Apply to exchange existing number plates between vehicles

Introduction.

You can exchange number plates between 2 currently registered vehicles, without changing the registered operators of the vehicles .

If either set of plates being exchanged are subject to a special number plates (SNP) agreement, the exchange transfers all rights and obligations under that agreement to the customer receiving the SNPs.

This may include the activation of an annual fee for personalised plates bought prior to September 2003 that do not currently attract an annual fee.

Conditions apply if you're wanting to transfer special number plates (SNPs) , numeral-only, or personalised plates.

Note:   Reserved plates cannot be exchanged. The plates must be issued to a vehicle before they can be exchanged.

What you need

  • the PDF form – 'Exchange/Transfer Number Plates' (including details of both parties)
  • your proof of identity
  • registration certificates for both vehicles (if possible)
  • a letter of authorisation from a company (if a company and an employee are swapping) 
  • a letter of authorisation from each company (if 2 companies are swapping)
  • a copy of a court order or will (if the swap involves a deceased estate).

How to apply

  • Select the 'Download PDF form' button.
  • Download and complete the form.
  • Gather the required documents.
  • Visit a Service NSW Centre and submit your application.

More information

  • You don't own the number plates – they always remain the property of Transport for NSW.
  • There are some instances where plates are not eligible for exchange. Contact us on 13 77 88 to confirm that the 2 sets of plates you want to exchange are eligible.

Payment methods

You can review transaction payment options on our payment methods page.

  • Exchange/Transfer Number Plates – PDF
  • myPlates FAQs
  • Number plates Terms and Conditions

Related transactions

  • Transfer number plates
  • Order special number plates
  • Tips & advice

How to transfer a number plate from one car to another

Need to know how to transfer a number plate between vehicles our step-by-step guide breaks it down.

how to change a personalised number plate from one car to another

For a great many drivers, a personalised number plate is the finishing touch to their pride and joy. If you’ve got a car registration with fewer letters and numbers than the norm - or you’ve got one that means something personal to you - that can be a great way to show people you care about your car.

The most expensive number plates can fetch six-figure sums in some cases, and it’s such a lucrative business that some thousands of drivers are caught each year trying to beat the system.

If you’ve splashed out on a personalised number plate of your own, you won’t want to wave goodbye to it if you end up selling the vehicle it’s attached to. In this instance you’ll want to transfer a number plate from one car to another. Here’s how it works.

Dealer forecourt

How to transfer a number plate

As is the case with licensing and car tax , vehicle registration is overseen by the DVLA. If you want to transfer a number plate between cars, you’ll need to fill in a V317 form.

Using this form, there are two methods: the first is to move a number plate from your old car to your new one, while the second is to keep hold of the registration using something called a retention document. The latter allows you to keep the registration from up to 10 years, so you don’t have to affix it to a new car right away.

You can fill out a paper version of the form or complete the process online, but before you begin there’s a list of requirements you need to meet.

First, the new vehicle needs to exist. You might think this goes without saying, you can’t change the number plate on a car the DVLA has no record of.

V5 document

In addition, the vehicle must be available for inspection when needed by the DVLA and be capable of passing a roadworthiness test ( an MOT , for example). Finally, the registration you are adding cannot make the vehicle appear younger than it is. That means you can't put year-specific plates on a car built before the year in question. This is designed primarily to stop unscrupulous used car dealers from making a quick buck by fitting plates to old cars to make them look newer and sell them for an inflated value.

The new way of buying a car - SEAT interior

If these aspects are all met, then you're good to go. Simply fill out form V317 with the registration, make, model and VIN number of the car you want to remove the plate from, add your contact details in case there are any issues arising from the transfer, then fill in the details of the vehicle you want to put the registration on. And remember you need the V5C documents for both vehicles if you are transferring the number plate between one vehicle and another. You don't necessarily have to own the vehicle you want to change the number plate onto either.

How to retain a number plate

If you're retaining a number plate, then you need to fill out another part of the form. This still asks for the registration, make, model and VIN number, and your details, but then you need to fill out the details of the person who is retaining the registration. If this part isn't filled, then the registered keeper of the vehicle will automatically receive the retention document. This is DVLA form V778, and you use this form to transfer the registration to a new car when you're ready.

Number plates

Whether you transfer or retain the registration, you'll also need to stump up £80 to get it processed.

Powered by Motorway

Once your application has been submitted, it will take around two weeks for the transfer to process, although it may take longer if the DVLA want to inspect the vehicles involved. Once completed, you will receive a new V5C registration for the vehicle that had its registration removed. Here you will see that the vehicle has reverted to its previous registration (if it had one) or it will have a new age-related plate assigned to it. The new V5C for the car with the personal plate will also come through at around the same time.

The small print 

There's plenty of small print that goes with the transfer of a number plate. The vehicle must have been taxed (or had a SORN declaration ) continually for five years, and if it has been SORNed for more than five years, then it will need to be taxed. If you're thinking of transferring a number plate with a Q or QNI prefix, then stop, because these can't be transferred. 

If the vehicle is sold before you apply to retain the personal plate, then you don't have the right to retain it. Also, if you don't remove the number before confirming the car's destruction to the DVLA, then you lose all rights to the plate as well. 

In the unfortunate instance of the vehicle being stolen, then you can apply to keep the personal plate immediately to safeguard it, but you won't have the ability to transfer it to a new car or have a V778 issued until 6 months after the date of the theft, or once the vehicle has been recovered. You won't get a reminder from the DVLA about this, you'll need to remember to do it yourself.

And of course, any personal number plates that you have made for your car must be standard issue and clearly legible. So that means no non-standard fonts, correct spacing of the letters and numbers and not making numbers look like letters, and vice versa (5 and S, 8 and B, etc). It sounds obvious but legal details are also a requirement, so when speccing your plate make sure it has those ticked. If you've adhered to the above then you can fit your shiny new plate to your new car.

Now you’ve dealt with your personalised plate, read about the registrations that were banned for being too rude  and if you're looking for a new car, take a look at our sister site Buyacar...

  • Buying a car
  • Selling a car

Dean has been part of the Auto Express team for more than 20 years, and has worked across nearly all departments, starting on magazine production, then moving to road tests and reviews. He's our resident van expert, but covers everything from scooters and motorbikes to supercars and consumer products.

Recommended

barn find

How to SORN your car with the DVLA

Two cars in a head-on collision

Old Cat C and Cat D insurance write-off categories explained

Crashed car

Car insurance write-off categories explained: what are Cat N and Cat S cars?

Best new car deals - header image

Best new car deals 2024

Most popular.

Dacia C-Neo exclusive image - front

New Dacia C-Neo hatchback has the Volkswagen Golf in its crosshairs

Seres 3 - front action

New Seres 3 set to be the UK’s cheapest electric SUV

Opinion - Ford Explorer

“Some manufacturers are losing their appetite for electric cars”

2024 Car of the Year Awards: the best cars in every class revealed >>

Back to top

How to buy and transfer private number plates

Everything you need to know about buying and transferring private number plates....

Private number plate

Volkswagen ID 7

Tesla model 3, new skoda scala.

Private or personalised number plates are popular with people who want to make their car look extra special.

There’s more to it than simply buying a set of plates and sticking them on the car, though, as you’re legally required to register as the owner of the plate and assign it to the vehicle. You also have to tell the DVLA if you sell your car with the plates, transfer them to another vehicle or just stop using them.

Here’s everything you need to know about buying, owning and transferring private number plates.

Private number plate

Buying private number plates

Owners who want to make their car stand out can buy a private number from the DVLA or from a dealer. The DVLA sells private plates at auctions, which happen at different locations across the UK about five times a year.

You can find out when the next auction will be and see a list of number plates up for sale and their prices at the organisation’s personalised registrations website .

Once you’ve bought them, the DVLA will issue you with a V750 certificate, which proves that you own the plates and have the right to attach them to your vehicle.

You’ll still need to apply to assign the plates to your car, though. Dealers can help you with this, but if you’re doing it yourself, the car must be registered to you first. You can make the application via the DVLA’s website or by writing to them.

As soon as the DVLA has approved the application, you’ll need to fit the plates to the car (at this point, you can’t legally drive it on public roads without them) and you’ll need to tell your insurance company.

You’ll be sent a new V5C document acknowledging the new plates, but it’s a good idea to hang onto the originals, as you’ll need to refit them if you sell the car but keep hold of the private ones.

Private plates can be fitted to most ordinary cars, but the rules state that the car must be registered with DVLA, be able to move under its own power, either have or eventually need an MoT certificate and, for older models, have been taxed or had a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) in place continuously for the past five years.

Transferring private number plates to a different car

If you’re buying a new car and want to transfer your private plates to it then you’ll need to apply to take them off your existing car first.

This is a similar to assigning the plates to a car –  you can do it via the DVLA’s website or by writing to them. You’ll have to pay £80 and you’ll need the car’s V5C registration certificate handy.

Once you’ve done this, the car’s original registration number is automatically reassigned, and you’ll need to fit the old number plates before it can be driven on public roads. As before, you’ll be sent a new V5C document, detailing the car’s original registration number, a V778 ‘retention’ document – which proves the private plates still belong to you and that you can use them later – and a reference number.

At this point, you can apply to transfer the plates to a different car using the aforementioned reference number. This is exactly the same as applying to put the plates on a new car, and again, you can do it on the DVLA’s website or by writing to them.

Selling your car with private number plates

If you want to sell your car with its private number plates – or just sell the plates on their own – then you’ll need to assign them to the buyer.

To do this, head to the DVLA’s website and fill out the Assign a number online form, or send your V778 or V750 form to the DVLA in the post with sections one and two filled in and the V5C document of the vehicle in question.

It’s quite common for owners to sell private number plates independently of a car via specialist dealers or online. If you’re doing the latter, then make sure you don’t share a picture of the V750 or V778 documents, because someone else could use the information to assign the number plates to another vehicle. 

Full details about buying and transferring private number plates are listed on the DVLA’s website .

The 10 most popular cars in the UK right now >

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here

Read our comprehensive car reviews before you buy: click here for new car reviews , and here for used car reviews

Buy a new car with What Car?

Before you buy, visit  What Car?’s new car deals section .

We have discounted deals on most new cars on sale, so you're never far away from finding a new car deal in your area.

It's all based on  Target Price , which is the price we think you should pay based on research by our team of mystery shoppers, and the best discounts they can achieve.

