How to assign a private number plate online
Assigning or transferring a private number plate to a car got a whole lot easier recently. You can now apply online to put a private number plate on a vehicle. It doesn’t matter whether the plate is currently registered to a vehicle, or held on a V750 Certificate of Entitlement/V778 Retention Document – the entire transfer could be completed in less than five minutes.
Apply online to put a private number plate on a vehicle
If you have a V750 Certificate of Entitlement (pink) or a V778 Retention Document (green) you can apply to assign your cherished number plate online using the link above.
(If your private plate is currently attached to a vehicle and you want to transfer it to another vehicle, skip to the relevant paragraph near the end of this article.)
The V5C Registration Certificate (for the vehicle receiving your private plate) must show the correct registered keeper details (name and address). If you recently bought the vehicle and are not yet the registered keeper, wait until you have the complete V5C (log book).
Follow the instructions provided on the GOV.UK website. You don’t have to pay a fee to DVLA when you put a number plate on a vehicle providing the registration is held on a valid V778 document or V750 certificate that has not expired.
If your application is successful you should fit new number plates as soon as possible.
You will receive a confirmation email with a number plate authorisation certificate (eV948) attached. This can be used to purchase new number plates without waiting for the replacement V5C (log book) to arrive by post.
Remember to notify your motor insurer/tracker provider/recovery agent of your new registration. Some motor insurers charge an administration fee to update your policy.
Unable to complete your application online?
Unfortunately not all applications to put a personalised number plate on a vehicle can be processed online. In some cases you may need to submit your paperwork to DVLA by post. If you get a message saying ‘this registration number cannot be assigned’, contact DVLA using the telephone number on-screen. If the message states ‘we need to look into your application further due to the vehicle’s licensing history‘ you will have to submit your application by post. Follow the instructions in section 1 of the certificate of entitlement or retention document. Postal applications should be sent to:
DVLA Personalised Registrations, Swansea, SA99 1DS
My private plate is held on a vehicle and I want to swap it over to a different vehicle
If the private plate is held on a vehicle, the transfer has to be processed in two stages. First you remove the plate (place it on retention). This is done by inputting the document reference number from the V5C Registration Document (log book). The fee of £80 can be paid by debit or credit card. (The second stage is assigning to a vehicle following the instructions from the beginning of this article.)
Apply to take a number plate off a vehicle and place it on retention
It is not necessary to retain your vehicle’s existing (standard-issue) registration when assigning a private number plate. Should you retain your private plate in the future it is highly likely your car will be reunited with the original registration. More information about replacement registrations.
For more information please visit the number plates & vehicle registration section at GOV.UK or contact DVLA.