how to transfer a private number plate on retention

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Private (personalised) number plates

Assign a private number to a vehicle.

To assign a private (personalised) number to a vehicle, you need one of the following:

Eligibility

The vehicle must:

If you have a historic (classic) vehicle you’ll also need a current MOT certificate, even if your vehicle is usually exempt from MOTs.

Apply to assign a number

If the vehicle is:

It’s free to apply online or by post. You need the vehicle’s log book (V5C) .

If you already have a private number on your vehicle, apply to take it off first. You could lose the right to use the number if you do not.

Apply online

The number will be assigned immediately if your vehicle does not need an inspection. Be ready to put new number plates on the vehicle as soon as you’ve applied.

Assign a number online

This service is open from 7am to 7pm. It’s also available in Welsh (Cymraeg) .

Apply by post

Send all of the following documents to DVLA :

If you’re assigning the number to someone else’s vehicle, add them as a ‘nominee’ - complete section 2 of the V750 or V778.

To tax your vehicle at the same time, include all of the following:

After you assign a private number

You’ll be sent:

You must put new number plates on the vehicle before you drive it.

You can keep the original registration number and plates - they’ll be reassigned to the vehicle when you take off the private number.

You must not sell or get rid of a vehicle until you get the new log book (V5C).

If you have not received your log book

You’ll usually receive your log book after 4 weeks.

Contact DVLA if you have not received your log book and it’s been 4 weeks since you applied.

If you have not received your log book after 6 weeks and you have not notified DVLA , you’ll have to pay £25 to get a replacement.

Who to tell about your new registration number

You must tell your insurance company.

Update your registration number for any automatic payment accounts you have, for example to pay:

You may get a penalty charge if you do not update your registration details and enter one of these zones.

If your vehicle has Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation scheme certification, you also need to tell them your new registration number.

Part of Get a private (personalised) number plate: step by step

Step 1 : buy a private number.

Find out how you can buy a number

Step 2 : Assign your private number to a vehicle

You are currently viewing: Apply to assign a private number to a vehicle

or Keep your private number

You do not have to assign your number to a vehicle.

You must renew your right to use the number every 10 years.

Check how to renew your number

Step 3 : Get a new number plate made

If you assign your private number to a vehicle you must get a number plate made up from a registered supplier.

Is this page useful?

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

How do I put a personalised number plate on retention?

How to put a number plate on retention: step by step guide.

How do you remove a personalised registration number from your car? You can now do this online, as well as by sending to the DVLA in the post. Choose whichever option suits you.

Online is quick, taking just a few minutes. See below for full details.

how to put a number plate on retention

Why put a personalised number plate on retention?

You want to do this if you are selling or scrapping your vehicle, but don't yet have another car to transfer it to. The number plate can be held on Certificate for as long as you need to, subject to renewal.

number plate transfer online

Putting a number plate on retention - online service

An online facility is now available to retain your registration number. It's quick and straightforward, taking just a few minutes.

At the moment this online retention is limited to keeping the personalised number in the name of the Registered Keeper of the vehicle. The name and address cannot be changed. If you need to make other changes, you may need to apply by post (see details below).

put number plate on retention - step 1

Have your documents and payment card ready

You will need your V5C Registration Document. This is also sometimes called your logbook.

You may have a blue V5C if it is a few years old. However, the replacement will look like the one in the picture.

put number plate on retention - step 2

Go to the government website for number plate retention (opens new window).

Follow online instructions. Fees apply.

You will receive confirmation whether the retention has been successful. And the vehicle will be allocated a replacement registration number straightaway. You can then get number plates made up, and change them on the car. Don't forget to tell your insurance company of the change.

If your application online is not successful, you will be given more information at the time. You may be asked to send your request in by post (see separate instructions below).

