is issued by the DVLA for brand new vehicle registration and is used for issuing previously unused registration numbers. This certificate can be used to assign your private number plate to your vehicle. As with other methods, your vehicle must have a valid MOT certificate, be taxed, and be drivable. Assigning a number from a V750 form is free of charge.
Final Steps After Transfer:
After completing the transfer of a vehicle registration with a new private number plate, you'll need to take some additional steps:
• Inform your insurance company of the changes.
• Update the registration number on automatic payment accounts (such as emissions or congestion charges).
• Do not sell the vehicle until you receive the new logbook (V5C).
Ensuring that all your information is accurately updated will facilitate a smooth change or transfer of private number plates through the DVLA.
Additionally, we are a DVLA-approved supplier of regular acrylic and 4D number plates. If you need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our team. We'll be happy to help.
Looking to buy a private number plate?
Take a look on our website at the thousands and thousands of private number plates to suit all budgets with prices starting at just £275, it is a perfect & unique gift for everybody.
Click the link www.moonstoneplates.com/buy or press our logo to go back to the home page to begin your number plate journey!
Or if you would like to speak to someone you can call our team Mon-Fri 9am to 6pm at 01995 213112 or click here to contact us!
Looking to sell a private number plate?
Alternatively, if you have a registration plate and are looking to sell or know someone who might you can click here to go to our sell page or give our team a call on 01995 213112.
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