Top 10 Used Convertibles

Best used convertibles

The days are officially getting longer again, so if you fancy making the most of those precious rays you'll want a used convertible. Here's a list of our top 10 favourites

2024 Vauxhall Corsa long-term review hello

Vauxhall Corsa long-term test

It's one of the most popular small cars in the UK, but are the Corsa's huge sales well-earned? We're living with a petrol example to find out

New Skoda Fabia vs used Volkswagen T-Roc

New Skoda Fabia vs used Volkswagen T-Roc

The Fabia is a great small car, but for similar money, you could pick up a used T-Roc SUV. So, which is the better buy?

Tesla Model 2 artist render

Tesla Model 2: £25k electric hatch coming in 2025

Citroen e-C3 front static

2024 Citroën e-C3 electric car previewed

Subscription offer February 2024

You’re in the driving seat

Ford Mustang Mach-E with Target Price logo

Biggest EV discounts: the best electric car deals

Volkswagen van range

What type of licence do you need to drive a van?

Peugeot 408 LT front 3-4

Peugeot rolls out in-car artificial intelligence

Also consider.

White Skoda Kamiq front right driving

New Skoda Kamiq

White Honda CR-V front right driving

Hyundai Ioniq 6

Mercedes EQE SUV front cornering

Mercedes EQE SUV

Quick search.

  • All car reviews
  • All new car deals
  • Used cars for sale
  • All used makes
  • Vans and commercial vehicles
  • New car awards
  • Used car awards
  • Classic & Sports Car
  • Move Electric

Tools & services

  • Car finance
  • Car warranty
  • Gap insurance
  • Sell your car
  • Car Leasing
  • Car Valuation
  • Company car tax calculator
  • Van tax calculator
  • Terms & conditions
  • Cookie policy
  • Privacy policy

Information

  • About What Car?
  • Contact What Car?
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Subscribe to What Car? magazine

Haymarket

What Car? is part of Haymarket Automotive , a division of Haymarket Media Group © Haymarket Media Group 2024

IPSO

chevron

  • Home / 
  • Guides  / 
  • Ownership guides  / 

How to transfer a number plate

How to transfer a number plate

Last updated February 10, 2023

Have you ever wanted to transfer a number plate from your vehicle to another one? It's a fairly simple process once you know what steps to take.

In this guide, we will explain how to transfer a number plate from one car to another. We’ll cover the paperwork you’ll need and the steps to follow for a successful number plate transfer.

Whether you want to transfer to another car, retain your existing number plate – or sell a car with a personalised number plate, this article will tell you everything you need to know.

Value your car in under 30 seconds

Can you transfer a number plate.

There are plenty of reasons why you might want to retain your number plate when you sell your car or purchase a new vehicle, such as wanting to hold onto a personalised reg number.

Almost anyone can transfer their current number plate from one vehicle to another. There are just a few exceptions, with some number plates specifically marked as non-transferable for reasons related to the vehicle’s age or history.

Number plates which start with ‘Q’ or’ NIQ’ are non-transferable, as these registrations are assigned by the DVLA when a vehicle’s date of origin is unclear.

What are the different types of number plate transfers?

There are three common types of number plate transfers: vehicle to vehicle, V778/V750 to vehicle and, finally, vehicle to V778.

A vehicle-to-vehicle transfer is self-explanatory - covering the transfer of a private number plate from one vehicle to another. A V778/V750 transfer allows you to transfer a private plate from its certificate to a vehicle – and a vehicle-to-V778 transfer covers this process in reverse (i.e. the transfer of a number plate from a vehicle to a retention document).

How do you transfer a number plate from one car to another?

The process to follow depends on whether your transfer is vehicle-to-vehicle, V778/V750 to vehicle - or vehicle-to-V778.

Transfer to another car

Use the following steps to transfer a number plate online from one vehicle to another.

  • Visit the DVLA private number plate webpage and select ‘Take off a number online’.
  • Fill out the details requested, including the reg number you wish to remove and your latest V5C reference number.
  • Confirm that you are the registered keeper of the vehicle.
  • Provide payment details to cover the £80 removal fee.
  • You will then be provided with a reference number – make note of this and keep it safe.
  • To begin the transfer of the number to another vehicle, visit the DVLA’s ‘keep or assign’ page and select ‘Assign a number online’.
  • Fill out the requested details, including the registration number, details of your current vehicle and the new vehicle details.
  • Use the reference number you’ve noted down when prompted on the form.
  • Pay the DVLA’s transfer fee of £80.
  • The transfer to your new vehicle should now be complete.

You can also complete this transfer by post. However, you’ll need to complete a V317 form . Then, send your completed form, along with a cheque for £80 and the V5C logbooks for your current vehicle and the vehicle you want to transfer the reg number onto, to the following address:

DVLA Personalised Registrations, Swansea, SA99 1DS.

Transferring by post can be a much more time-consuming process. For this reason, we’d recommended that you transfer your number plate online if possible.

Keeping your registration number

If you want to keep your number plate, but don’t currently have a vehicle that you want to transfer the registration number to, you’ll need to transfer it to a retention document through the vehicle-to-V778 transfer process:

  • Visit the DVLA’s private number plate webpage and select ‘Take off a number online’.
  • You will then be provided with a reference number – make note of this and keep it safe for future use.
  • Your registration number will be immediately removed from your vehicle. Within 6 weeks, you should receive a new V5C logbook, showing a replacement registration number. This will be sent with a V778 certificate displaying your retained registration number, so you can keep your number plate until you wish to transfer it.

Transferring a number plate from a V750/V778 to a vehicle

Before applying to transfer a number plate from a V750/V778 to a vehicle, make sure you have your V5C logbook, the relevant vehicle details, your V750 or V778 document - and the reference number you were given by the DVLA after removing the registration.

  • To begin transferring your reg number to another vehicle, visit the DVLA’s ‘keep or assign’ page and select ‘Assign a number online’.
  • Fill out the requested details, including the registration number, details of your current vehicle and the new vehicle’s details.
  • Use the reference number you’ve noted down to provide the relevant details shown on your V750 or V778 document.
  • Pay the DVLA transfer fee of £80.
  • The transfer of your registration number to your new vehicle should now be complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i get a v317 form.

The quickest way to get your hands on a V317 form is through the DVLA website , where you can download and print out a V317 form at home. If you use assistive technology, you can obtain a copy of this form in an accessible format by emailing [email protected].

How much does it cost to transfer a private number plate?

The cost of initially removing a number plate is £80, with an additional £80 payable upon its transfer to another vehicle. Therefore, when completing a vehicle-to-vehicle transfer, you’ll pay a total of £160.

How long does it take to transfer a number plate?

If you complete the process online from start to finish, the process of transferring a number plate won’t take much time at all – you could complete everything in under an hour. However, if you decide to transfer by post, you’ll need to allow up to six weeks for the full transfer and the arrival of a new V5C logbook.

Can you transfer a number plate online?

Yes, you can carry out all forms of number plate transfer by completing the relevant application process through the DVLA website. The different applications and forms you’ll need can be found on the DVLA’s private (personalised) number plates page.

Can you retain your registration when you sell your car?

If you want to retain your registration number when you sell your car but don’t have a vehicle to transfer it to, you should first complete the vehicle-to-V778 transfer process.

After doing so, you should receive a V778 retention certificate, proving your retained ownership of the registration number.

Can you sell a car with a personalised number plate?

If you are selling a car with a personalised number plate and don’t wish to retain your registration number, you simply need to move ownership to the buyer by updating the V5C, just as you would with any car sale.

Want to find out how much your car could be worth on the second-hand market? Enter its reg number and mileage into our free car valuation tool now.

Can I transfer my private plate without a V5C?

No, you can’t transfer your private registration plate without your V5C logbook, as this document is used to prove your ownership of the vehicle and registration. If you want to retain a registration number but don’t have a V5C, you’ll need to complete a V62 form to order a replacement V5C logbook. This process generally takes around four weeks.

Related articles

How to transfer car ownership

How to transfer car ownership

Retaining a personalised number plate

Retaining a personalised number plate

How to change a number plate back to the original (step-by-step)

How to change a number plate back to the original (step-by-step)

What is a V62 form?

What is a V62 form?

National Numbers

Find your perfect number plate using our search. Matches to names, numbers, initials... anything!

Find matches to prefix plates. Pick a prefix letter, a number and three more letters. More Info.

Find matches to New style plates. Pick two letters, a number and three more letters. More Info.

Frequently Asked Questions

Try our FAQ search

How do I transfer a number plate from one vehicle to another?

You can transfer a registration from one vehicle to another to keep ownership of your personalised number plate when you change cars.

You can move the registration onto another vehicle, or move it onto a certificate, and then later assign that to another car. The important thing is to do this in advance of selling the car. If you sell the vehicle with the registration still showing on the V5C log book, then the new owner will also become the owner of your plate!

To move your registration mark to another vehicle you will need to complete a V317 form and send your application to the DVLA along with the V5C registration certificates (log books) for both vehicles.

If you have just purchased the vehicle and don't yet have the full V5C for it, you should submit a completed V5C/2 New Keeper's Supplement with a completed V62 form.

The current fee for transferring a registration mark is £80, so include a cheque for this made payable to 'DVLA'.

There are a number of criteria that must be met for a successful vehicle to vehicle transfer. These include :

  • Both the vehicle currently showing the registration you are transferring (the donor), and the receiving vehicle, must either hold both current MOT and tax; be taxed and MOT expired; or MOT expired and tax expired less than six months.
  • The vehicles must be subject to MOT testing at some time during their life.
  • You can't use a mark to make a vehicle look newer than it is e.g. you can't transfer a 68 series registration to an 51 registration car. You are allowed to use an older registration.
  • You can't perform a number plate transfer onto a Q registered vehicle.

If you are buying a brand new car, then it's perfectly possible to transfer your current number plate to it. The car dealership should be able to assist with this for you.

The vehicle that you have removed the registration from will be issued with a replacement age-related registration mark (in most cases this will be the one it had prior to the personalised registration). You will receive new V5C's for both vehicles showing their new registrations. At this stage you can inform your insurers of the change and display the plates on the vehicles.

How do I transfer a number plate from a vehicle to a certificate?

The act of moving a registration from a vehicle to a certificate (V778) is termed 'retention'.

You can move the registration onto a certificate, or onto another vehicle . The important thing is to do this in advance of selling the car. If you sell the vehicle with the registration still showing on the V5C log book, then the new owner will also become the owner of your plate!

Complete a V317 form and send this to the DVLA along with the V5C Registration Certificate and a cheque for £80 made payable to 'DVLA'.

You will receive back a V778 Certificate of Retention, and a new V5C showing a new registration for the vehicle (typically this will revert back to the registration that was on the car prior to the private plate). You can then inform your insurer of the change and attach new plates to the vehicle that match the registration now showing on the V5C.

The V778 is valid for a period of 10 years, but you can renew this indefinitely.

