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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:

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.

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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.

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How To Assign a Private Number Plate To a Vehicle

If you have recently bought a new car, you may want to treat yourself to a brand-new personalised number plate . But you might be wondering how on earth you can transfer a new number plate to your vehicle? You will be pleased to know that the process for doing this is fairly straightforward and can be completed via post or even online.

You can purchase private number plates either on a Retention Certificate or transfer directly to a vehicle, so if you currently have your registration on a Certificate of Entitlement or Retention Certificate, read on to find out exactly how to assign a private number plate to your car .

Contents of this article include the following:

1. how to apply to assign a number plate to your car.

• How to assign a private number plate online?

• How to assign a private number plate by post?

• How long does it take to assign a private number plate?

2. How to transfer a registration number from one car to another?

3. How does it work if I want to give a personalised number plate as a gift?

When it comes to purchasing a new number plate for your car, you can buy a private number plate from a private company or individual. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to bring any documents with you – you only need to have the correct documentation to get a number plate made once you are ready to assign the private number plate to your vehicle.  

Once the plate has been successfully bought, you will have one of the following: 

-  your retention document (V778)

-  your Certificate of Entitlement (V750)

-  an online reference number

Either one of these will prove that your number plate is owned by you .

It is worth bearing it mind that you cannot use a private number plate on your car that dupes people into thinking the vehicle is newer than it is – for instance, using an “18” registration number on a 2008 registered vehicle. In addition, you are unable to assign a number starting with “Q” or “NIQ” or put a private plate on a “Q” registered vehicle.

When it comes to assigning a number plate to a car, the vehicle must be registered to you. Then you can begin the process of transferring the number plate to your vehicle – either online or via post.

If you go into a company and purchase a personalised number plate in the flesh, most will transfer the number to your vehicle for you – free of charge. However, if you purchase a plate online, or want to keep or assign the number plate yourself, ask the company for a V750 or V778 certificate so you can complete the process at home. But how do you go about putting a private plate on a new car? We’ve got you covered:

How to assign a private number plate online?

Screenshot of Gov.uk website application to assign a private plate to a vehicle

You are not required to pay a fee to do this, but you must ensure all your documentation is in order. This includes having a valid V778 document, or a V750 certificate that hasn’t expired.

Bear in mind that if you have recently bought the vehicle and are not the registered keeper, you must wait until you have the complete up-to-date V5C log book.

Once the application has been accepted by the DVLA, you will receive a confirmation email with a number plate authorisation certificate (eV958). If you already have your plates, make sure they are fitted as soon as possible. But remember, before driving with your new plates, you must tell your insurance company that your registration number has been changed, otherwise you will not be insured.

However, if you need to have your new plates made up, you can go ahead once you have received your new log book (V5C) or using your V750/V778 certificate at a DVLA approved number plate supplier . You can also use the number plate authorisation certificate (eV958) as confirmation too.

How to assign a private number plate by post?

If you do not have access to the internet, you can also submit your paperwork to the DVLA by post, but this can take considerably longer. In some cases, sending the documents by post is necessary as you may get a message stating the following:

- “This registration number cannot be assigned” or;

- “We need to look into your application further due to the vehicle’s licensing history”

You must send your application and the appropriate documents to: DVLA Personalised Registrations, Swansea, SA99 1DS

How long does it take to assign a private number plate?

After you assign a private number plate to your car, you will be sent a new log book in the post – otherwise known as a V5C – which can take up to 4 to 6 weeks to arrive. But don’t worry, you don’t have to wait over a month to use your plates; you can use your new plates straight away, once your application has been approved.

assign a number plate to a vehicle

If your private plate is in situ on another vehicle, the process is slightly longer and must be processed in two simple stages. You might be wondering “how to remove a personalised number plate?” – to do this, you must put the plate on retention (online or via post).

To keep your registration number plate once you remove it, you are required to fill out a V317 form (section B) to notify the authorities that the plate will be removed. The form will give you a range of options for what you want to happen to the number once it’s removed, such as transfer a private plate from one car to another.

The process of removing a number plate requires you to pay a one-off fee of £80. If you are transferring number plates to a new car, you will need the vehicle’s log book (V5C) handy. If you apply online, the personalised number will be removed immediately (if your vehicle does not need an inspection). As soon as you’ve applied to remove your plate, use the reference number you get after you apply.

However, if you are completing the application by post, the number plate will be removed within two weeks if your vehicle doesn’t need an inspection. You must send the following to the DVLA:

- V317 "transfer or retain a vehicle registration number" form

-  Your vehicle’s log book (V5C) or the new keeper’s supplement with a completed V62 “application for a vehicle registration certificate V5C”

- £80 fee

Once it has been removed, the next step is to assign the number plate, which allows you to begin the process of changing personalised number plates to a new car. 

To find out how to do this, read the “ How to apply to assign a number plate to your car ” section of this article.

UK number plate format

3. What happens if I want to give a personalised number plate as a gift?

If you would like to gift a personalised number plate , it is much easier than you may think. The process is similar to if you would do if you were purchasing a personalised number plate of your own.

When it comes to purchasing a personalised number plate, like if you were choosing for yourself, you don’t need any vehicle documents. These are only required for the transfer of the registration which can be completed by the gift receiver at a later date. After you have picked the perfect reg plate, the personalised plate will be added to a certificate which will have your name as the “purchase” and the gift receivers name as the “nominee”.

You can request to have the plate delivered to an address – either your own or the receivers. But if you are not ready to gift the plate so early, you can keep a hold of the number plate for a year, free of charge. After one year, you will be charged £25 by the DVLA to renew it.

