On the 1st of March 2022, the 22 number plate is set to release. “But what happens if I have a personal number plate? How do I transfer my number plates to my new car? How can I retain my private number plates when selling my current car?” You have got the questions; we have got the answers!.
What are personal number plates?
First things first, what is a personal number plate? A personal number plate is a number plate that is usually personalised to the numbers and letters of your choosing – these will usually have some meaning/value to the individual. They are a great way of adding a personal touch to your car. For example, some people choose to have the initials of their names, while others use the numbers to symbolise a date special to them.
Where can I get a personalised number plate?
Some number plates already exist and these are available for purchase from the DVLA website. There are also auctions held throughout the year so make sure you check that out if you're looking to purchase a private number plate! You can also create a customised number plate through a DVLA-approved supplier – you can find your nearest supplier via the GOV website.
How do I transfer my personal number plate to another car?
I have just brought a new car, so I can just put my plate straight onto my new car, right? Unfortunately, it is not as simple as that! You will first need to apply for a car-to-car transfer – this is through a V317 form (make sure you have your V5 registration forms for BOTH cars and valid MOT certificates, if applicable). Additionally, there is a fee of £80 to pay for this. Both vehicle owners need to sign this form to show both parties are happy for the transfer to be complete. Once the DVLA receives all the information, they will start processing the request.
I have just brought a brand-new car; can I not just register it to my existing private number plate straight away?
Cars need to be registered with a default number plate before you can transfer your number plates onto the new car. The DVLA has details of every vehicle with a default number plate, which helps to ensure they always have records on each vehicle. When you put a personal number plate on the car, it will update to that corresponding record until you let the DVLA know otherwise. This ensures the vehicle has a number plate to revert to, should you retain the private number plate.
How do I retain my number plate?
If you decide you would like to sell your car but want to keep your personal number plate, you will need to acquire a retention document. This happens by filling out the V317 document, each section is clearly labelled, so you know which parts are applicable for you to fill out depending on what you would like to achieve. If you are selling the car and not the number plate, you need to ensure you include the correct documents - either the logbook (V5C) or green ‘new keeper’ slip with a completed V62. There is also a fee of £80 for this application.
How do I transfer my retained number plate to a new car?
To transfer your private number plate onto a new vehicle, you need to complete the V317 form with the details of the registration plate you would like to use on the car. You need to include the V778 Retention document to show you own the rights to use the number plate. You will also need to include the car's logbook (V5C) to prove you also own the car – along with an £80 fee.
I have just brought a private number plate – how do I add this to my car?
As with the retained number plate, you’ll need to fill in the V317 form with the details of the registration plate that you would like to use - as well as the number plate it is replacing. You will need to include the logbook (V5C) and the V750 document, your Certificate of Entitlement, which proves you have ownership of the number plate you are requesting to use. Again, an £80 fee is needed for the DVLA to start the application.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Many fine details go along with buying and transferring a private number plate, so we have put together a list of handy points to know!
- With transferring the number plate, both vehicles must have been taxed or, have a SORN declaration for the last 5 years. However, if it has been SORNed for more than 5 years, then the car will need to be taxed.
- You CAN’T transfer a number plate with a Q in it or a QNI prefix. This is because a number plate is assigned the letter ‘Q’ or a ‘QNI’ prefix when its identity is in doubt and the owner can’t provide all aspects that are required.
- If a vehicle is sold BEFORE you retain the number plate, you no longer have the right to retain it.
- If your car is stolen, you can apply to keep the registration plate to safeguard it. However, you will not be able to transfer it to a new vehicle or get a V778 allocated until either 6 months have passed since the theft, or the vehicle has been retrieved.
- All number plates must meet the criteria of a standard-issue number plate – reflective material, white plate on front & yellow on the back, no background patterns, the plate must be marked to show who supplied it, standard fonts, and correct amount of spacing between the letters.
We hope that this guide helped provide you with the information you need to transfer your personal number plates. If you have any more questions about transferring your private plates during the purchase of your new vehicle at Richmond Motor Group, our friendly sales team will be more than happy to assist you.