If you have a personalised number plate chances are you may want to assign it to another vehicle or keep the number to use at a later date. There is a fairly simple process to follow in order to retain your private plate, and thanks to some new rule changes by the DVLA it now costs less to do so!
Retain Private Number Plate
As with everything vehicle-related, the process starts with informing the DVLA. Keep the V5C form handy, as you’ll need it to fill out all the required information. You can transfer the private plate to a new vehicle at the same time, or keep it for future use. The DVLA have put together a list of what the vehicle conform to in order for it to be eligible. Take a look here. You can apply to take off a number either online or by post.
Online
The number plate will be removed immediately if your vehicle doesn’t require an inspection.
Post
You will need to send the following information to DVLA:
- A V317 form
- The vehicle’s V5C new keeper slip, this is the green section. And a completed V62
- The £80 transfer fee.
If your application is successful, your original number plate will be reassigned to your vehicle. You will also be sent a new V5C for the vehicle which can take up to 6 weeks to arrive.
You will also receive a V778 retention document if the private number plate is in your name. If the plate is in someone else’s name this will instead be sent to them.
Assign a Private Number To A Vehicle
To assign a personalised number to a vehicle you will need the V778 retention document. You can take a look here to see all the information DLVA has put together on the process.
Can I Donate My Car With A Private Plate?
Yes, and in some cases, it may even improve the value of the car if it is put through to auction. Some old private numbers can be worth a fair amount as the number is highly sought after. Older plates and shorter numbers tend to be worth more. Rather than going through the hassle of applying with the DVLA to retain and transfer your private plate, why not donate it along with your old car!
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Why Keep A Private Plate?
If you were the original owner of a private plate you might think this question is obvious. After all, you’re the one who asked for the plate in the first place, so of course, you want to keep it. Bear in mind, the DVLA does not reissue numbers which have already been used. If you do not remove the private plate from a vehicle when it is scrapped, the plate can never be used again. If there’s family or sentimental value to the plate, make sure you’re able to pass that on by removing the private plate before disposing of the vehicle.
Further considerations
- As mentioned earlier, you may want to check on the value of your private plate. You can find different valuations online, so do your research carefully.
- There are a few instances in which private plates cannot be transferred. If this is the case, it should be noted in the vehicle’s V5C. Just be sure to check before applying!
- If you are planning to hold on to the private plate, you’ll be sent a V778 retention document, which you’ll need to use if you ever decide to apply the plate to a new vehicle. These are valid for ten years, but be sure to renew them when required! Find more information here.
- Do not sell or transfer the vehicle until you’ve received the forms back from the DVLA. Doing so may invalidate your personalised plate.
- When you’re ready to use the plate again, take your V778 form and follow the steps on the DVLA website, found here.
The paperwork involved may seem complicated at first, but the process to keep a plate is fairly straightforward overall. Just be sure to follow all the steps above, and make sure you’ve completed everything before getting rid of your vehicle.