Transferring a Registration

Transferring A Registration. How to Perform a Transfer for a Personalised Number Plate

Owning a personalized number plate is often a symbol of prestige, whether it represents a business name or serves as a source of amusement. At times, you might find the need to transfer or alter the number on your private plate. If you've recently acquired a new private registration, the process involves assigning it to your vehicle.

Already in possession of a private number plate? Follow the essential steps for a DVLA number plate change. In the scenario where you decide to sell your personalized number plate, it becomes crucial to take the necessary measures for the legal transfer of the private plate to its new owner.

On this page, we'll guide you on how to:

▶ How to Transfer a Private Number Plate Between Cars

process is essentially a two-part procedure, involving the removal of the private plate from the original vehicle in part 1 and assigning the plate to the new vehicle in part 2.

Getting Started For a vehicle to qualify for transfer, it must meet certain requirements. The vehicle should be: - Registered with the DVLA - Operational (able to move under its own power)- Available for inspection- Possess a current MOT certificate (or an HGV test certificate for HGV vehicles) - Show proof of tax for the past five years (or have a current SORN in place) - Registration numbers starting with ‘NIQ’ or ‘Q’ are ineligible for retention.

Online Application

Applications to remove the plate from the original vehicle can be submitted online on the DVLA website using form V317 and incurring a transaction fee of £80. If the vehicle doesn't require inspection, the private number will be promptly removed upon successful application. A retention reference number will be provided, allowing the assignment of the private plate to the new vehicle through the DVLA’s online service.

Applications to remove the plate from the original vehicle can be submitted online on the DVLA website using form V317 and incurring a transaction fee of £80. If the vehicle doesn't require inspection, the private number will be promptly removed upon successful application. A retention reference number will be provided, allowing the assignment of the private plate to the new vehicle through the DVLA’s online service.

Postal Application

Alternatively, applications can be made via post, with the process taking a bit longer but maintaining the £80 fee. Required documents for the DVLA reg transfer include form V317, the V5C vehicle logbook (or V62 for new keeper documents), and the £80 transfer fee.

Upon receiving the application, the vehicle's original registration number is reinstated automatically, and you'll receive a V778 retention document for the private number along with 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.

Transfer Duration

Online completion of the process takes just a few minutes, with a reference number provided for immediate use in assigning the private plate to a new vehicle through the DVLA portal.

By post, the procedure takes longer, involving unassigning and reassigning numbers in two separate applications, averaging around 2 weeks. Receipt of a new logbook can take 4-6 weeks.

▶ Assigning a New Private Number Plate to Your Car

To assign a new private number to your vehicle, the process is straightforward, requiring the vehicle to have an MOT, be operational, show proof of tax, and be available for inspection.

Purchasing a New Private Number

For a newly acquired private number from a dealer or individual, assignment to your vehicle can be performed online or by post, both transactions being free.

Online Application

For a newly acquired private number from a dealer or individual, assignment to your vehicle can be performed online or by post, both transactions being free.

Postal Application

Assigning a new private number by post requires submitting the vehicle logbook (V5C), proof of registration entitlement or retention, and a V62 application for a vehicle registration certificate. After successful assignment, you'll receive a new vehicle logbook.

Assignment Duration

Using the DVLA website service for online assignment takes just a few minutes, with the new number assigned immediately.

By post, the assignment takes longer, with a new logbook arriving in 4-6 weeks. However, the car can be driven on the new plates as soon as the application is approved, without waiting for the logbook.

▶ Certificate of Entitlement (V750) to a Vehicle

A Certificate of Entitlement or V750 is issued by the DVLA for new vehicle registrations that have never been previously used. This certificate, used to assign private number plates to a vehicle, is applicable if the vehicle has an MOT certificate, is taxed, and is operational. Assigning a number to your vehicle from a V750 form is free.

Online Assignment

In most cases, online assignment of the new private plate to your vehicle is straightforward. Supply information from the V750 form and the vehicle logbook (V5C). If an inspection isn't required, your new number plate will be assigned immediately, and an updated logbook will be sent to you.

Postal Assignment

Using a V750 retention form by post to assign private plates to your vehicle takes a bit longer than the online option. Provide the V750 form, a V62 application for a vehicle registration certificate, and the vehicle logbook (V5C). The new number will be assigned once the application is processed.

Assignment Duration

Using a V750 to assign new private number plates to a vehicle can be done instantly online through the DVLA website.

Postal applications will take longer, with new numbers typically assigned to vehicles in around two weeks. This duration may extend if the DVLA requires a vehicle inspection.

▶ Retention Document (V778) to a Vehicle

A V778 retention document remains valid for up to 10 years, allowing you to assign a number plate to a vehicle. All vehicles must be roadworthy, have an MOT certificate, and be taxed for a private plate to be assigned. Assigning a number using a V778 can be done online or by post, with both methods being free.

Online Assignment

Using the information from the V778 form, you can assign a number to a vehicle via the DVLA portal online. Provide information from the form and vehicle details from the VC5 logbook. The number will be assigned immediately, provided no inspection is required.

Postal Assignment

Postal applications require information from the V778 retention form and V5C vehicle logbook, along with a V62 application for a vehicle registration certificate. If all the information is satisfactory, the new number will be assigned and can be used on your vehicle.

Assignment Duration

Using a V778 or V750 to assign a new private number plate to a vehicle can be done instantly online via the DVLA website.

Assignment of numbers by post takes a bit longer, with numbers typically being assigned to vehicles in a couple of weeks

Both processes can be delayed if the DVLA requires a vehicle inspection.

Final Steps After Transfer

After completing the transfer of a new private number plate, additional steps need to be taken: - Do not sell the vehicle until the new logbook (V5c) is received.- Inform your insurance company of changes- Update the registration number on automatic payment accounts for emissions or congestion charges.

Ensuring that all your information is updated correctly will facilitate a smooth process for any change or transfer of private number plates through the DVLA.