How to transfer a personalised number plate
If you are in possession of a private plate there may come a time where you need to transfer or change the number. If you have recently bought a new private registration you will need to have it assigned to your vehicle.
Already have your private number plate? You will need to follow the necessary steps to perform a DVLA number plate change. In the event that 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 transfer a private number plate from car to car
When transferring a private number plate from one car to another there are certain steps that must be followed to complete a DVLA number transfer successfully. Essentially it is a 2-part process, with part 1 being the removal of the private plate from a vehicle, and part-2 assigning the plate to the new vehicle.
How to get started
For a vehicle to be eligible for transfer, there are specific requirements that need to be met. The vehicle must be:
- Registered with the DVLA
- Be operable (meaning it can move under its own power)
- Be available for inspection.
- Have a current MOT, (or in the case of HGV vehicles, an HGV test certificate.)
- Proof of tax for the past 5 years (or currently have a SORN in place – Standard Off Road Notification).
- Registration numbers that begin with ‘NIQ’ or ‘Q’ cannot be retained.
Online
Applications to remove the plate from the original vehicle can be made online on the DVLA website with the form V317 and a transaction fee of £80. The vehicle’s logbook (V5C) must be in your possession, and if the vehicle does not require inspection, the private number will be immediately removed.
A retention reference number will be supplied immediately on completion, of which can then be used to assign the private plate to the new vehicle using the DVLA’s online service.
If the private number is to be used at a later date, a retention document will be issued (V778) along with a new logbook by post. If the number is to be assigned to a new person, or surrendered, the V778 will be used to complete this transaction.
By post
Alternatively, applications can be made using the postal service and although this way will take a bit longer the cost remains the same at £80. You will need the following documents for the DVLA reg transfer to be completed.
- Form V317 for 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 and you will receive a V778 retention document for the private number and a new logbook (V5C) for the vehicle.
To assign your private number to a different vehicle the V778 and V5C must be sent with a completed V62 application for a vehicle registration certificate.
How long does it take to complete the transfer?
The process can be completed in just a couple of minutes when completed online. A reference number will be provided on the removal of the private plate from the vehicle. This reference number may then be used to assign the private plate to a new vehicle immediately online using the DVLA portal.
By post, the 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.
How to assign a new private number plate to your car.
To assign a brand new private number to your vehicle the process is relatively straightforward. Vehicle requirements remain the same, it must have:
- An MOT
- Be operable,
- Have proof of tax
- Available for inspection.
On purchasing a new private number plate from a dealer or individual you will need to assign the private plate to your vehicle. For purchases of a brand new vehicle, the car dealer will often perform this task for you if the vehicle has not yet been registered.
Any numbers used must meet the eligibility requirements as specified by the DVLA. Any number beginning with ‘NIQ’ or ‘Q’ cannot be used nor can a number be assigned to a Q registered vehicle (vehicles with questionable age or identity). It is also not permissible to assign any number that would make a vehicle appear newer than it really is.
Assigning a number to a new vehicle can be performed either online or by post, whichever method is used the transaction is free.