If you're in doubt, contact the DVLA for help. Contact details can be found on the gov.uk website.

put number plate on retention - step 3

Replacement V5C

If your online retention request was successful, you will receive a replacement V5C Registration Document from the DVLA (in the post).

put number plate on retention - step 4

V778 Retention Document

If your online retention request was successful, you will receive a green V778 Retention Document from the DVLA (in the post).

documents number plate transfer by post

Put you personalised number plate on retention by post

You may send your documents to the DVLA by post. Usually this happens if

put number plate on retention - step 1

Number plate retention application form

You will need the a DVLA V317 form to apply for your personalised number plate retention. You can download V317 the form here .

Complete sections 1, 2, and 4 using the information on your V5C Registration Document .

You can either apply to have the retained number plate in the same name as the Registered Keeper of the vehicle, or in someone else's.

put number plate on retention - step 2

Your vehicle V5C Registration Document

Also called your log book.

You should be the owner of the vehicle, to apply for number plate retention.

If you don't have this document, take a look at more detailed instructions provided with the V317 form. More DVLA forms are available if you need them.

If you're still in doubt, contact the DVLA for help.

put number plate on retention - step 3

Payment for number plate retention

Enclose a cheque for the DVLA fee. Details are on the V317 form.

put number plate on retention - step 4

Send to DVLA

Send your completed V317 form, along with your vehicle documents and the fee, to DVLA Swansea. The full address is on the V317 form.

Make sure you've included everything requested, or your application will be declined.

We recommend you make copies of all documents and forms before sending them.

put number plate on retention - step 5

How long does number plate retention take?

Number plate retention application can take up to 4 weeks to be processed.

If the DVLA requests to inspect the vehicle, this will add some delay. Make sure you allow plenty of time for the retention to be completed before disposing of the vehicle or applying for a tax refund.

put number plate on retention - step 6

Number plate retention confirmation

You will receive a letter from the DVLA confirming that your private number plate has been put on retention.

Your vehicle will be given a replacement (standard age-related) registration number. It's likely that it will be the original one on the vehicle, though this is not guaranteed.

You can then get number plates made up, and change them on the car.

Don't forget to tell your insurance company of the change.

put number plate on retention - step 7

Number plate Retention Document V778

The DVLA will send you a green V778 Retention Document , showing the registration number you've put on retention. You can use the V778 to transfer your private number plate from retention to another car at some point in the future.

The Certificate will have an expiry date - make sure it doesn't go out of date.

More useful info on number plate retention

Other DVLA number plate forms

How do I put my private number plate back on a car from a V778 Retention Document? - We;re working on this page for you

4.94 based on 13,866 reviews

How to Transfer a Number Plate from a Car to a Retention Certificate

If you have a personalised registration number on your car and you are in the process of changing that car, then you may need to know how to transfer a number plate from a car to retention. This is always the best option to take if you have a new car on order as it makes the transfer of the registration number so much easier and smoother for both you and the car dealer. The last thing you want is to find that your new car is ready at the dealership, yet your valuable private number plates are still attached to your old car and is going to take 3 weeks or more to remove!

Forms Required to Transfer A Number Plate onto Retention

The form that you need to complete in order to transfer a number plate from a car to retention is called a V317.

V317 Retention Form

Just as if you were going to transfer your private number plates to another car , you will need to complete the V317 transfer form on the left hand side on the front section as the current registered keeper and sign it at the bottom. Then, just turn it over and complete section 4 where it asks if you wish to be the named Grantee (Owner) of the registration number. If not, then there is a section to add the name of the person you wish to have appointed as the grantee.

There is also an area to add a nominee name. This is a handy option if you are selling the registration number to someone else. By adding a nominee, you can keep control of the certificate for the registration until you are paid. It then just needs to be signed by the Grantee (current owner) and posted to the new owner so that they can apply to have it transferred by DVLA.

This is what you need to include in your application to DVLA.

You should wait approximately 3 weeks for the application to transfer a number plate from a vehicle to a retention to be completed by DVLA.

Transfer a Number Plate from a Car to Retention helpline.

