How to Transfer or Keep your Private Registration Number.

Private number plates are more than just letters and numbers. They can be personal. Some show your initials. Others spell a word. If you have one, you might want to transfer it to another vehicle. Or you might want to keep it while selling your car. Here’s how it works.

How to Transfer a Registration Number from One Car to Another

To move a private plate directly from one car to another, you’ll need to complete Option A on the DVLA’s V317 form.

You can download the V317 application form here:

What you need:

• Both vehicles must be registered in the UK
• The vehicle getting the plate must be taxed and have a valid MOT
• You can’t use a registration number that makes the car seem newer than it really is
• You must have the V5C (logbook) for both cars

Online process:

• Go to the DVLA website
• Choose the “Assign a private number” service
• Enter the V5C reference numbers

You only pay £80 when removing the plate from a vehicle—not when assigning it. The transfer is usually instant. You must fit the new plates straight away. If you need new ones, you can order number plates in various styles from us.

By post:

• Fill in DVLA form V317 (Option A)
• Include V5C logbooks for both vehicles (or use a V62 with new keeper slip if needed)
• Send to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1DS with £80 fee (cheque or postal order)

It takes a few weeks by post. Do not sell or scrap either car until you receive confirmation from DVLA and a new logbook.

How to Put a Registration Number on Retention

Want to keep your number plate but not use it on a car right now? That’s called “retention.”

What to do:

• The car must be taxed or on a valid SORN
• It must be able to move under its own power
• It needs an MOT if it’s over 3 years old

Online:

• Go to the DVLA retention service
• Enter your V5C reference number
• Pay the £80 fee

You’ll get a V778 retention certificate. It’s valid for 10 years and can be renewed. The original registration number is usually reassigned to the car. Don’t scrap or sell the vehicle until you get confirmation from DVLA.

By post:

• Use form V317 (Option B) and send it with your V5C and payment

How to Assign a Retained Registration Number to a Vehicle

If you’ve put a plate on retention, you can assign it to a new car anytime.

What you need:

• The V778 certificate or V750 if it was a new purchase
• The car receiving the plate must be taxed and MOT’d
• You need the V5C logbook for that car

Online process:

• Visit the DVLA assign service
• Enter the V778/V750 reference and the vehicle details
• If details match, the change happens straight away

DVLA will send a new V5C for the car with the private plate. You must display the new plates immediately.

What Are the Rules? Eligibility & DVLA Conditions

There are strict rules:

• Q-plates can’t be transferred
• You can’t make a car look newer
• The DVLA may inspect your car
• The V5C must be in your name

If your plate is on a car that’s written off, contact your insurer. Tell them you want to keep the plate. You must retain it before they take ownership.

When Should You Remove a Private Plate?

Timing matters. Remove the plate before you:

• Sell or part-exchange your car
• Scrap your car
• Transfer ownership to someone else

If you don’t, you might lose the plate. Once the car is gone, so is the registration.

What If Your Vehicle Is Written Off?

Tell your insurer quickly. Ask them not to take the car until the plate is on retention. You can also ask for time to remove it. If they take ownership first, you might not get the plate back.

Assigning a Plate to a Family Member or New Car

You can transfer a number plate as a gift. You’ll need to:

• Put it on retention
• Add the other person as a nominee
• Or assign it directly if you’re both registered keepers

If you’ve just bought a new car from a dealer, you can ask them to assign your private plate during registration.

Avoiding Pitfalls: Why Plate Transfers Get Rejected

Transfers fail when:

• The car isn’t taxed or MOT’d
• You enter the wrong V5C reference
• The car’s been sold or scrapped too early
• The retained plate has expired

Check everything before applying. If in doubt, use the DVLA helpline.

FAQs

Can I transfer a plate without a logbook?
No. You need the V5C. If you don’t have it, apply for one first (V62).

How long does retention last?
10 years. You can renew it for free before it runs out.

What happens if my retention certificate expires?
You might lose the right to the plate. Always renew it in time.

Does changing plates affect insurance or congestion charges?
Yes. Tell your insurer. Update any auto-pay accounts (like ULEZ or Dart Charge).

Conclusion

Transferring or keeping your private number plate isn’t hard. But timing and accuracy matter. Use the DVLA online tools for speed. If you need new plates, we make number plates in all legal sizes and styles. We also offer 4D number plates and short plates to fit your vehicle perfectly.

For more help, see the DVLA guidance on removing a private plate or assigning one. Or talk to our team at Official Plates.