There are some criteria that must be met to retain a registration from a vehicle:

  • The vehicle must either hold both current MOT and tax; be taxed and MOT expired; or MOT expired and tax expired less than six months.
  • The vehicle must be subject to MOT testing at some time during it's life.
  • You cannot retain the registration mark if the words 'NON TRANSFERABLE' are printed in Section 3 (special notes) of the V5C.

Related Questions

  • What Happens After I Remove My Number Plate?
  • How and When Do I Remove My Number Plate?
  • When Should I Remove My Private Number Plate?
  • Can I Put A Personal Number Plate On A Motability Scheme Car?
  • What are the basic regulations surrounding transfers?
  • How do I transfer a number plate from a certificate to a vehicle?
  • Can I put a personal number plate on a leased car?
  • How long does it take to assign a private number plate
  • What is the Retention Scheme?
  • I filled in the wrong section of the V317 form

Autotrader

Popular Plates

  • Cheap N.Irish Number Plates
  • 3 by 3 Number Plates
  • Funny Number Plates
  • Rude Number Plates
  • Stock Number Plates

Information

  • Sell Your Plate
  • DVLA Auctions

DVLA Guides

  • Number Plate Formats
  • Number Plate Terminology
  • How To Transfer A Private Plate
  • How To Retain A Private Plate
  • Vehicle Registration Years
  • About National Numbers
  • Customer Testimonials
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Trusted for over 40 years

Members of all trade bodies - Cherished Numbers Dealers Association, Retail Motor Industry Federation, Cherished Numbers Guild, Institute of Registration Agents and Dealers (M.I.R.A.D)

Proud to support

Food 4 Heroes

© 1981 - 2024 National Numbers. E&OE. All rights reserved. Registered in England. Company registration number 03441322.

National Numbers, 21 Manor Way, Belasis Hall Technology Park, Billingham, TS23 4HN

DVLA is a registered trademark of the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency. National Numbers is not affiliated to the DVLA or DVLA Personalised Registrations. National Numbers is a recognised DVLA number plate supplier.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Read our privacy policy for more about what we do with your data as well as your rights and choices.

Cookie Controls

For more information on our cookies and what we use them for, please refer to our cookie policy .

Essential Cookies

Essential cookies enable core functionality such as page navigation, your preferences and access to secure areas. The website cannot function properly without these cookies, and can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences.

Google Analytics Cookies

Analytical cookies help us to improve our website by collecting and reporting information on its usage.

Facebook Cookies

These enable you to connect to, share with and enhance your profile on the social network.

Twitter Cookies

Advertising cookies.

These help us to identify how you found out about us, and what advertising we're running is working.

Online Chat Cookies

Our online chat facility requires cookies to keep track of the conversation across pages.

Number Plate Search

  • Tips and advice

How to buy or transfer a personalised number plate

Treasured, cherished or vanity – whatever they’re called, personalised number plates are big business. we explain all you need to know.

how to change a personalised number plate from one car to another

A private number plate is a common way for people to personalise their vehicle. Sometimes known as a personalised number plate, the design must fit a legal format as issued by the DVLA. Some companies use cheap personalised number plates to identify vehicles in a fleet simply using either sequential numbers or letters; a useful trick when you have a UK fleet of white vans..

A personalised number plate can vary widely in cost depending on its desirability. The cheapest plates can cost from around £200 but the most popular can be upwards of six figures.

Am I restricted on what letter/number combination I can use?

Yes, there are four distinct number plate styles that can currently be purchased from the DVLA. There is also the Northern Irish-style which is legal to use throughout the UK. In fact if your car was originally registered in Northern Ireland it most likely still has the Northern Irish-style number plate.

4D Number Plate

The five styles each have names. First there is ‘current’ style. This is the same as a new car would get today: two letters followed by two numbers and then a further three letters. When choosing between ‘current’ style number plates you should be aware that the two numbers are restricted. For example a ‘10’ or ‘11’ will be an option but a ‘45’’ or ‘50’ is not. This is because these numbers have not yet been issued in the ‘current’ style.

Second, there is the ‘prefix’ style, these were used before September 2001 and have a letter followed by one, two, or three numbers, and then three letters. An example being ‘A123 ABC’.

The ‘suffix’ style number plates were used prior to 1983 and are the opposite of ‘prefix’, so you begin with three letters, then have one, two, or three numbers, and then finally a letter. An example is ‘ABC 123A’.

Finally there are dateless number plates and Northern Irish number plates. Both of these can be fitted to a car of any age as the letter and numbers do not represent the year the vehicle was registered. A dateless number plate is three letters and three numbers (ABC 123), although some very rare, and very expensive versions can be a number and letter, for example ‘A 1’. Northern Irish number plates always contain the letters ‘I’ or ‘Z’ and are three letters followed by up to four numbers (1-9999), an example being ‘AZA 9999’.

Are there any restrictions on what number plate I can buy?

Yes. It is important to remember that a number plate that was issued for vehicles of a certain year can only be placed on cars of that age or newer. For example, if you buy a number plate of the newer ‘suffix’ design and it is ‘XX02 XXX’, the number plate can not be placed on a vehicle that is older than March 1st 2002 because that is the oldest a car could be when this plate was issued. The same for the old ‘prefix’ style; the number plate M123 ABC, can not be fitted to cars older than August 1994 because ‘M’ was assigned to vehicles registered between then and July 1995.

Powered by Motorway

The DVLA also bans a variety of number plates each year before making them available because they deem them too offensive.

PCP vs HP

It is legal to fit a number plate to a vehicle that is newer than the number plate age. Using our ‘XX02 XXX’ number plate, you could fit it to a car registered in 2016 without a problem because the car is much younger than the number plate would suggest. This restriction exists to stop people making an old car appear younger with a later registration plate that could fool an unsuspecting buyer into thinking they are getting a newer car than they really are.

How do I buy a personalised number plate?

There are three ways you can buy a personalised number plate. The first is to buy directly from the DVLA, the second is to use a company or broker and the third is to buy privately.

Buying from the DVLA

Buying directly from the DVLA means cutting out the middleman, meaning at least one less fee to pay. The DVLA’s dedicated website has an excellent search tool that allows you to enter your criteria and browse a collection of plates that meet (or almost meet) your search terms. 

A way to potentially make a big saving is via the DVLA’s number-plate auctions, which are held periodically. These are either physical auctions - where you can bid in person, online or over the phone - or Timed auctions. Timed auctions are similar to those on typical online auction sites, where you place a highest-bid that cannot be seen by others and then the system bids on your behalf up to this maximum amount.

Buying from a broker

There are several companies out there that buy and sell personalised number plates. If you can’t find the plate you’re after on the DVLA’s website, it’s worth searching brokers’ websites. Number plates sold through brokers tend to be more expensive than those sold directly by the DVLA, as you’ll essentially be paying for two lots of profit: the DVLA’s original price and the broker’s mark-up.

Buying individual plates privately

If you’re after a specific number plate you know exists, but can’t find it through a broker or the DVLA, it can be worth keeping an eye on classified adverts in car magazines and newspapers’ motoring supplements. The number plates that crop up in classified adverts tend to be rare ones, and they’re often priced to reflect this.

How do I transfer a personalised number plate?

If you have the perfect plate already attached to your car but don’t want to lose it when it’s time to sell, this is not a problem - the DVLA is able to transfer the plates for a fee of £80. If you don’t yet have a new car to transfer the plates to, you are permitted to hold the plate on retention for 10 years to register it to a new vehicle. You can extend your right to hold the plate by paying a fee before the 10 year expiry.

In order to complete a plate transfer, you’ll need your car’s registration document (known as the logbook or ‘V5C’) and although the transfer process can be completed online, it can only be done between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

How much does a personalised number plate cost?

Prices for personalised number plates vary considerably, from a few hundred to a few hundred thousand pounds. If you’re buying from a DVLA auction, however, the price is whatever someone is willing to pay on the day. Plates sold through classified advertisements and brokers are often rare and desirable examples, so expect to see four, five and even six-figure sums being asked for these.

As a rule of thumb, the fewer characters a personalised number plate has, the more expensive it will be. Similarly, the higher the demand, the higher the price: number plates that resemble more popular names are more expensive than ones that spell out relatively rare names.

Also note that if a plate can be associated with a certain car, for example ‘911’, then this can drive the price up. Expensive cars tend to be owned by wealthy people, who are often willing and able to pay high prices for the right number plate. Some Porsche 911 owners who are keen to get their hands on a 911-related plate may be willing to part with large sums of cash to get one.

The History of personalised number plate trade

The personalised number plate trade is a relatively new one. Until about 25 years ago if a number plate spelt out a name, word or phrase, it was merely a matter of luck, because number plates were created based on a car’s age and its place of first registration.

how to change a personalised number plate from one car to another

Traders soon realised, however, that they were having notable success selling plates with relatively few characters, or ones that happened to spell out (or nearly spell out) names and phrases. Many of these number plates came from older cars: the plate ‘S1’, for example, was the first number plate ever issued in Edinburgh and is now worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.

In 1989, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) realised there was serious money to be made in designing and permitting number plate combinations that appealed to the personalised number plate market. Since then, the DVLA has sold more than four million personalised plates and made over £2billion for the Treasury in the process.

Read our  guides on to

  • C ar registration plates
  • H ow to transfer car ownership
  • A ll you need to know about the V5C
  • Motoring legal advice
  • Making money with your car

Most Popular

cupra ateca

Hot car deal: racy Cupra Ateca SUV for just £234 a month

Carbuyer best new car deals hero

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Audi S3 prototype front quarter

2024 Audi S3 promises to be sportier than ever with 328bhp – prototype review

Tips & advice

Car dashboard symbols and meanings

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Public EV charge point

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Peugeot 208 hatchback

Top 10 best car interiors

The best electric cars 2023

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

The best cheap-to-run cars 2023

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

Fastest hot hatchbacks hero

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

how to change a personalised number plate from one car to another

Private (personalised) number plates

Give up your right to use a private number.

You might get a refund of £80 if you have the right to use a private number but you decide not to assign it to a vehicle.

This refunds the £80 fee you paid when you either:

  • bought the number (the fee was included in the cost)
  • took the number off a vehicle

You can apply for a refund if:

  • the number was not assigned to any vehicle after you paid the fee
  • you have the latest V778 or V750 document - if you’ve lost it and it’s still valid you can get a replacement from DVLA

If the document was issued before 9 March 2015, you can only get a refund once it expires. You cannot get a replacement document if it’s expired.

Tick the ‘Give up the right to this registered number (surrender)’ section of the V778 or V750 document, sign it and send it to:

DVLA Personalised Registrations Swansea SA99 1DS

You cannot use the private number after you give up your right to it.

