If you have a personalised plate and are buying a new car, your cherished plate can be easily transferred. Here's our step-by-step guide to how...
Step 1: Remove the Plate from Your Current Vehicle
You can remove your private number plate online if:
- Your car is registered with the DVLA.
- It can move under its own power.
- It's been taxed or declared SORN for the last 5 years.
- It has a current MOT or HGV certificate.
To remove the plate, you will need:
- The 11-digit reference number from your V5C registration certificate.
- A valid credit/debit card for the £80 fee.
After completing the process, you'll receive a retention certificate, and the original registration will be reassigned to your car. A new V5C certificate will be sent to you.
Step 2: Put the Plate on Your New Car
To put your personalised plate on a new car, the vehicle must:
- Be registered with the DVLA.
- Have a valid V5C with your details.
- Be able to move under its own power.
- Be taxed or declared SORN continuously for 5 years.
You’ll need:
- The retention certificate number.
- The 11-digit reference number from your new car’s V5C.
Once the transfer is complete, you must place the personalised plate on your car immediately, and a new V5C will be issued.
Applying to transfer a personalised number plate by post
If, for any reason, you would prefer to complete this process by post you will need a V317 form. You can download this from the DVLA website or collect a copy from your local post office.
The conditions, information required and cost are all exactly the same as for the online process above.
Instances where you cannot put a personalised number plate on a vehicle
There are some circumstances in which the DVLA will not allow a personalised number plate to be put on a vehicle:
- If the vehicle is a 'Q' registered vehicle (e.g. a kit car or when identity or age cannot be confirmed)
- If the personalised number plate will make the vehicle appear newer than it really is.
What should I do if I don't yet have a car to transfer my personalised number plate to?
If you've sold your car before buying a new one, you can still remove the plate and keep it. You’ll receive a retention certificate and can apply it to a new vehicle later. If not used within 10 years, the certificate needs renewing, which is free online.
Can I transfer my personalised number plate to a new leased car?
Great news - yes you can!
However, as you are not the legal owner of the car, it is important to ensure you follow the correct procedure to transfer your private number plate.
Follow the easy steps below and you’ll have your personalised number plate transferred to your new lease car in no time.
- Get written permission from your lease provider (e.g., Rivervale Leasing).
- Send the V750 (new plate) or V778 (used plate) form to your finance company.
- Ensure the finance company is listed as the nominee on the form.
Arrange for the private plate to be assigned to the lease car.
There are two options here:
- Arrange the transfer before delivery, with the dealer applying the plate. Either a V750 or V788 form must show the finance company as the nominee, which can then be sent to the supplying dealer (this can be Rivervale if you leased your vehicle through us) and not the finance company.
- Apply after delivery, once the vehicle is registered by the funder (this takes 2-3 weeks). The finance company will then apply to the DVLA for the plate change and will email the customer once the plate can be swapped.
Can I transfer my personalised plate between lease cars?
Yes, but you will need to discuss this with your lease provider.
They will probably advise you to put your private plate on retention using the DVLA number plate retention service before setting up your new lease agreement.
How do I remove a private number plate from a lease?
Two months before your lease ends, follow these steps:
- Complete a V317 form and send it to the DVLA.
- Notify your insurance company of the plate change.
- Pay any admin fees to your lease provider.
Once processed, you’ll receive an acknowledgment letter. After DVLA updates the registration, you must replace the plates before returning the car.
What will happen to my private number plate?
If you no longer want the plate, you can give it up via the DVLA website. Otherwise, you can keep it on retention for up to 10 years. A V778 retention document will be issued.
This process ensures you can easily transfer or retain your personalised plate when changing cars.
