Number plates, also known as registration plates or personalised plates, are a way of identifying and customising your vehicle. Many people choose to have a number plate that reflects their name, initials, hobbies, or interests. However, what happens when you want to sell or scrap your vehicle and keep your number plate? Or when you want to transfer your number plate to another vehicle? In this article, we will explain how owners can transfer number plates from one vehicle to another or retain them for future use in the UK.
How to transfer a number plate to another vehicle
If you have a number plate that you want to transfer to another vehicle, you can apply to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to do so. You can transfer a number plate to:
– another vehicle in your name
– a vehicle you are buying
– someone else’s vehicle
The vehicle that you are transferring the number plate from 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 by DVLA if required
● have been taxed or had a SORN in place continuously for the past 5 years
● be taxed currently or have a SORN in place – if it has had a SORN in place for more than 5 years, it must be taxed and have an MOT certificate
The vehicle that you are transferring the number plate to 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 HGV test certificate
● be taxed currently or have a SORN in place
You cannot transfer a number plate that starts with ‘Q’ or ‘NIQ’.
To transfer a number plate, you need to fill in a V317 form, which is an application to keep a vehicle registration number and put it on another vehicle. You also need to pay a £80 transfer fee. If the number plate is being transferred to someone else’s vehicle, both registered keepers need to complete the application. You also need to include the following documents:
● the registration certificate or new keeper supplement of both vehicles, or a completed V62 form if you do not have them
● an MOT certificate for both vehicles, if applicable
● a V10 form and the correct vehicle tax payment, if either vehicle needs taxing
You can apply online or by post. If you apply online, the number plate will be removed immediately from the original vehicle if it does not need an inspection. You can then assign the number plate to the new vehicle as soon as you have applied. If you apply by post, you need to send your application to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1DS.
If your application is successful, you will receive:
● a new registration certificate (V5C) for both vehicles, showing the new and old number plates respectively
● a V778 retention document, if you are the keeper of the number plate
● your original MOT certificate back, if you sent it to tax the vehicle
You must then put the new number plate on the new vehicle as soon as possible. You must also inform your insurance company of the change.
How to retain a number plate for future use
If you have a number plate that you want to keep for future use, but you do not have a vehicle to transfer it to, you can apply to retain it. This means that you can take the number plate off your vehicle and keep it on a certificate for up to 10 years. You can then assign it to another vehicle or transfer it to someone else later.
The vehicle that you are retaining the number plate from must meet the same criteria as the vehicle that you are transferring the number plate from, as explained above.
To retain a number plate, you need to fill in a V317 form, which is an application to keep a vehicle registration number and put it on a certificate. You also need to pay a £80 retention fee. You also need to include the following documents:
● the registration certificate or new keeper supplement of the vehicle, or a completed V62 form if you do not have it
● an MOT certificate for the vehicle, if applicable
● a V10 form and the correct vehicle tax payment, if the vehicle needs taxing
If your application is successful, you will receive:
● a new registration certificate (V5C) for the vehicle, showing the original number plate that was reassigned to it automatically
● a V778 retention document, showing that you have the right to use the number plate for up to 10 years
● your original MOT certificate back, if you sent it to tax the vehicle
You must then put the original number plate back on the vehicle as soon as possible and you must also inform your insurance company of the change.
How to assign a number plate from a retention document
If you have a number plate that you have retained on a V778 retention document, you can assign it to another vehicle that you own or are buying. You can also transfer it to someone else’s vehicle, if you want to sell or give away your number plate. 
The vehicle that you are assigning the number plate to must meet the same criteria as the vehicle that you are transferring the number plate to, as explained above.
To assign a number plate from a retention document, you need to use the online service or fill in a V317 form, which is an application to assign a vehicle registration number to a vehicle. You also need to include the following documents:
● the V778 retention document
● the registration certificate or new keeper supplement of the vehicle, or a completed V62 form if you do not have it
● an MOT certificate for the vehicle, if applicable
● a V10 form and the correct vehicle tax payment, if the vehicle needs taxing
If your application is successful, you will receive:
● a new registration certificate (V5C) for the vehicle, showing the new number plate
● your original MOT certificate back, if you sent it to tax the vehicle
Finally
Number plates are a great way of personalising and identifying your vehicle. However, if you want to sell or scrap your vehicle and keep your number plate, or transfer your number plate to another vehicle, you need to follow the process of transferring and retaining number plates. This involves applying to the DVLA, paying a fee, and providing the necessary documents. You also need to make sure that both vehicles meet the eligibility criteria and are available for inspection if required. By following these steps, you can ensure that you do not lose your number plate and that you can use it on another vehicle or transfer it to someone else in the future.