There’s a different process if the person with the right to use the private number has died .

Part of Get a private (personalised) number plate: step by step

Step 1 : buy a private number.

  • Find out how you can buy a number

Step 2 : Assign your private number to a vehicle

  • Apply to assign a private number to a vehicle

or Keep your private number

You do not have to assign your number to a vehicle.

You must renew your right to use the number every 10 years.

  • Check how to renew your number

Step 3 : Get a new number plate made

If you assign your private number to a vehicle you must get a number plate made up from a registered supplier.

  • Check the rules for number plates
  • Check what documents you need to get a number plate made
  • Find your nearest number plate supplier

Is this page useful?

  • Yes this page is useful
  • No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

For best matches please enter at least two or three letters

How to transfer a private number plate

Our guide will walk you through the steps required to successfully transfer a private plate.

There are 3 types of private plate transfers

Vehicle to vehicle, document to vehicle, vehicle to document.

The process of transferring a registration number from one vehicle to another is fairly straightforward. It can be done online in a few minutes or by post.

The procedures are as follows.

Transfer online

Step 1 take your private number plate off of your vehicle..

  • Visit the Take a registration off a vehicle page on the DVLA website.
  • Type in the registration number you want to remove.
  • Fill in the relevant sections with your V5C (logbook) document reference number and the registered keeper's postcode as it appears on the logbook.
  • Confirm that you are the registered keeper by clicking ' yes I am .'
  • Pay £80 to complete the removal of the private number plate.
  • You will be provided with a reference number. Make a note of this to use in Step 2 .

As long as your vehicle does not require an inspection, the private registration will be removed straight away.

Step 2 Assign your number plate to your vehicle.

  • Visit the Assign a number page on the DVLA website.
  • Where asked, enter the private registration number that you're looking to put on your vehicle.
  • When asked if you are the grantee/purchaser, select the option ' Yes, I am the grantee/purchaser '
  • Complete all details as requested. You will need to refer to your V5C registration document.
  • When asked, enter the reference number you were given at the end of Step 1 "Take your private number plate off your vehicle" above.
  • Submit the completed form.

Transfer by post

  • Download the V317 form .
  • Follow the 'Option A' instructions on the V317 document. You will need the information from the V5C (logbooks) of both the vehicle you are taking the private number plate off of and the vehicle you are transferring the private number plate to.
  • Enclose a cheque of £80 payable to ' DVLA Swansea ' along with the V317 form and the V5C (logbooks) of both vehicles.
  • Send the documents to the DVLA. The address you need to send them to is displayed on the V317 document.

Assuming a successful application, you will be sent new, updated V5C registration documents for both vehicles, usually within 2 weeks. Failures and delays usually only occur if there have been errors or omissions.

It is possible to replace a vehicle's current registration number with a private number plate from a V750 Certificate of Entitlement or a V778 Retention Document.

  • Check the expiry date on your V750 or V778 to make sure it is still valid.
  • Ensure that the registered keeper for the receiving vehicle matches the Grantee or Nominee name on the certificate.
  • Visit the Assign a private number page on the DVLA website.
  • Fill out your vehicle details including your current vehicle registration number and the latest logbook (V5C) document reference number.
  • Then enter the registered keeper's postcode as it appears on the logbook.
  • When asked, enter the required details from your V750/V778 certificate.
  • Complete relevant sections of your V750 or V778 document and sign it where instructed.
  • Send a cheque for £80 payable to 'DVLA Swansea' along with your certificate (V750/V778) and the V5C (logbook) of your vehicle to the DVLA at the address shown on the documents.

A registration that you want to remove from a car and keep for later use or sale may be stored in the form of a certificate. This is known as retaining a registration.

Please see our comprehensive page on how to retain a number plate for details of the process and how to complete it.

A photo of DVLA document V778

What are the 2 types of number plate certificates?

When a registration is not assigned to a vehicle.

Registration entitlement is granted on a Certificate of Entitlement (Form V750) OR on a Retention Document (Form V778).

Certificate of Entitlement (Form V750)

Sample of DVLA Form V750 Certificate of Entitlement

The Certificate of Entitlement (Form V750) is a pink document issued by the DVLA for a vehicle registration that hasn't been put on a vehicle before. A V750 shows that the original purchaser is entitled to the number plate for 10 years.

Retention Document (Form V778)

Sample of DVLA Form V778 Retention Document

The Retention Document (Form V778) is a green document also issued by the DVLA for a registration number that has been previously assigned to a vehicle. A V778 shows that the grantee is entitled to the number plate for 10 years.

We encourage renewal of Certificates and Retention Documents well in advance of the expiry date.

The steps you need to take are found on our How to retain a number plate page.

What are the vehicle requirements for transferring a number plate?

To satisfy the rules governing the transfer of a private registration, the vehicle to which the number is being transferred must:

  • be registered with DVLA in the UK
  • be able to move under its own power
  • be of a type that needs an MOT or heavy goods vehicle (HGV) test certificate
  • be available for inspection - DVLA will contact you if they need to inspect your vehicle
  • have been taxed or been covered by a Statutory Off Road Notice (SORN) continuously for the past five years
  • have current road tax or be covered by a current SORN. If the vehicle has had a SORN in place for more than five years, it must be taxed and have a current MOT certificate
  • If you have a historic (classic) vehicle you'll also need a current MOT certificate, even if your vehicle is usually exempt from MOTs.
  • If the registration is being transferred from one vehicle to another, then both vehicles must satisfy the criteria listed above.

Trust the team

Transferring a vehicle registration is a simple process. Of course, many people prefer the peace of mind provided by an experienced, professional team. That's why Regtransfers offers our customers the option of a fully managed transfer service, taking care of all red tape and formalities.

When you buy a registration with us select ' Hassle-free Transfer Service '.

Photo of employees at Regtransfers

Related articles

  • What is a car registration number
  • How to retain a registration
  • Car registration plates
  • How DVLA issue car registrations
  • What to do if your personal number plate is stolen
  • What to do if your personal number plate is cloned

Share this...

facebook

More helpful number plate guides

  • Auto Trader number plates
  • Cherished number plates
  • How to read personalised number plates
  • Irish number plates
  • Number plate guides
  • Number plates rules
  • DVLA Number Plate Buying & Selling Guide

Stories from the Blog

  • Celebrity number plates
  • Marketing your business
  • Customer stories

The role of DVLA

Car registrations and number plates, including personalised number plates, in the UK, are the responsibility of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, usually known as the DVLA. It issues new registrations twice a year and also maintains the central database that records details of all vehicles licensed to drive on UK roads, along with their keeper and registration information.

Regtransfers works closely with DVLA to complete registration transfers as quickly and efficiently as possible. Regtransfers is a DVLA-registered supplier of personal car registrations and number plates and is listed on the DVLA Registrations website. All number plates supplied by Regtransfers comply with DVLA's prescribed standards and regulations.

DVLA administers all UK registration transfers and issues updated registration documents when the registration number of a car is changed, or when a registration is removed from a vehicle and placed on a retention document in accordance with the DVLA Retention Scheme .

DVLA is a registered trade mark of the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency. Regtransfers is not affiliated with the DVLA or DVLA Personalised Registrations. Regtransfers is a recognised reseller of unissued Government stock.

Number plate regulations

When a car is on the road, it is an offence to display number plates bearing any number other than the vehicle's officially recorded registration number. If you purchase a private registration, learn how to transfer private plates before displaying the new number.

All registration number plates displayed on UK vehicles must comply with the official number plate regulations . DVLA oversees enforcement of number plates display regulations and maintains a register of approved manufacturers and retailers of vehicle number plates.

Regtransfers is not part of, and is not formally affiliated with DVLA.

We use cookies to collect some data when you use this website so it works better and is secure. Is that OK?

Primary Navigation Mobile

  • Vans & Pickups
  • –  New car reviews
  • –  Used car reviews
  • –  New Car Awards
  • –  Car companies
  • –  Electric cars
  • –  SUV Cars
  • –  Owner reviews
  • –  Extended reviews
  • –  Used cars for sale
  • –  New cars for sale
  • –  Nearly new cars for sale
  • –  Car history check
  • –  Car choosing tool
  • –  Free car valuation
  • –  Sell my car
  • –  Car Leasing
  • –  Car leasing special offers
  • –  Car leasing advice
  • –  Car Finance
  • –  Car finance advice
  • –  Get finance quote
  • –  Car loan calculator
  • –  Car Tax advice
  • –  Best Cars
  • –  Best car products
  • –  Car buying
  • –  Car glossary
  • –  Used cars
  • –  Car news
  • –  Car comparison
  • –  Car Jargon Explained
  • –  Car tax calculator
  • –  How benefit-in-kind BIK tax works
  • –  Buy a car warranty
  • –  Compare car insurance
  • –  Find a car's insurance group
  • –  GAP insurance
  • –  Car insurance advice

Parkers

Private plates: how to transfer a registration number

  • Private plates have been around as long as car registrations
  • Transferring a plate can be done online
  • Hide your car's age for £250 or less

A cherished private plate hides the age of a car and can add a personal touch

Written by Richard Kilpatrick Published: 24 August 2022 Updated: 10 January 2024

The UK’s car licensing and number plate scheme is one of few in the world that prominently shows the year of a car’s registration, with new cars bearing the latest digits each year. As a result, it’s become immensely popular to use a cherished number or ‘private plate’ to hide the age of a car, or just to personalise it a bit.

It’s a simple process to transfer a number plate from car to car online, but it’s not entirely straightforward, so here’s the Parkers guide to number plate transfers.

Keep reading for the full story, or use the quick links for quick answers to your private plate questions.

What is a car number plate?

Number plates are a unique identifying mark for vehicles, used since 1904 . Prominently displayed on a vehicle, they connect the car to the registered keeper, and serve as a reference for other legal requirements. Officially they are called ‘vehicle registration marks’ or VRMs.

Now much more data is linked to the number plate – from emissions figures, to whether a vehicle is a bus or taxi, and even legal towing weights. ANPR cameras use them to make sure vehicles are in the right places, charged the right amounts for zones and parking, and fined when going too fast or in the wrong lanes.

Without one, your car is not legal for use on the road – unless you’re the King .

Bentley State Limousine, rear view, showing lack of number plate fitting

What is a cherished plate?

A cherished plate is any vehicle registration mark, or number plate, you’ve chosen to keep after it was issued to the car, or bought specifically without a car assigned to it yet. They’re often called ‘private plates’, though they’re less anonymous than a regular random identifier.

