Retain Your Cherished Number Plate When Selling

It's a common dilemma for many car owners: you've invested in a personalised registration number, perhaps one with sentimental value or a clever combination of letters and numbers. When the time comes to sell your current vehicle, the thought of losing that special plate can be disheartening. Thankfully, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in the UK offers a straightforward process to retain, or 'keep', your registration number for future use. This article will guide you through the essential steps, requirements, and considerations to ensure your cherished number plate remains yours, even after your car has a new owner.

Understanding Number Plate Retention

Number plate retention, officially known as a 'retention certificate', allows you to take a registration number off a vehicle and hold onto it. This is particularly useful if you're selling your car but wish to transfer the personalised plate to a new vehicle you're purchasing, or if you simply want to keep it for a period before assigning it to another car. It's a way of safeguarding your investment in a unique registration.

Who Can Retain a Number Plate?

The ability to retain a number plate is generally available to anyone who owns a registration number that is not a "Q" plate. "Q" plates are typically issued for vehicles that have had significant modifications or are of indeterminate age, and they cannot be transferred or retained.

When Would You Need to Retain a Number Plate?

There are several common scenarios where retaining your number plate makes sense:

• Selling your current vehicle: This is the most frequent reason. You want to sell your car but keep the personalised registration number.
• Transferring to a new vehicle: You've bought a new car and want to move your existing private plate to it.
• Temporary holding: You might be between vehicles or simply wish to keep a cherished plate for future use, perhaps for a project car or a vehicle you plan to purchase later.

Step-by-Step Guide to Retaining Your Registration Number

The DVLA has a clear process for number plate retention. Here's how to navigate it:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before you start the application, ensure your vehicle and registration number meet the following criteria:

• DVLA Registered Vehicle: The vehicle must be registered with the DVLA in the UK.
• Taxed or SORN: The vehicle must either be currently taxed or have a valid Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) in place. You cannot retain a plate from a vehicle that is neither taxed nor declared SORN.
• Not a "Q" Plate: As mentioned, "Q" registration numbers cannot be retained or transferred.
• Vehicle Availability for Inspection: Be aware that the DVLA reserves the right to inspect the vehicle if they deem it necessary during the retention process.

Step 2: Apply to Retain the Number Plate

You have two primary methods for applying to retain your registration number:

Option 1: Online Application (Recommended for Speed)

This is the quickest and most efficient method. You will need:

• Access to the internet.
• Your V5C registration certificate (logbook).
• A debit or credit card for the fee.

Process:

1. Visit the official DVLA website: www.gov.uk/keep-registration-number.
2. Follow the prompts to enter the necessary details from your V5C document.
3. Pay the retention fee, which is currently £80.
4. You will usually receive instant confirmation if your application is approved.

Processing Time: Typically immediate, but can extend to up to two weeks if the DVLA requires a vehicle inspection.

Option 2: Postal Application

If you prefer to apply by post or do not have online access, you can use this method. You will need:

• The V317 form: "Application to keep a vehicle registration number and put it on another vehicle or hold it on a retention certificate". This form is available to download from the DVLA website.
• Your V5C registration certificate (logbook).
• A cheque or postal order for the £80 fee, made payable to the DVLA.

Process:

1. Complete the V317 form accurately.
2. Send the completed form, your V5C, and the payment to the DVLA at the address specified on the form (typically DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1DS).

Processing Time: This method generally takes longer, usually between 2 to 4 weeks for processing.

Step 3: Receive Your Retention Certificate (V778)

Once your application is approved, you will receive a V778 Retention Certificate. This document is crucial as it proves your legal right to the registration number.

• Validity: The V778 certificate is valid for 10 years.
• Your Old Car: Your old car will be issued with a replacement registration number. This is often its original, age-related plate if available. If not, the DVLA will assign a new, appropriate plate.
• Assigning the Plate: You can assign the retained number plate to another vehicle at any time within the 10-year validity period.

Transferring Your Number Plate Immediately

If your intention is to transfer the number plate directly to a new vehicle without holding it on retention for a period, you can do so. You can use the same V317 form or the online DVLA service. The process is similar, but instead of receiving a V778 certificate, the number is directly assigned to the new vehicle. This avoids the need for retention if the swap is immediate.

What Happens to My Old Car's Number Plate?

When you successfully retain your cherished number plate, the DVLA will assign a new registration number to the vehicle you are selling. This is typically the vehicle's original registration number if it had one before the personalised plate was assigned. If the original number is no longer available, the DVLA will issue a new, age-related plate appropriate for the vehicle's age and first registration date. Your old car will continue to be legally registered and roadworthy with its new plate.

Can I Sell My Retained Registration Number?

Yes, you can sell a private registration number that you hold on a V778 retention certificate. If you decide to sell the number itself, you will need to transfer the V778 certificate to the new owner. The buyer will then use this certificate, along with their own vehicle details, to assign the number to their vehicle. Selling a private plate can be a separate transaction from selling the car it was previously assigned to.

How Long Can I Keep My Number Plate on Retention?

A V778 Retention Certificate is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. It's important to note that you can renew the retention period for free before it expires, ensuring you don't lose your right to the number. Keep an eye on the expiry date and reapply if you still wish to keep the registration number.

Key Information at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I transfer the number plate to a new car immediately?

A: Yes. Instead of retaining the plate on a V778 certificate, you can opt for an immediate transfer to another vehicle. You can do this using the V317 form or the DVLA's online service, provided both vehicles are available and meet the necessary requirements.

Q2: What happens to my old car’s number plate if I sell it?

A: If you retain your personalised number plate, the DVLA will assign a replacement registration number to your old car. This is usually its original registration number, or a new age-related plate if the original is unavailable.

Q3: How long can I keep my number plate on retention?

A: Your V778 Retention Certificate is valid for 10 years. You can renew this certificate for free before it expires, allowing you to keep the number for an extended period.

Q4: Can I sell my retained registration number?

A: Absolutely. You can sell a private registration number that is on a V778 certificate. The buyer will need the certificate to transfer the plate to their vehicle.

Q5: What if I don’t have my V5C logbook?

A: You will need your V5C registration certificate to apply for retention. If you no longer have it, you must apply for a replacement from the DVLA before you can proceed with retaining your number plate.

Q6: Can I retain a number plate from a vehicle that is currently being scrapped?

A: Yes, provided the vehicle is taxed or has a valid SORN in place at the time of application, and you have the correct documentation. If the vehicle is being scrapped, you will typically need to arrange for the retention application to be completed before the vehicle is officially de-registered or scrapped.

Conclusion

Keeping your cherished registration number when selling your car is a straightforward process thanks to the DVLA's retention system. By understanding the eligibility criteria, the application methods, and the importance of the V778 certificate, you can ensure your personalised plate remains with you. Remember to act promptly when selling your vehicle and to keep your V778 certificate safe and up-to-date to avoid losing your valuable registration number.

Disclaimer: Information regarding fees and processes can change. Always refer to the official DVLA website (www.gov.uk) for the most current and accurate details.