How To Transfer a Number Plate? Document Checklist
Transferring a personalized number plate is easy. It requires essential paperwork, but it is not complex, though. We cover all the necessary steps for transferring or retaining a number plate, making sure you get all your doubts cleared.
What Are the 3 Types of Private Plate Transfers?
1. Vehicle-to-vehicle
It is easy to transfer vehicle registration numbers. The DVLA website lets you finish it in minutes, or you may post the essential documents. Conducting a number plate check on both vehicles before initiating the transfer helps prevent issues.
Required Documents
To transfer a vehicle's number plate, you will need:
- Both vehicles' V5C registration documents (logbooks)
- MOT certificates for both vehicles (if applicable)
- Transfer fee, you can check the latest price on the website.
Complete the V317 form with all transfer information next. Complete this form online or print it. Both registered keepers must sign the document to approve the transfer.
After receiving the relevant documents and information, the DVLA will conduct the transfer. The procedure usually takes 4–6 weeks; however, busy times may cause delays.
Methods of Transferring a Number Plate:
Transfer online
Step 1: Remove Your Vehicle's Private Number Plate
- Visit the DVLA "Take a registration number off a vehicle" page.
- Enter the registration number to delete.
- Provide the following details:
· Logbook document reference number: V5C
· The registered keeper's postcode (as seen on the V5C)
4. Verify your status as the registered keeper by choosing "Yes, I am."
5. Pay the required removal cost using an accepted payment method.
6. Upon submission, save the reference number for the next step.
7. If no inspection is needed, the registration will be revoked immediately.
Step 2: Assign New Vehicle Private Number Plate
1. Visit the DVLA website and go to the "Assign a number" page.
2. Follow online instructions and ensure:
· Enter the private registration number you want to issue.
· Select "Yes, I am the grantee/purchaser" to confirm your status.
· Offer complete vehicle data from the new car's V5C registration documents.
· After completing Step 1, enter the reference number when requested.
3. Submit the form to finish the transfer.
Transfer by post
Follow these steps to swap a private number plate between vehicles by post:
- Download the V317 Form.
· Download the V317 – Application to transfer or keep vehicle registration number form from the official DVLA website.
2. Select 'Option A' on the form.
· To transfer a registration number from one vehicle to another, complete Option A on the form.
· Please refer to the V5C (logbooks) of both vehicles engaged in the transfer for details.
3. Prepare supporting documents
· Include genuine V5C documents for both vehicles.
· Please send the transfer fee cheque or postal order payable to 'DVLA Swansea'.
4. Send the Application
· Submit the V317 form, V5Cs, and payment to the noted address.
5. Await Confirmation
· If approved, you will get new V5C registration documents for both vehicles within 2 weeks.
· Errors, missing information, or high demand may delay processing timeframes.
2: Document to Vehicle
A V750 Certificate of Entitlement or V778 Retention Document may replace a vehicle's registration number with a private number plate. These documents prove that you're qualified to give a car private registration. Running a quick car details check can confirm vehicle eligibility before transfer.
Required Documents
- V750 or V778 Certificate
• Shows your approval to use the private plate.
• Verify the certificate's validity and your designation as grantee or nominee.
2. V5C Logbook (receiving vehicle)
• Register the car in your name.
• Tax or disclose its off-road status (SORN).
3. Vehicles over 3 years old need a valid MOT certificate at the time of assignment.
4. Reference Number from V750/V778
• Required for online plate transfer via the DVLA website.
Methods of Transferring a Number Plate:
Transfer online
- Verify that your V750 or V778 certificate is valid and not expired.
- Verify that the registered vehicle keeper matches the certificate grantee or nominee.
- Visit the "Assign a private number" tab on the DVLA website.
- To assign a private registration number, enter it.
- Select "Yes, I am the grantee/purchaser" when requested.
- Provide necessary vehicle information, such as:
• Current registration number
• The V5C document reference number
• The V5C includes the registered keeper's postcode.
• Provide the certificate reference number from your V750 or V778.
• To apply, thoroughly review and submit the information online.
• If no more checks are needed, the number plate will be allocated directly and an updated V5C given.
Transfer by post
- Make sure that your V750 Certificate of Entitlement or V778 Retention Document is valid and not expired.
- Verify that the vehicle's registered keeper matches the certificate grantee or nominee.
- Complete and sign all required parts of the V750 or V778 form.
- Submit a transfer payment payable to 'DVLA Swansea', together with the completed certificate and V5C logbook for the vehicle obtaining the number plate.
- Send all documents to the DVLA at the address on the V750 or V778 certificate.
Your car will get a private number plate and an updated V5C registration certificate from the DVLA.
3: Vehicle to Document
Remove a vehicle's registration number and retain it as a certificate for future use or sale. This is registration retention.
Required Documents:
- V5C Registration Certificate (Logbook): Register the vehicle in your name.
- MOT Certificate (for vehicles over 3 years old): The MOT must be valid when applying.
- Transfer payment: Online applications accept debit/credit cards, while postal applications accept cheques/postal orders payable to 'DVLA Swansea'.
- Application for retention
• Online: Visit the DVLA's "Take a registration number off a vehicle" website.
• Postal: Complete the V317 form and submit it with the V5C and payment by mail.
A V778 Retention Document will prove that the number plate is in your name and may be transferred to another vehicle.
Vehicle Requirements For Transferring A Number Plate? Explained
Both the donor vehicle and the receiver vehicle must fulfil DVLA requirements to transfer a number plate in the UK. Let's see the criteria to satisfy:
1. DVLA Registration
- Registration with the DVLA in the UK is necessary for both vehicles.
- Registration information must be updated and registered on the DVLA database.
2. MOT/HGV Test Certificate
- Vehicles over 3 years old need a valid MOT certificate.
- HGVs (Heavy Goods Vehicles) need a valid test certificate.
- Negative roadworthiness criteria may result in transfer rejection.
3. Tax or SORN
- The donor car must either be
· Recently taxed, or
· Declared SORN (off-road) with no tax or SORN status lapse in the preceding 5 years.
4. Inspection Availability
- Both cars must be accessible for DVLA inspection upon request.
- The DVLA may check vehicles before allowing a transfer; however, it is rare.
5. Registration Type Restrictions
- Number plate transfers ineligible:
· The receiving car may seem newer than it is.
· This is true for vehicles having a 'Q' registration plate, such as kit cars or those of unknown age or origin.
These requirements streamline the number plate transfer procedure and comply with DVLA standards. You should verify your vehicle's status before applying.
Can I transfer my number plate?
Before transferring a number plate, make sure your vehicle matches DVLA eligibility standards.
For registration transfers to be approved by the DVLA, the vehicle must:
- Be registered with the DVLA.
- Possess a valid MOT or HGV test certificate, if applicable.
- Continuous taxation or SORN status for five years.
- Ability to undergo DVLA inspections upon request.
Personalised or limited number plates are easy to transfer, although there are certain restrictions:
- Transferring a registration mark that makes a car look newer is not possible.
- Q plates (issuance for cars of unknown origins) are non-transferable.
Meeting these requirements can help you prevent application delays or rejection.
How much to transfer a number plate?
The updated fee for transferring DVLA number plates is £80 at the time of writing; however, you can check the latest price from DVLA's website. Fill out the V317 form online or download and print it from the DVLA website to finish.
Can I keep my registration plate if I sell my car?
You may retain your car's number plate if you notify the DVLA before selling. Complete the V317 form to:
- Transfer the number plate to another vehicle or
- Retain the number plate for future use
This keeps your registration number in your name for future usage. The sole exception is 'Q' registration plates, which are non-transferable and must stay with the car.