You can retain a number from most cars, even MoT failures, but if a car has been scrapped or exported the number is lost. Some cars are issued with age-appropriate numbers that can’t be transferred, particularly classic cars that have lost their original paperwork .

Prior to the DVLA’s direct sales, plates were traded primarily by dealers out of stock already issued and taken off used cars. This market still exists, though the prices asked rarely reflect a real value except in very rare circumstances.

A 2022 Mercedes wearing pre-1963 UK plates

It has never been possible to buy a free-form set of numbers and letters to spell a word, unlike vanity plates in America and some other countries, and the number is allocated to the car and not the owner. Combinations like ‘K1 NGS’ therefore fetch huge sums at auction.

Even when a car itself was a huge status symbol, the first registered car owner was so desperate to own ‘A 1’ that he camped outside the issuing office – thus proving the idea of perceived status around the plate, creating the concept of cherished numbers.

As a result, transferring a plate has been possible almost since the start of number plates being issued, though it’s only since the 1980s that it’s been heavily marketed.

How do I transfer a cherished plate?

The quickest way to transfer a plate from one car to another is online. You can take the cherished number off with a simple form, and apply it to the new car immediately if you have a current logbook, rather than the old method of transferring which required both logbooks, a form, MOTs and insurance/tax paperwork to be sent away.

If your car is registered in your name and you have the current V5C, and it is taxed or has had a SORN in place for less than five years, removing the plate for transfer or retention is instant. It costs the same £80 as before, but if you don’t want to apply the number immediately, retaining it is free.

Simply visit the government personalised registrations portal and choose ‘take a private number off a vehicle’.

After completing the online form to retain a number and paying the £80 fee, you will be told the car’s replacement number right away. The eV948 number plate authorisation certificate will also be emailed to you, so you can get new legal plates made up.

When transferring a number to a car that you have a current V5C for, the DVLA’s made it very fast. When payment for taking the number off is completed you’ll see the green box (below) with the receipt, details of the donor car’s replacement number and eV948. Notice those reference numbers?

The DVLA website gives you the reference numbers you need to apply a retained number instantly - check the green box

Just use the details provided to apply a cherished number online and as the transfer fee is already paid, it’s free and instant.

All the checks for MOT/tax and insurance are performed online, and existing tax/SORN and MOT records are updated in 24hrs for both the car supplying the number, and the car receiving it.

Paper documents will follow in the post. Usually within five working days, but it can take up to six weeks. You’ll receive a new V5C for the donor car, with the replacement number assigned, and a V778 retention certificate for your plate if you haven’t applied it to a new car immediately.

If you’re going to keep using the car the plate has been taken off, don’t forget to update your insurance. If you’ve traded the car in, give the dealer the replacement V5C when it arrives.

Once you have your V778, you can sell or give the number to someone to apply by post or online, but you can use the reference numbers at any time without waiting for the certificate – so don’t give them out or leave them visible in for sale listings.

How much does it cost to retain a private plate?

It’s free to retain a private plate now, but it must be renewed after 10 years. When first launched it cost £80 to transfer a plate, £25 to retain it, and £25 a year to keep a plate on retention, all done by post or visits to a local office.

The £80 fee you pay when taking a plate off a car is the transfer fee, so it’s already paid when you apply the plate, and it’s free to renew the retention.

If you have been renewing retention annually on a plate you got before 2015, the best thing to do is apply it to a car in your name, then take it off, moving it to the newer system.

If you have bought cherished numbers through the DVLA that have not been assigned to cars yet, you can renew those and their V750 ‘certificate of entitlement’ through your DVLA online account .

How do I apply a cherished plate?

Applying a cherished plate from retention or purchase is easy. The car you want to apply it to must be taxed or SORN; if you’ve just bought a car and changed the V5C online, make a SORN declaration or tax it right away with the V5C/2’s reference number. It can take a day for this to update online.

The DVLA website makes assigning a number easy

Dateless plates can be applied to any vehicle, but you cannot apply a younger age of registration than the car’s registration date.

When you have applied the number, you’ll be issued a new V5C in the post, and will be able to download the eV948 number plate authorisation certificate to get new plates made up straight away.

You can apply a private plate to any vehicle, online, as long as you have your V778 and the current logbook for the vehicle it’s being applied to. If it’s not your car, you’re assigning the right to the plate to the registered owner of the car receiving it.

What are grantees and nominees on form V778?

Cherished plates are tied to the registered keeper or original buyer of the plate (the grantee). Under the old system, if you wanted to give or sell your plate to someone you would fill out a nominee on the certificate first. This allowed them to apply the plate to a car in their name.

These days it’s quicker to do it online if you are selling or giving the plate to a new owner.

Who should you inform after transferring or assigning a number plate?

Only the car logbook, MoT history and tax are automatically updated. Once you’ve changed the plates displayed on your car, inform your insurance company. Some may charge an admin fee for the change, but many won’t, particularly if you’ve just taken out the policy. If in doubt, check AskMID to see if your current plate shows as insured .

Don’t forget any other automatic payment or parking systems you have set up. That includes London’s Congestion Charge, ULEZ and LEZ , as well as Dartcharge account, or local authority Clean Air zones. Don’t forget work, gym or apartment car park access, and pre-configured payments like parking or fuel on your smartphone.

What tips are there for transferring a car number plate?

1. Keep the old plates. Most cars will go back to the previous number when you remove yours, even ones that had a cherished number on.

2: If you buy a car that has a number you think could be worth selling or retaining? Take it off and put it on retention before applying your own.

3. Always make sure you retain a plate while you are the registered keeper of the car. If you change the registered keeper to transfer ownership of the car before retaining your number, you have lost the plate.

4. Selling a car? It’s best to take the plate off when you decide to start advertising rather than waiting for a buyer. Not only does it mean you’ll have the paperwork ready for a buyer and have the right plate in adverts, you will also avoid the risk of losing it if the car sells quickly.

5. Retained several plates no-one wants? You can always return the plate to the DVLA to get a refund of the £80 transfer fee.

6. Want a plate off a classic? If it’s been off the road a while it’ll need to be MOTd even if it’s exempt. Likewise, it’ll need to be SORN or taxed. Lost paperwork will require proof of the car’s identity to get a new V5C issued, if it has been off the road a long time.

7. Buying a plate from Facebook or similar? Do it in person and apply the plate online, with their retention certificate details, rather than giving out your V5C information There are no fees to pay to apply the plate. Only pay once the DVLA confirms the plate has been applied to your car.

Can you buy a private plate if it hasn’t been issued?

Early in the days of vehicle registration, councils could sell a specific combination but that stopped as car sales boomed. In 1989 the DVLA introduced a new cherished number scheme. This includes auctions of desirable numbers and a published pool of available plates you can search online .

Prices start at £250 including assignment fee and VAT, even for older numbers still in the system. Ordering plates ahead of new registration dates and combinations is now actively marketed, though the best are saved for auctions.

Lease cars, company cars, and private plates

If you are leasing or contract hiring a car, you can ask your lease provider to apply your registration. You’ll have to pay admin fees, and in the process you transfer your right to the number to the leasing company as the registered keeper. We don’t recommend it, as a rule, unless the car is particularly unusual or a very long lease.

A DVLA Cherished plate, prefix-style, on 2007 Mazda MX-5 Mk3

DVLA cherished numbers can be bought in advance of new registration dates. Provide the dealer with the V750 to register the car from new on your number, and remember to have it transferred off before the lease ends if you want to keep it.

Cars on PCP or finance deals, usually registered in your name, are entirely safe to apply the number to. You will need to inform the finance provider of the change.

Styles of private plate in the UK

Starting in 1904, cars were registered with a region identifier of one or two letters and up to four digits, such as A 1, or KS 1234. That system expanded up to three letters and numbers (A BC 123) in 1932, then as demand increased in the 1950s reversed to three numbers and letters (123 A BC ), or up to four numbers and one region identifier.

Car registrations varied wildly between regions, so some locations were still on the system introduced in 1932 at the start of the ‘60s.  Pressure on allocating numbers was so great that a new system, adding a year-related suffix, was introduced. On 1 January 1963, the first A-suffix cars were registered (the format being A BC 123A), but it wasn’t consistently applied to all registration offices until 1 January 1965, so A and B suffix cars are rarer.

In 1983 the suffix became a prefix – A123 A BC – and in 2001 the system we use now was introduced, with a location of first registration, a six-month year identifier, and three random letters. AB 51 ABC. Cars registered in March display the actual year of registration. Prefix and current plates that haven’t been issued can be bought online via DVLA easily.

Plates issued in Northern Ireland (below), characterised by including the letters I and Z, can be legally applied to cars in England, Scotland and Wales. These combinations of up to three letters and four numbers date from 1966. Because these plates are dateless, they are popular with owners of older luxury or sports cars.

A dateless NI plate on an Audi A3

Although plates still refer to local offices, the DVLA closed local registration offices in 2013. If your last experience of a plate transfer predates that, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the progress made. Whatever your chosen cherished number, it will need to be displayed on a legal plate .

Can I change a private plate online?

Yes, you can change your number plate to a cherish plate online with the right documentation and for a transfer fee of £80. You must follow the process of assigning your plate over before driving away with it on.

Can I put my private plate on my car straight away?

You’ll first need to follow the legal process of assigning your private plate to your car. To do so, you’ll need a V750 certificate of entitlement and a V778 retention document. You can read more about what you need to do to assign a plate to your vehicle on the government website.

Is a cherished plate worth having?

Don’t be fooled into believing they’re an investment. Very few are, and they’re usually already overpriced or in the hands of the only person who would want them.

If you can find a combination that makes you happy and is affordably priced though, there’s absolutely no harm in having one. If you look at your three-year old car registration as a new one comes out, and it makes you want a new car, it could even save you money.

There’s no denying that an apt and legal plate, like ‘LO02 WET’ on a plumber’s van or ‘BA55 LNE’ for a DJ, can raise a smile in traffic.