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Assignment Of A Private Number To A Vehicle

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

You will need to send the full V5C (log book) for the vehicle, and the certificate, to the DVLA who will arrange to assign the number plate, 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 assignment of a private number plate and display the acrylic plates on the vehicle. Any applicable tax and MOT records will be automatically updated to reflect the newly assigned registration.

Checklist before Assigning a Number Plate To a Car

Before contacting the DVLA about assigning a number plate to a car, there are some criteria that must be met to assign a registration to a vehicle:

DVLA will check your number plate assignment application and contact you if your vehicle needs an inspection.

How To Apply Assignment To A Registration Plate

If the vehicle is registered to you, you can apply online or by post.

If it is a used vehicle that you have just bought, you will need to wait for the DVLA to send you a new V5C in your name before you apply to assign the private registration plate online or by post.

If your vehicle is brand new, give the dealer your V750 or V778 document and ask them to apply.

If registered to someone else and you want the private number to be transferred to them, you can apply online or by post.

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.

Assign a Number Plate Online

When you assign a number plate online, the new registration 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 to assign a number plate online.

DVLA Online Registration Transfers Service

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

Assign A Number Plate To A Car

Assign a Number Plate By Post

You will need to send all of the following documents to DVLA:

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

After you assign a private number plate by post you’ll be sent a new log book (V5C).

You must then:

You can keep the original plates - the registration will likely be reassigned to the vehicle should you take off the private number.

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

Assigning A Number Plate To A Vehicle That Is Not Yours

If the registration plate is to be assigned to a vehicle that is not registered in your name - for example, the private plate is for a gift - you will need to add them as a ‘nominee’ and complete section 2 of the V750 or V778.

How Much Does it Cost to Assign a Number Plate?

As the transfer fee is paid upfront when acquiring a certificate, there is no further charge to assign the registration to a vehicle i.e it's 'free' to apply online or by post.

How Long Will It Take To Assign My Private Number Plate And Receive My Documents?

The time it takes to assign your registration plate will vary depending on how you assign it.

It may take between 4 to 6 weeks to receive your new log book (V5C) from the DVLA.

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How To Assign A Number Plate

How To Assign A Number Plate

Assigning a number plate is also known as transferring a registration. This is the process required to move the rights to a registration from a certificate (V750/V778) to a vehicle and is done through the DVLA.

To do this, there are certain factors you need to consider. The car firstly most be taxed and have a full MOT, or be MOT and tax expired for less than six months. It must have been taxed at some point and an age-identifying registration cannot be legally used to make your vehicle look newer than it is.

The vehicle also needs to be registered in the UK, is driveable, isn't a Q registered vehicle, has been taxed or had a SORN in place for the past five years, and it has to be available for inspection should it be required by the DVLA.

To assign a number plate to a car online or by post, the vehicle must belong to you. If it's a new vehicle then you'll need to wait for the V5/C sent to you in the post by the DVLA. Brand new cars can have number plates transferred by the dealer of the vehicle, if you give them the V750 or V778 document. Finally, if you already have a private reg on a vehicle you own, you need to apply with the DVLA to remove it first. If not, you could lose the reg.

To assign a registration online, you can visit the DVLA Transfer Service . Once you do this, the reg will be assigned immediately if a vehicle inspection is not required.

You will need to send the full V5/C (logbook) for the vehicle, and the certificate, to the DVLA who will arrange to assign the number plate. You will then receive a replacement V5/C in the post showing the new registration. At this point you can inform your insurer of the assignment of a private number plate and display the acrylic plates on the vehicle. Any applicable tax and MOT records will be automatically updated to reflect the newly assigned registration.

To assign a registration via the postal service, you need to send the completed V778 or V750 to the DVLA, the V5C with a completed V62, and if you're assigning the reg to another person's vehicle, you need to add them to section 2 of the V750 or V778 and put them as the nominee. Once this is complete, the DVLA will send you a new logbook with the new registration. You must immediately put your new plates on your vehicle, and not drive with the old ones on as they are now illegal. You also need to tell your insurance company of the change. You can also keep the old plates and put them back on the car if you choose to sell it or remove the private reg.

There are no additional charges to assign a number plate, as when you purchase a private registration, the cost includes a mandatory transfer fee. If you assign a registration to a car online and your vehicle doesn't require inspection, the change will be made immediately. If you do it by post, it can take up to a fortnight to be put in place, if no inspection is needed.

Depending on post and the DVLA's workload, it can take up to around six weeks for your new logbook to be sent out to you.

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COMMENTS

  1. 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

  2. Take a private number off a vehicle

    Apply by post · 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'

  3. Assign A Number Plate To A Car

    If you have a private registration on a certificate and are wanting to assign it to your vehicle, this video explains how you can do this

  4. How to Transfer Registration Number Plate From One ...

    Follow me as i use the .GOV DVLA website to transfer a registration number from my old car to my new car using the online portal.

  5. How to Transfer Private Number Plate From Retention Certificate

    How to Transfer Registration Number Plate From One Car to Another Online Using DVLA Website . · Assign A Number Plate To A Car - National Numbers.

  6. How To Transfer A Private Number Plate

    Step 2 Assign your number plate to your vehicle. · Visit the Assign a private number page on the DVLA website. · Click the green button labelled assign a number

  7. How To Assign a Private Number Plate To a Vehicle

    Today, if you wish to assign, or transfer a reg plate from one car to another, the easiest and quickest way is online via the Gov.uk website. Whether your car

  8. Assignment Of A Private Number To A Vehicle

    How To Apply Assignment To A Registration Plate ... If the vehicle is registered to you, you can apply online or by post. If it is a used vehicle that you have

  9. How To Assign A Number Plate

    To assign a number plate to a car online or by post, the vehicle must belong to you. If it's a new vehicle then you'll need to wait for the V5/C sent to you