How to transfer a private number plate

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

To transfer a private number plate in the UK, you need both vehicles' V5C logbooks (or a V750/V778 certificate), pay the £80 DVLA fee, and complete the process online at gov.uk or by post using form V317. The process takes 1–5 working days online or 2–4 weeks by post. There are three transfer scenarios: vehicle to vehicle, document to vehicle, and vehicle to document.

There are 3 types of private plate transfers

Vehicle to Vehicle

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.
  1. Visit the Take a registration off a vehicle page on the DVLA website.
  2. Type in the registration number you want to remove.
  3. Fill in the relevant sections with your V5C (logbook) document reference number and the registered keeper's postcode as it appears on the logbook.
  4. Confirm that you are the registered keeper by clicking 'yes I am.'
  5. Pay £80 to complete the removal of the private number plate.
  6. 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.
  1. Visit the Assign a number page on the DVLA website.
  2. Complete the online process, paying attention to the following:
    1. Where asked, enter the private registration number that you're looking to put on your vehicle.
    2. When asked if you are the grantee/purchaser, select the option 'Yes, I am the grantee/purchaser '
    3. Complete all details as requested. You will need to refer to your V5C registration document.
  3. When asked, enter the reference number you were given at the end of Step 1 "Take your private number plate off your vehicle" above.
  4. Submit the completed form.

Transfer by post

  1. Download the V317 form.
  2. 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.
  3. Enclose a cheque of £80 payable to 'DVLA Swansea' along with the V317 form and the V5C (logbooks) of both vehicles.
  4. 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.

Document to Vehicle

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.

The procedures are as follows.

Transfer online

  1. Check the expiry date on your V750 or V778 to make sure it is still valid.
  2. Ensure that the registered keeper for the receiving vehicle matches the Grantee or Nominee name on the certificate.
  3. Visit the Assign a private number page on the DVLA website.
  4. Complete the online process, paying attention to the following:
    1. Where asked, enter the private registration number that you're looking to put on your vehicle.
    2. When asked if you are the grantee/purchaser, select the option 'Yes, I am the grantee/purchaser '
    3. Complete all details as requested. You will need to refer to your V5C registration document.
  5. Fill out your vehicle details including your current vehicle registration number and the latest logbook (V5C) document reference number.
  6. Then enter the registered keeper's postcode as it appears on the logbook.
  7. When asked, enter the required details from your V750/V778 certificate.
  8. Submit the completed form.

Transfer by post

  1. Check the expiry date on your V750 or V778 to make sure it is still valid.
  2. Ensure that the registered keeper for the receiving vehicle matches the Grantee or Nominee name on the certificate.
  3. Complete relevant sections of your V750 or V778 document and sign it where instructed.
  4. 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.

Vehicle to Document

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.

  1. The vehicle must be registered in the UK, currently taxed or SORN'd, and have been continuously taxed or SORN'd for the last 5 years.
  2. Visit the DVLA's 'Take a private number off a vehicle' service and pay the £80 retention fee.
  3. The DVLA will issue a V778 Retention Document valid for 10 years.
A photo of DVLA document V778
Retention Document (Form V778) is valid for 10 years and it can be renewed.

Common plate transfer mistakes

Avoid these frequent pitfalls:

  • V5C Name Mismatch: The name on your V750/V778 certificate must exactly match the registered keeper on the receiving vehicle's V5C logbook. If they differ, you must nominate the new keeper with the DVLA first.
  • Expired Certificates: Ensure your V750 or V778 hasn't passed its 10-year expiry date. Always renew well in advance.
  • Vehicle Eligibility: Both vehicles must have been continuously taxed or SORN'd for the last 5 years. Scrapped or exported vehicles are not eligible.

Frequently asked questions

There are two DVLA documents for holding a private registration: the V750 Certificate of Entitlement, which is issued when you first purchase a registration that has never been assigned to a vehicle, and the V778 Retention Document, which is issued when you remove an existing registration from a vehicle for future use. Both are valid for 10 years and can be used to assign the registration to an eligible vehicle.

The DVLA charges a flat fee of £80 to transfer or retain a private number plate, whether you do it online or by post. This is an assignment fee paid directly to the DVLA. If you purchased your plate through a dealer like Regtransfers, the transfer fee may already be included in your purchase - check your order confirmation.

Online transfers via the DVLA website typically take 1–5 working days. Postal transfers using form V317 can take 2–4 weeks. Your updated V5C logbook will be sent separately and usually arrives within 4–6 weeks regardless of which method you choose.

No - the name on the V750 or V778 certificate must match the registered keeper on the receiving vehicle's V5C logbook. If the names are different, you must first nominate the new keeper on your certificate by contacting the DVLA before the transfer can proceed. If you bought the plate through Regtransfers, our transfer service team can guide you through this process.

You can assign a registration to a vehicle registered to someone else, but the nominee on your V750 or V778 certificate must match the registered keeper of the receiving vehicle. You may need to update the nominee on your certificate with the DVLA before proceeding. Both parties may need to provide consent depending on the transfer method used.

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'.

Search private plates
Photo of employees at Regtransfers

Related articles

Share this...