A cherished private plate hides the age of a car and can add a personal touch

  • Part exchange
  • Archived cars
  • Archived listings
  • Report a purchase
  • Communication preferences
  • Browse in-stock new & used cars
  • Browse leasing deals
  • Sell your car
  • New car reviews
  • Car reviews
  • Aston Martin
  • Audi electric cars
  • Audi hybrid cars
  • BMW electric cars
  • BMW hybrid cars
  • Citroen electric cars
  • Ford hybrid cars
  • Honda hybrid cars
  • Hyundai electric cars
  • Hyundai hybrid cars
  • Hyundai SUVs
  • Kia electric cars
  • Kia hybrid cars
  • Lamborghini
  • Lexus hybrid cars
  • Mercedes-Benz
  • Mercedes-Benz electric cars
  • Mercedes-Benz hybrid cars
  • Mercedes-Benz SUVs
  • MG electric cars
  • MINI electric cars
  • Nissan electric cars
  • Peugeot electric cars
  • Porsche electric cars
  • Porsche SUVs
  • Renault electric cars
  • Rolls-Royce
  • Skoda electric cars
  • Smart electric cars
  • Toyota hybrid cars
  • Toyota SUVs
  • Vauxhall electric cars
  • Volkswagen electric cars
  • Volkswagen hybrid cars
  • Volkswagen SUVs
  • Volvo electric cars

Not sure what you want? Find your perfect car with our Car chooser

  • 7-Seater Cars
  • Automatic Cars
  • Convertible Cars
  • Crossover Cars
  • Electric Cars
  • Estate Cars
  • Executive Cars
  • Family Cars
  • Hot Hatches
  • Hybrid Cars
  • Luxury Cars
  • Medium-sized Cars
  • Most Economical Cars
  • Motability Cars
  • Saloon Cars
  • Sports Cars
  • Audi A1 Sportback
  • BMW 1 Series
  • Cupra Formentor
  • Ford Fiesta
  • Honda Civic
  • Hyundai Ioniq 5
  • Hyundai Tucson
  • Hyundai i10
  • Kia Sportage
  • Land Rover Defender
  • Mercedes-Benz A-Class
  • Nissan Juke
  • Nissan Qashqai
  • Peugeot 2008
  • Peugeot 208
  • Peugeot 3008
  • Range Rover
  • Range Rover Evoque
  • Skoda Karoq
  • Skoda Kodiaq
  • Tesla Model 3
  • Tesla Model Y
  • Toyota Aygo X
  • Toyota Yaris Hybrid
  • Vauxhall Corsa
  • Vauxhall Mokka
  • Volkswagen Golf
  • Volkswagen Polo
  • Volkswagen Tiguan
  • Nearly new cars
  • Car chooser
  • Compare cars side-by-side
  • New car delivery times
  • Fuel chooser
  • PCP calculator
  • How we test cars
  • Used Abarth cars
  • Used Alfa Romeo cars
  • Used Alpine cars
  • Used Aston Martin cars
  • Used Audi cars
  • Used Bentley cars
  • Used BMW cars
  • Used Citroen cars
  • Used Cupra cars
  • Used Dacia cars
  • Used DS cars
  • Used Ferrari cars
  • Used Fiat cars
  • Used Ford cars
  • Used Genesis cars
  • Used GWM Ora cars
  • Used Honda cars
  • Used Hyundai cars
  • Used Infiniti cars
  • Used Jaguar cars
  • Used Jeep cars
  • Used Kia cars
  • Used Lamborghini cars
  • Used Land Rover cars
  • Used Lexus cars
  • Used Lotus cars
  • Used Maserati cars
  • Used Mazda cars
  • Used McLaren cars
  • Used Mercedes-Benz cars
  • Used MG cars
  • Used MINI cars
  • Used Mitsubishi cars
  • Used Nissan cars
  • Used Peugeot cars
  • Used Polestar cars
  • Used Porsche cars
  • Used Renault cars
  • Used Rolls-Royce cars
  • Used SEAT cars
  • Used Skoda cars
  • Used Smart cars
  • Used SsangYong cars
  • Used Subaru cars
  • Used Suzuki cars
  • Used Tesla cars
  • Used Toyota cars
  • Used Vauxhall cars
  • Used Volkswagen cars
  • Used Volvo cars
  • Used Peugeot 108
  • Used Kia Picanto
  • Used Citroen C3
  • Used Volkswagen Polo
  • Used Ford Fiesta
  • Used Renault Clio
  • Used MINI 3-Door Hatch
  • Used SEAT Arona
  • Used Ford Fiesta Active
  • Used Vauxhall Mokka
  • Used Honda Jazz
  • Used Skoda Karoq
  • Used Toyota Yaris Hybrid
  • Used Toyota Corolla
  • Used MINI Paceman
  • Used BMW 2 Series (2014-2021)
  • Used Volkswagen Golf
  • Used Fiat 124 Spider
  • Used Nissan Qashqai
  • Used Range Rover Evoque
  • Used Discovery Sport
  • Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon
  • Used Audi A4 Avant
  • Used Mercedes-Benz GLA
  • Used Lexus UX
  • Used Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Used BMW X1
  • Used Audi Q5
  • Used Jaguar F-PACE
  • Used BMW X3
  • Used Volvo XC90
  • Used Mercedes-Benz GLC
  • Used cars in Aberdeen
  • Used cars in Birmingham
  • Used cars in Bristol
  • Used cars in Cardiff
  • Used cars in Doncaster
  • Used cars in Dundee
  • Used cars in Edinburgh
  • Used cars in Glasgow
  • Used cars in Leeds
  • Used cars in Leicester
  • Used cars in Lincoln
  • Used cars in Liverpool
  • Used cars in London
  • Used cars in Manchester
  • Used cars in Milton Keynes
  • Used cars in Newport
  • Used cars in Northampton
  • Used cars in Norwich
  • Used cars in Nottingham
  • Used cars in Plymouth
  • Used cars in Sheffield
  • Used cars in Southampton
  • Used cars in Stoke-on-Trent
  • Used cars in Swansea
  • Car history checker
  • Car leasing
  • Business car leasing
  • Abarth lease deals
  • Alfa Romeo lease deals
  • Audi lease deals
  • BMW lease deals
  • BYD lease deals
  • Citroen lease deals
  • Cupra lease deals
  • Dacia lease deals
  • DS lease deals
  • Fiat lease deals
  • Ford lease deals
  • Genesis lease deals
  • GWM Ora lease deals
  • Honda lease deals
  • Hyundai lease deals
  • Jaguar lease deals
  • Jeep lease deals
  • Kia lease deals
  • Land Rover lease deals
  • Lexus lease deals
  • Maserati lease deals
  • Mazda lease deals
  • Mercedes-Benz lease deals
  • MG lease deals
  • MINI lease deals
  • Nissan lease deals
  • Peugeot lease deals
  • Polestar lease deals
  • Porsche lease deals
  • Renault lease deals
  • SEAT lease deals
  • Skoda lease deals
  • Smart lease deals
  • SsangYong lease deals
  • Subaru lease deals
  • Suzuki lease deals
  • Tesla lease deals
  • Toyota lease deals
  • Vauxhall lease deals
  • Volkswagen lease deals
  • Volvo lease deals
  • 7-seater car lease deals
  • Electric car lease deals
  • Estate car lease deals
  • Hybrid car lease deals
  • Small car lease deals
  • SUV lease deals
  • Ford Fiesta lease deals
  • Vauxhall Corsa lease deals
  • Volkswagen Polo lease deals
  • Nissan Juke lease deals
  • Skoda Kamiq lease deals
  • Audi A1 Sportback lease deals
  • Peugeot 2008 lease deals
  • Ford Puma lease deals
  • Volkswagen Golf lease deals
  • Nissan Qashqai lease deals
  • Ford Focus lease deals
  • Audi A3 Sportback lease deals
  • Volkswagen T-Roc lease deals
  • BMW 1 Series lease deals
  • Kia Sportage lease deals
  • BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe lease deals
  • Toyota C-HR lease deals
  • Hyundai Tucson lease deals
  • Ford Kuga lease deals
  • Volkswagen Tiguan lease deals
  • Mercedes-Benz A-Class lease deals
  • Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon lease deals
  • Volvo XC40 lease deals
  • Volkswagen ID3 lease deals
  • Volkswagen Golf GTI lease deals
  • Mercedes-Benz GLB lease deals
  • Tesla Model 3 lease deals
  • BMW 3 Series lease deals
  • Volkswagen Golf R lease deals
  • Range Rover Evoque lease deals
  • Jaguar F-PACE lease deals
  • Range Rover Velar lease deals
  • Discovery lease deals
  • Audi Q7 lease deals
  • Range Rover Sport lease deals
  • New car deals
  • Abarth Deals
  • Alfa Romeo Deals
  • Alpine Deals
  • Citroen Deals
  • Cupra Deals
  • Dacia Deals
  • Genesis Deals
  • GWM Ora Deals
  • Honda Deals
  • Hyundai Deals
  • INEOS Deals
  • Jaguar Deals
  • Land Rover Deals
  • Lexus Deals
  • Lotus Deals
  • Mazda Deals
  • Mercedes-Benz Deals
  • Nissan Deals
  • Peugeot Deals
  • Polestar Deals
  • Renault Deals
  • Skoda Deals
  • Smart Deals
  • SsangYong Deals
  • Subaru Deals
  • Suzuki Deals
  • Tesla Deals
  • Toyota Deals
  • Vauxhall Deals
  • Volkswagen Deals
  • Volvo Deals
  • Dacia Sandero Deals
  • Dacia Duster (2017-2024) Deals
  • Vauxhall Corsa Deals
  • Volkswagen Polo Deals
  • Peugeot 2008 Deals
  • Ford Puma Deals
  • Volkswagen Golf Deals
  • Nissan Qashqai Deals
  • Nissan Leaf Deals
  • MINI Cooper Electric Deals
  • Kia Sportage Deals
  • Mercedes-Benz A-Class Deals
  • Hyundai Tucson Deals
  • Cupra Formentor Deals
  • Ford Kuga Deals
  • Volkswagen Tiguan Deals
  • Peugeot 3008 Deals
  • Volvo XC40 Deals
  • Vauxhall Mokka Electric Deals
  • Skoda Kodiaq Deals
  • Tesla Model 3 Deals
  • Volkswagen ID4 Deals
  • Hyundai Ioniq 5 Deals
  • Range Rover Evoque Deals
  • Kia Sorento Deals
  • Volvo XC60 Deals
  • Jaguar F-PACE Deals
  • Volvo XC90 Deals
  • BMW M2 Deals
  • 0% car finance deals
  • No deposit car finance deals
  • Cars with cheap insurance deals
  • Immediate delivery deals
  • Quick delivery EV deals
  • Sell my car
  • Part exchange my car
  • Value my car
  • Sell my van
  • Electric cars
  • Best electric cars
  • Cheap electric cars
  • Most efficient electric cars
  • Longest range electric cars
  • Electric family cars
  • Electric SUVs
  • Fastest electric cars
  • Small electric cars
  • Used electric cars
  • Audi Q4 e-tron
  • Hyundai Kona Electric
  • Jaguar I-PACE
  • Kia Niro EV
  • Lotus Eletre
  • Nissan Ariya
  • Skoda Enyaq
  • Volkswagen ID3
  • Volkswagen ID4
  • carwow electric
  • Compare electric car costs
  • EV range calculator
  • EV charging stations map
  • Electric car statistics
  • Tesla charging stations map
  • Automotive news
  • carwow newsroom
  • Going electric
  • Choosing a car
  • Buying a car
  • Financing a car
  • Owning & running a car
  • Selling a car
  • Grants & discounts
  • Driving rules and laws
  • Automotive glossary
  • YouTube and videos
  • Miscellaneous automotive topics
  • Congestion charge checker
  • Fuel price checker
  • MOT history checker
  • ULEZ checker
  • Vehicle Tax checker

How to get a personalised number plate

January 12, 2024 by John Tallodi

' class=

Personalising your car can be a very satisfying and rewarding experience. However, if you aren’t too keen on making permanent modifications to your vehicle, a personalised number plate can be a great way to stand out from the crowd.