The DVLA quote the retention time as 4-6 weeks although in our experience it generally takes about 3 weeks to receive the new documents. If you are still confused, we offer a check and send service for just £25.00 plus VAT whereby we can arrange the application over the phone in most cases. Call us on 01639 888833 for details.

For best matches please enter at least two or three letters

How to transfer a private number plate

Transferring a registration on DVLA website

Our guide will walk you through the steps required to successfully transfer a private plate.

There are 3 types of private plate transfers

Vehicle to vehicle.

Graphic concept of a transfer from a vehicle to another vehicle

You can transfer a private plate from one vehicle to another vehicle.

V778/V750 to vehicle

Graphic concept of a transfer from a certificate or retention document to a vehicle

You can transfer a private plate from a certificate (V778 or V750) to a vehicle.

Vehicle to V778

Graphic concept of a transfer from a vehicle to retention certificate

You can transfer a private plate from a vehicle to a certificate.

What are the 2 types of number plate certificates?

Certificate of entitlement (form v750).

Sample of DVLA Form V750 Certificate of Entitlement

The Certificate of Entitlement (Form V750) is a pink document issued by the DVLA for a vehicle registration that hasn't been put on a vehicle before. A V750 shows that the original purchaser is entitled to the number plate for 10 years.

Retention Document (Form V778)

Sample of DVLA Form V778 Retention Document

The Retention Document (Form V778) is a green document also issued by the DVLA for a registration number that has been previously assigned to a vehicle. A V778 shows that the grantee is entitled to the number plate for 10 years.

1. Transferring a number plate from one vehicle to another vehicle

The process of transferring a registration number from one vehicle to another is fairly straightforward. You'll need to firstly remove the private number plate from the vehicle it's currently registered to. Then you can assign the number plate to your vehicle. This can be done online within a few minutes or by post with the following steps.

Transfer online

Step 1 take your private number plate off of your vehicle..

As long as your vehicle does not require an inspection, the private registration will be removed straight away.

Step 2 Assign your number plate to your vehicle.

Transfer by post

A successful application will result in new, updated V5C's (logbooks) being posted to you, usually within 2 weeks.

2. Transferring a number plate from a certificate to a vehicle

You can replace the existing registration number on a vehicle with a private number plate held on a V750/V778.

3. Transferring a number plate from a vehicle to a certificate

If you have a private number plate on your car already and you want to take it off for any reason, these are the steps you need to take:

FIll in the relevant sections with your V5C (logbook) document reference number and the registered keeper's postcode as it appears on the logbook.

After you apply

When you have completed the online application and payment, the registration number will be removed from your vehicle immediately. After, you will be sent a new logbook showing the replacement registration number. This can take up to 6 weeks for the new V5C to arrive. You will also receive a V778 certificate with your private number plate displayed on it. This certificate will remain valid for 10 years.

A successful application should see you receive a new V778 within 4-6 weeks. We have created a guide to number plate retention , providing you with further information on the topic.

What are the vehicle requirements for transferring a number plate?

To satisfy the rules governing number plate transfers, any vehicles involved must be:

Transferring a vehicle registration is a simple process. Of course, many people prefer the peace of mind provided by an experienced, professional team. That's why Regtransfers offers our customers the option of a fully managed transfer service, taking care of all red tape and formalities.

Related articles

More helpful number plate guides

Stories from the Blog

The role of DVLA

Car registrations and number plates, including personalised number plates, in the UK, are the responsibility of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, usually known as the DVLA. It issues new registrations twice a year and also maintains the central database that records details of all vehicles licensed to drive on UK roads, along with their keeper and registration information.

Regtransfers works closely with DVLA to complete registration transfers as quickly and efficiently as possible. Regtransfers is a DVLA-registered supplier of personal car registrations and number plates and is listed on the DVLA Registrations website. All number plates supplied by Regtransfers comply with DVLA's prescribed standards and regulations.

DVLA administers all UK registration transfers and issues updated registration documents when the registration number of a car is changed, or when a registration is removed from a vehicle and placed on a retention document in accordance with the DVLA Retention Scheme .