So you’ve been through and seen how Carwow can save you money on a lovely new car, but now you want to put a personal plate on your shiny wheels to complete the whole process. This article will go through everything you need to know about personalised plates, detailing the buying process and legal requirements.

How to get a private number plate in 4 steps:

  • Buying a private number plate
  • Assign it to your vehicle
  • Have the plate made
  • Inform your insurance company

1. Buy your private number plate

Right, so you’ve finally bought that special car and now you want to give it that unique touch with a personalised number plate. But how do you actually buy one?

Buying from the DVLA

You can buy a new number plate from the DVLA Personalised Registration portal at any point. There are millions of permutations to choose from and each will have a price listed next to it.

Buying from a DVLA auction

The DVLA also holds around five auctions a year, you can bid for the available plates either in person, online, over the phone or in writing. The details of upcoming auctions and the list of all available numbers can be accessed on the DVLA registrations website . There is also a handy search tool to help you find the plates that best match your needs.

Once you have bought the plate you want you will get a V750 certificate of entitlement.

Buying from a broker

Number plate brokers are another avenue open to you if the DVLA doesn’t have quite what you are looking for. Brokers tend to be a bit pricier but may have some unique plates that you wouldn’t otherwise have access to elsewhere.

Buying from a private business or individual

You can also search online for plates that are being sold by individuals or businesses. Most of the number plates you will find through these sources tend to be rare and pricey. As a general rule, the fewer the characters the higher the price.

2. Assign your private number plate to a vehicle

Once you have purchased your number plate, you will get a V750 certificate of entitlement. If you are transferring a number from a vehicle you already own then you should have a V778 retention document.

You can apply online if the vehicle is registered to you. If the car is brand new, then you will need to give the V750 or V778 to your dealer and get them to apply on your behalf. You will need your vehicle’s V5C in both cases. The cost to do this is usually £80.

If you already have a private number on your vehicle you will need to apply to have it removed beforehand . If you don’t do this, you might lose the right to use it in the future.

You can also apply by post by sending your V750 or V778 and the V5C logbook to the DVLA. If you need to tax your vehicle at the same time you need to send in a V10 application for vehicle tax form, the correct amount of tax required and an MOT certificate.

There are a few criteria that the vehicle must meet:

  • It needs to be registered with the DVLA in the UK and be of a type that needs an MOT
  • It must be able to move under its own power and be available for inspection by the DVLA if required
  • It must have been taxed or have a SORN in place for at least five years, if the SORN status has been in place for over five years then the vehicle also needs to be taxed and have a valid MOT certificate.
  • Classic vehicles that are usually exempt from MOTs will need to have one carried out.

If the vehicle does not need an inspection the number will be assigned to it immediately and you should then put these new plates on the car.

Within four to six weeks you will be sent a new V5C logbook and your original MOT if you sent it in to have the vehicle taxed at the same time.

You will need to renew your V750 certificate or entitlement or V778 retention document every 10 years (sooner if you acquired your personalised plate before 2015) if it is not being used on a vehicle. Read our number plate retention guide for more info on this subject.

3. Get your private number plate made

To get the plates made you will need to contact a registered number plate supplier, they will require some form of identification like your driving licence, utilities bill or national identity card, and proof that you own the vehicle. This can be the V5C, V750 or V778 document.

If you prefer to design your own personalised plate it will need to:

  • Be made out of reflective material and not have a background pattern
  • Have black characters with a white background in the front and yellow background on the rear plate
  • Be marked with the plate supplier’s details and the British Standard number (BS AU 145e)

It can have raised characters and display a green flash for zero emission vehicles. Some flags and symbols are allowed. The plate also cannot make your car appear younger than it is, or start with ‘Q’ or ‘NIQ’.

4. Tell your insurance company

Be sure to tell your insurance company about the change to ensure that it is still covered. Most insurers do not consider a personalised number plate to be a modification to a vehicle, so it is unlikely to affect your premiums.

You should also update any automatic payment accounts linked to your registration number. These may include congestion charge and low emissions zones.

Private number plate FAQs

How do private number plates work.

Private number plates are registered to a specific vehicle. The legal owner of the vehicle can apply to have them transferred to a new vehicle.

Can you create your own private number plate?

Yes. There are some criteria to be followed, such as not starting with ‘Q’ or ‘NIQ’, or making your car seem newer than it is, but as long as your particular set of digits hasn’t already been claimed you are free to create your own plates.

How much is a personalised number plate?

It costs £80 to have a personalised plate registered to a car, however the personalised plate itself can cost anywhere from a few hundred pounds to hundreds of thousands of pounds depending on its rarity.

Can you buy a private number plate without a car?

Yes. You can purchase a private number plate on a certificate without actually owning a car. This certificate will need to be renewed every 10 years. Just remember that the plate will need to meet all the criteria mentioned above to be legally fitted to a car at some point in the future.

What do I do with my old number plates?

If you intend to keep your private plates for your next car, then you should hold on to your original number plates for when you sell your current vehicle. If you want to get rid of them then they can be recycled at most recycling centres.

Buy your next car (and sell your old one) with carwow

Found the perfect car to fit your personalised plates on? Then take a look at the latest offers on your preferred model through carwow.

A network of trusted dealers will come to you with their best offers. There’s no need to haggle or negotiate and you can compare your offers in one place without even having to leave your home.

If you’re thinking of selling your old car, you can do that through carwow, too. Again, a network of dealers will come to you with their best offers for your vehicle — no haggling, no stress, and the price you’re offered is the price you’ll get. The dealership will make payment and collect your car.

Compare cars using carwow

  • Compare cars using carwow.
  • View offers from local and national dealers.
  • Buy with confidence on carwow.

Related articles

Can you buy a car with cash?

Tyre and alloy insurance: what is it and is it worth it?

Electric car charger installation cost 2024

Do you need insurance to test drive a car?

Can you buy a car with a credit card?

What is GAP insurance and why do you need it?

What is a factory order car?

How much is the London Congestion Charge?

Can you park on a single yellow line?

Your rights when buying a used car from a dealer, private seller, or auction

Drink drive limits in the UK: What to know

What is a tyre’s tread depth?

All new urban roads to get 20mph speed limits

Should I buy a new or used car?

Electric car salary sacrifice scheme explained

CAR.CO.UK®

Search UK Number Plates

How long does it take to transfer a number plate.

If you've bought a new car and are selling the old one currently displaying the number plate, the easiest and quickest way to transfer the new plate is online. The DVLA website offers a very clear and easy to follow process, which only takes a few minutes as long as you have all the right documentation to hand.

This may be a two-step process in that you apply to remove the number from one vehicle and then immediately apply to transfer it to another vehicle:

  • Have the right documents ready before you log on to the DVLA website
  • Transfer the number plate from the old car first, using the online form; you'll need your log book (V5C)
  • You'll be asked to pay the £80 transfer fee
  • You'll be given an online reference number
  • You'll then need your V778 online reference number, your log book (V5C) and a valid MOT certificate if your car is over three years old so that you can assign the number plate to your new car
  • Simply follow the clearly explained steps and you should be able to complete the transfer in a matter of minutes
  • Don't forget to let your insurance provider know that you've transferred the number plate

It is usual practice to restore the original number plate to the car you are selling and the assumption is that you'll have kept these plates. If you choose to complete the process by post, you'll probably have to wait for between two and five weeks for the transfer to go through. However you do it, remember to let your insurance company know about the transfer.

What if I already own the personalised number plate but haven't been using it?

If you own the personalised number plate but aren't currently using it, you'll already have a V778 retention document. The process of assigning the plate to a new vehicle is simple; you just need to follow the steps listed above, starting at step 5.

Again, you can choose the quick route of doing this online, or be prepared for more of a wait if you choose the postal route.

The good news is that if you are buying the car through a dealer, you'll usually find that they will sort this out for you as part of the purchase. As long as you can provide the V778 retention document, you should be able to leave all this to the dealer, and they will let you know once the process is complete and you are able to collect your new vehicle from them.

Checklist for transfer

You can transfer your personalised number plate on to your chosen vehicle once the following steps are complete:

  • You've got the log book to prove you are the registered keeper
  • You've got a V750 or V778 certificate proving you hold the right to the number plate
  • Your new car is taxed, insured and has an MOT certificate if it's more than three years old

Once you're ready to put your personalised number plate on your car, do remember to store the old plates safely and be mindful that they may be needed when you sell on the vehicle.  

Other related FAQs

Can you transfer a motorcycle number plate to a car.

Yes, you can. The same DVLA rules apply whether you're transferring a number plate from car to car, motorbike to motorbike, or from a motorbike to a car. The process is the same for all transfers.

How To Transfer A Number Plate To Another Person

Whether it’s an interested buyer or a family member, you can transfer your number plate to another person. Up until the point the number plate is assigned to car, no vehicle documentation is necessary.

How To Transfer A Private Number Plate To A New Car

To transfer a private number plate to a new car, you will need to complete a V317 form. This applies whether you’re transferring the plate to another car in your name, a vehicle you’re purchasing or to someone else’s car.

How To Transfer A Number Plate Online

You can remove the number plate from one car and assign it to another via Gov.uk online, but you must have the vehicle log book and be the registered keeper. A fee of £80 is payable.

  • 5a Parkgate
  • 117 Liverpool Road
  • United Kingdom
  • Registered number: 03143909
  • Social value
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookie policy
  • Website terms
  • Create an account
  • Car insurance
  • Car finance
  • Car warranties
  • Scrap my car
  • Vehicle inspections
  • Industry news

Enter a few details to sign up to the latest automotive news from Car.co.uk

how to change a personalised number plate from one car to another

news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site

‘Heinous’: Melbourne car’s personalised number plate sparks outrage

Anger has erupted over yet another personalised number plate deemed offensive, spotted on the road in Melbourne.

Shannon Molloy

Aussies rejoice over man getting fined $1500

City bans cars from driving through CBD

City bans cars from driving through CBD

Commuter nightmare as police block Bridge

Commuter nightmare as police block Bridge

Anger has erupted in Australia’s Jewish community over a personalised number plate deemed offensive, with calls for an investigation into how it was approved.

A shocked bystander snapped a photograph of the Victorian plate, attached to a luxury Lexus sports car parked at Westfield in Doncaster in Melbourne’s northeast.

It reads ’88-SS’ – 88 being a code among neo-Nazis for “Heil Hitler” and SS referring to the notorious paramilitary unit that terrorised Jews during World War II.

Anti-Defamation Commission chairman Dvir Abramovich described the sight of the number plate as “confronting” and condemned the individual for glorifying “Hitler’s cruel and sadistic killing unit, whose members included guards at death camps like Auschwitz where millions were gassed”.

Dr Abramovich called for VicRoads to investigate how the plate was approved and take steps to ensure personalised plates containing anti-Semitic or racist acronyms and turns are removed.

“Or not approved in the first place,” he said. “People should not have the right to put anything they want on their car.

“At a time when anti-Jewish hatred is skyrocketing across the country, and we are seeing a dangerous surge of unabashed white supremacists who are determined to push their vile and dark agenda into the real world, this type of is the last thing we need.

“We can’t afford to be asleep at the wheel and permit heinous references that incite violence and glorify bigotry to appear on our cars.”

Do you have a story? Email [email protected]

A shocked onlooker spotted this seemingly anti-Semitic personalised number plate on a luxury car in Melbourne.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin described the image as “deeply troubling” and said it’s the latest example of someone feeling “sufficiently emboldened” to display their Nazism.

“The clear intent behind these plates is to glorify Nazism, to signal to other supporters of white supremacy and to intimidate the public,” Mr Ryvchin said.

“Authorities need to be awake to this issue.

“They must stay a step ahead of the perpetrators by working with communities to understand slogans and terms used by violent extremists. This will allow authorities to identify individuals seeking to register such plates and to act decisively against these hateful people.”

Alex Ryvchin is concerned about public displays of support for Nazism.

Last week, the New South Wales Government was forced to intervene after it emerged that complaints about a similarly offensive plate had gone unanswered .

An image of the offending New South Wales plate, which reads ‘OCT7TH’ and was attached to a white Ford Ranger, was shared widely on social media.

They seemed to be celebrating the co-ordinated terrorist attacks orchestrated by Hamas, killing more than 1000 Israeli civilians and seeing hundreds more abducted.

After media reports, Main Roads Minister John Graham took swift action.

“As soon as I heard about this, we issued an order for it to be recalled,” Mr Graham told 2GB. “That process used to take up to a month before plates could be called back in. Transport has acted immediately.

“Given the tensions around the world I wasn’t happy with that. As roads minister, we’ve shortened that process, and the request is now that these plates are [recalled] in within 48 hours.”

Authorities ordered the removal of this number plate in NSW last week.

Dr Abramovich said that response had “set the back” for dealing with offensive and anti-Semitic number plates.

“To allow such stomach-churning combinations to be registered violates the core values of a respectful and inclusive state.

“VicRoads must show zero tolerance for hate speech, and this issue must be addressed whenever and whatever it arises, especially when it concerns a government agency.”

From late December, intentionally displaying Nazi symbols in public became a criminal offence in Victoria. It followed a ban on performing Nazi salutes, instituted a few months earlier.

“Other symbols used by the Nazi party and its associated paramilitary arms are also banned,” Legal Aid Victoria advises on its website.

Dvir Abramovich wants more done to ensure offensive plates aren’t issued in the first place. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

Michael Hooper, chief operations officer at VicRoads Registration and Licensing Services, said the plate was likely not intentionally offensive.

“We have reviewed the application and are satisfied the intent behind the combination is not intended to cause offence - lucky numbers, birth years and personal initials are often used in custom number plates.”

Victoria Police declined to comment on the personalised number plate and referred queries back to VicRoads.

Roads Minister Melissa Horne was also approached for comment.

Road users have ripped into a cyclist over a frustrating rule he appeared to be breaking.

Dublin is implementing a major change to the way people drive in the CBD as it battles traffic that has “ensnared the city”.

Multiple emergency responders with flashing lights are creating delays on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

IMAGES

  1. How to transfer a number plate from one car to another

    how to change a personalised number plate from one car to another

  2. Personalised Number Plate an easy step on How to assign to your vehicle

    how to change a personalised number plate from one car to another

  3. How Do I Transfer A Number Plate From One Vehicle To Another

    how to change a personalised number plate from one car to another

  4. How to buy or transfer a personalised number plate

    how to change a personalised number plate from one car to another

  5. Personalised Number Plate an easy step on How to assign to your vehicle

    how to change a personalised number plate from one car to another

  6. Guide To Transfer A Number Plate From One Vehicle To Another

    how to change a personalised number plate from one car to another

COMMENTS

  1. Apply to keep a vehicle registration number and put it on another

    Use form V317 to transfer a vehicle registration number from one vehicle to another. The form includes guidance notes and information on where to send it. You can transfer a vehicle registration ...

  2. How to Transfer Your License Plate Number From Your Old Car to Your New One

    Step 1: Purchase your new vehicle. When you find the new or used car that you are ready to upgrade to, head to the dealership to handle all the final paperwork and payment. Tip: This must be done at an authorized dealership. Step 2: Ask the dealership about license plate transfers.

  3. New York DMV

    To replace your personalized plates that are old or damaged, you must call the Custom Plates Unit at 1-518-402-4838. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. You will need to pay a fee $28.75 for passenger vehicle plates $18.75 for motorcycle plates Replace Personalized Plates with new Excelsior style

  4. 21.245 Special License Plate Transfers

    Transfers between husband and wife. The license plates assigned to the vehicle may remain with vehicle.The relationship must be established on a Statement of Facts (REG 256) form included in the application. Repossessed vehicle. The license plates must be surrendered to DMV.Process as a license plate reassignment and issue no-fee regular series ...

  5. Apply to exchange existing number plates between vehicles

    Introduction. You can exchange number plates between 2 currently registered vehicles, without changing the registered operators of the vehicles. If either set of plates being exchanged are subject to a special number plates (SNP) agreement, the exchange transfers all rights and obligations under that agreement to the customer receiving the SNPs.

  6. How to transfer a number plate from one car to another

    Simply fill out form V317 with the registration, make, model and VIN number of the car you want to remove the plate from, add your contact details in case there are any issues arising from...

  7. Private (personalised) number plates: Assign a private number to a

    If the vehicle is: registered to you - apply online or by post a used vehicle you just bought - wait for DVLA to send you a new V5C in your name before you apply online or by post brand new - give...

  8. How To Change A Number Plate Back To The Original

    The first step if you want to change your vehicle's personalised number plate back to the original is to make an application. This can be done via the government's website (Gov.uk) using the online application form. You will need to provide the latest V5C registration certificate (log book) reference number, and you must be the registered ...

  9. How to buy and transfer private number plates

    To do this, head to the DVLA's website and fill out the Assign a number online form, or send your V778 or V750 form to the DVLA in the post with sections one and two filled in and the V5C ...

  10. How to transfer a number plate

    Use the following steps to transfer a number plate online from one vehicle to another. Visit the DVLA private number plate webpage and select 'Take off a number online'. Fill out the details requested, including the reg number you wish to remove and your latest V5C reference number. Confirm that you are the registered keeper of the vehicle.

  11. How do I transfer a number plate from one vehicle to another?

    To move your registration mark to another vehicle you will need to complete a V317 form and send your application to the DVLA along with the V5C registration certificates (log books) for both vehicles.

  12. How To Transfer A Private Number Plate To A New Car

    You'll need to pay a transfer fee of £80 too. Also, if either of the vehicles needs taxing, you should include a completed V10 form, which is an application for vehicle tax, as well as the correct tax payment. After the DVLA has accepted your application, you'll be sent replacement V5C for both vehicles. What if I don't want to do it online?

  13. How to buy or transfer a personalised number plate

    First there is 'current' style. This is the same as a new car would get today: two letters followed by two numbers and then a further three letters. When choosing between 'current' style number...

  14. Transfer of Number Plate Guide

    You can replace your existing registration plate on a vehicle with another that you hold on a Certificate of Entitlement (V750) or a Retention Document (V778). To complete a registration transfer, you will need to complete the V317 DVLA form and provide details of the new registration plate.

  15. Number plate retention

    The process involved with retaining your personalised number plate through the post can be broken down into 5 easy-to-follow steps. We'll explain what they are here, and what you'll need before you start the process. What you'll need before you begin. To transfer a vehicle registration from one car to another, you'll need:

  16. Private (personalised) number plates

    Overview Buy a private number Assign a private number to a vehicle Take a private number off a vehicle Renew or replace your private number Sell or give a private number to someone else...

  17. How To Transfer A Private Number Plate

    Step 1 Take your private number plate off of your vehicle. Visit the Take a registration off a vehicle page on the DVLA website. Type in the registration number you want to remove. Fill in the relevant sections with your V5C (logbook) document reference number and the registered keeper's postcode as it appears on the logbook.

  18. Private plates: how to transfer a registration number

    8 If you get attached to a number plate, you can transfer it to your next car online. It has never been possible to buy a free-form set of numbers and letters to spell a word, unlike vanity plates in America and some other countries, and the number is allocated to the car and not the owner.

  19. How To Transfer A Number Plate Online

    On the government website (Gov.uk), fill in the online application to have your number plate removed from your old car. If the plate you're transferring is a personal registration, the car you remove it from will usually return to its original registration before you acquired it.

  20. How To Transfer A Number Plate From One Car To Another

    To transfer your number to another car that you own, you will need to fill in a V317 form and send it the DVLA. You should include the V5C certificates for both vehicles. If you don't yet have the V5C for the new vehicle, you should send a completed V62 and the green "new keeper" slip from the V5C. You will also need to send payment for ...

  21. How to get a personalised number plate

    How to get a private number plate in 4 steps: Buying a private number plate. Assign it to your vehicle. Have the plate made. Inform your insurance company. 1. Buy your private number plate. Right, so you've finally bought that special car and now you want to give it that unique touch with a personalised number plate.

  22. How Long Does It Take To Transfer A Number Plate?

    Transfer the number plate from the old car first, using the online form; you'll need your log book (V5C) You'll be asked to pay the £80 transfer fee You'll be given an online reference number

  23. 'Heinous': Melbourne car's personalised number plate sparks outrage

    'Heinous': Melbourne car's personalised number plate sparks outrage. Anger has erupted over yet another personalised number plate deemed offensive, spotted on the road in Melbourne.