DVLA is a registered trade mark of the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency. Regtransfers is not affiliated with the DVLA or DVLA Personalised Registrations. Regtransfers is a recognised reseller of unissued Government stock.

Number plate regulations

When a car is on the road, it is an offence to display number plates bearing any number other than the vehicle's officially recorded registration number. If you purchase a private registration, learn how to transfer private plates before displaying the new number.

All registration number plates displayed on UK vehicles must comply with the official number plate regulations . DVLA oversees enforcement of number plates display regulations and maintains a register of approved manufacturers and retailers of vehicle number plates.

Regtransfers is not part of, and is not formally affiliated with DVLA.

We use cookies to collect some data when you use this website so it works better and is secure. Is that OK?

Find your perfect number plate using our search. Matches to names, numbers, initials... anything!

Find matches to prefix plates. Pick a prefix letter, a number and three more letters. More Info.

Find matches to New style plates. Pick two letters, a number and three more letters. More Info.

Frequently Asked Questions

Try our FAQ search

How do I assign or transfer a number plate from a certificate to a vehicle?

The transferring of a private registration plate from a certificate (V750/V778) to a vehicle is commonly known as 'assignment'.

You will need to send the full V5C (log book) for the vehicle, and the certificate, to the DVLA who will arrange for the assignment and you will receive a replacement V5C back in the post showing the new registration. At this point you can inform your insurer of the change and display the acrylic plates on the vehicle. Any applicable tax and MOT records will be automatically updated.

Alternatively you can attempt the assignment online.

Further information can be found on our page about assigning a private plate to a vehicle .

If the private plate is already on a vehicle, we also have instructions on how to transfer a registration from one vehicle onto another .

Related Questions

Autotrader

Excellent service. Once I had my V5C for my old registration I rang National Numbers, and it was transferred in less than 24hrs. Thank you very much.

Smooth transaction, very friendly staff and regular communication.

Very quick purchase - all done and on my car within 5 days. Great service.

Very good service.

They are very efficient and helpful.

Great customer service from start to finish. Very happy with new registration plate. Would highly recommend.

Requested a plate, which they had released, then bid on and acquired for me. Easy transaction, thanks.

Excellent service, had the new plate on the car within a couple of days.

I highly recommend National Numbers to prospective purchasers of cherished/personalised number plates. Their service was prompt and satisfactory and they patiently answered all my questions when I called them on the phone to inquire about my purchase.

Excellent fast service, paid on day one after a good conversation with Adam on the plate I was looking at, the plates turned up 3 days later and logbook 2 days after that! Thank you very much for a fast excellent service! The plate has made my car my own.

A very professional service with easy to follow instructions. 5* - well done guys.

Trusted for over 40 years

Members of all trade bodies - Cherished Numbers Dealers Association, Retail Motor Industry Federation, Cherished Numbers Guild, Institute of Registration Agents and Dealers (M.I.R.A.D)

Proud to support

Food 4 Heroes

© 1981 - 2023 National Numbers. E&OE. All rights reserved. Registered in England. Company registration number 03441322.

National Numbers, 21 Manor Way, Belasis Hall Technology Park, Billingham, TS23 4HN

DVLA is a registered trademark of the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency. National Numbers is not affiliated to the DVLA or DVLA Personalised Registrations. National Numbers is a recognised DVLA number plate supplier.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Read our privacy policy for more about what we do with your data as well as your rights and choices.

Cookie Controls

For more information on our cookies and what we use them for, please refer to our cookie policy .

Essential Cookies

Essential cookies enable core functionality such as page navigation, your preferences and access to secure areas. The website cannot function properly without these cookies, and can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences.

Google Analytics Cookies

Analytical cookies help us to improve our website by collecting and reporting information on its usage.

Facebook Cookies

These enable you to connect to, share with and enhance your profile on the social network.

Twitter Cookies

Advertising cookies.

These help us to identify how you found out about us, and what advertising we're running is working.

Number Plate Search

Not sure what you want? Find your perfect car with our Car chooser

Number plate retention guide

September 06, 2022 by carwow staff

If you’ve splashed out for a personalised number plate, the chances are you’ll want to keep it when you scrap or sell your car. This guide will walk you through how to retain your private plate.

There are a few ways you can put your number plate on retention, whether you want to put it on a different car or not. You’ll just need a few documents and there is a fee to pay as well.

Am I able to retain my number plate?

In order to retain your private plate, you need to have your car’s V5C logbook . If you’ve lost this, you can apply to have a new one sent to you . There are few other conditions to meet before you’re eligible to retain your number plate:

Something worth bearing in mind is that if your car is written off, you need to tell your insurance company that you want to keep your private plate or you’ll lose it. Once the insurance company has paid out for your car, the registration number becomes its property. You need to be quick as well, as once the car is scrapped you can’t get the plate back.

How to put a number plate on retention

You can either put your number plate on retention by post or online. It will be quicker and easier online, but the fee is £80 either way.

You can apply to retain your number plate online quickly and easily using a form on the gov.uk website . You’ll just need the reference number from your V5C logbook.

If your online application is successful, and if your vehicle doesn’t require inspection, you can assign the number plate to a new car using the reference number they give you.

Applying by post adds some steps and will take longer, but it’s still pretty straightforward. You’ll need your V5C logbook, or the green ‘new keeper’ slip and a completed V62 form if you recently bought the car and don’t have a V5C yet.

You’ll also need a V317 ‘transfer or retain a vehicle registration number’ form. Once all this paperwork is filled out, you need to send it to the DVLA. The address for this is on the form.

Sell your car with carwow

What happens once i’ve contacted the dvla.

If your application is successful, your original number plate will automatically be reassigned to the vehicle straight away. The DVLA will contact you if your vehicle needs an inspection and arrange for it to be looked at.

You’ll be sent an updated V5C with your car’s original registration number, this can take between four and six weeks to arrive. You will also get a V778 retention document.

The V778 proves that you have the right to assign the private number plate for the next 10 years. You have to renew this before it expires if you wish to keep it on retention for longer. You can also give up your right to the number if you don’t intend to use it again.

Once you have changed your number plate , you need to inform your insurance company of the change. You will also need to update the plate on any automatic payment accounts as well for things like the London Congestion Charge or the ULEZ charge. You’ll also need to display the original number plates on the car if you wish to drive it.

Number plate retention FAQs

Can i keep my private number plate without putting it on another car.

Yes. Once you’ve got the V778 retention document then you have the rights to that personalised plate for 10 years. Just bear in mind that, even if you’re not using the plate, you still have to renew the V778 after 10 years.

Can I gift or sell my private number plate?

As long as you own the number plate, you can let someone else use it by either giving it to them or selling it privately. You can do this online or by post using the V5C of the car you want to transfer it to.

If you’re doing this by post, you’ll need to send the V5C of the car you wish to transfer the private plate to, along with either your V750 or V778 to the DVLA. In both cases you just need to fill out and sign sections one and two.

Can I put a private number plate on a car I’m leasing or financing?

You can arrange to have your private plate fitted to your lease car. You’ll need to speak to your leasing company about it, and it’s a lot easier to transfer the plate after the car has arrived. We advise that you transfer the plate off the car again around two months before the agreement ends.

It’s more straightforward to put a private plate on a car you own through finance because, unlike with leasing, you are the registered keeper of the car. You can do this yourself online or by sending your V788 to the DVLA as previously mentioned.

If your car is on PCP finance, and you don’t plan to make the final payment to own the car outright, you should arrange to transfer the plate off the car around two months before the agreement ends.

What happens if my retention certificate expires?

All retention certificates only last for have an expiration date, and while it is possible to renew if before this comes up, if you forget to do so it is not possible to renew it, meaning you will lose any claim to the plate.

Is there any reason why my private number plate might be denied a retention certificate?

The DVLA will renew a retention in most circumstances, but there are a couple that could seem them refuse. If your personalised plate could be interpreted as being offensive, it can retrospectively be added to the list of banned number plates. Plus the DVLA has a ‘two strikes’ rule, which means drivers who use non-standard spacing, fonts, or other design aspects on their number plate will have the plate rescinded if they are stopped twice for the offence by police.

How can I check if a number plate is on retention?

If there’s a particular number plate you would like and you want to find out if it is in use on a car, or on retention, a quick search on the DVLA’s personalised registrations page should point you in the right direction. You could also use the DVSA’s MoT checker to see what car a specific number plate is on.

Looking for an easy way to change your car ? Then carwow is the place to go. You can sell your old car simply by uploading a few pictures and answering some basic questions before our network of trusted dealers can start bidding on it, ensuring you get the best possible price. Your car will be collected from your door, with you receiving payment at the same time.

Compare cars using carwow

Related articles

The rise of the temporary optional extra

Find the cheapest petrol prices – UK price comparison. PLUS: diesel being unfairly priced, report finds

Speeding fines and penalties: what you need to know

How does company car tax work?

Types of car insurance: Which one do you need?

When is a car MOT exempt?

What is third party car insurance?

How to SORN a car with the DVLA

Which cars are exempt from road tax?

What is an international driving permit (IDP)?

How to check a car’s tax and insurance status

Wheel bearing noise: what causes it and how to fix it

How do fuel cards work?

How much is breakdown cover?

What is a Faraday bag and do you need one?

IMAGES

Number plate retention guide
Retention document private number plate car registration form certificate cherished transfer
How to Transfer Private Number Plate From Retention Certificate V750 to Your Car Registration
How to transfer a number plate from retention certificate
Retention document private number plate car registration form certificate cherished transfer
How to Transfer a Number Plate from One Car to Another?

VIDEO

Retention Plate with Expansion Screw
Retention & Transfer Testing
Ola Uber And Rapido Bike Taxi Completely Banned 🚫
Claim a number!!
Mercedes AMG GT-R with LATER Number Plate at AMG Car Meet😎🔥😱 #amg #supercars #mercedes #carmeet
53 pesos ko naging 8,000 sa Golden Palasyo

COMMENTS

How to Transfer Private Number Plate From Retention ...
In this video we show you step by step how to transfer a private number plate from a V750 retention certificate onto your car using the DVAL
Take a private number off a vehicle
a V317 'transfer or retain a vehicle registration number' form - the address is on the form · the vehicle's log book (V5C) or green 'new keeper' slip with a
Assign a private number to a vehicle
Apply to assign a number · registered to you - apply online or by post · a used vehicle you just bought - wait for DVLA to send you a new V5C in your name before
How to transfer a number plate from retention certificate
Complete section 1 "Assigning this vehicle registration number". The information you need will be on your V5C Registration Document for the vehicle the private
How do I put a personalised number plate on retention?
The DVLA will send you a green V778 Retention Document, showing the registration number you've put on retention. You can use the V778 to transfer your private
How to Transfer a Number Plate from a Car to a Retention Certificate
By adding a nominee, you can keep control of the certificate for the registration until you are paid. It then just needs to be signed by the Grantee (current
How To Retain A Private Number Plate
The vast majority of private number plates are eligible for retention. Private number plates that begin with Q/NIQ are non-transferable. You can easily find out
How To Transfer A Private Number Plate
Transfer online · Visit the Take a private number off a vehicle on the DVLA website. · Type in the registration number you want to remove. · FIll in the relevant
How do I transfer a number plate from a certificate to a vehicle?
You will need to send the full V5C (log book) for the vehicle, and the certificate, to the DVLA who will arrange for the assignment and you will receive a
Number plate retention guide
In order to retain your private plate, you need to have your car's V5C logbook. If you've lost this, you can apply to have a new one sent to you