19/11/2006
Owning a private number plate is a fantastic way to personalise your vehicle, making it instantly recognisable and unique. However, the inevitable question arises when you decide to sell your current car or upgrade to a new one: what happens to your special registration? Can you take it with you? The good news is, generally, yes! The process involves a few key steps managed by the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). This article will guide you through the ins and outs of retaining your private plate when selling your car, transferring it to a new vehicle, and understanding the associated costs and requirements. We'll also touch upon putting a private plate on a financed car and what happens to your vehicle's original registration.
Can I Keep My Private Plate When Selling My Car?
Absolutely. The ability to keep your private plate when selling your car is a common desire among owners. The essential process involves removing the private plate from the vehicle you are selling and either assigning it to a new car or placing it on 'retention' with the DVLA. This retention allows you to keep the unique registration legally for a period, ready for future use.
Preparing Your Car for Plate Retention
Before you can embark on the process of removing your private plate, your car must meet certain criteria to ensure it's in a suitable state for the DVLA's administrative procedures. These requirements are: * Roadworthy Condition: The car must be in a condition where it can be driven. This means it's capable of moving under its own power. * Taxed or SORN: The vehicle must be either currently taxed or registered as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification). A crucial point to note is that if a car has been registered as SORN for more than five years, it will need to be taxed before you can proceed with retaining the private plate. * MOT Eligibility: The car must be eligible for an MOT test. This implies it meets the basic safety and environmental standards required for road use, even if its MOT has recently expired. * DVLA Inspection Readiness: In some cases, the DVLA may require an inspection of the vehicle. Therefore, the car should be in a state where it can be presented for such an inspection if requested. Once your car satisfies these conditions, it is ready for the private plate retention or transfer process.
The Process of Retaining Your Private Plate
To successfully keep your private number plate when selling, the primary action is to apply to take the plate off the car you are selling. This application can be made via the DVLA website, which is the most efficient method, or through postal application, which will naturally take longer. If your car does not require an inspection as part of the process, the plate removal is typically immediate. Once removed, you have the option to assign the plate directly to another vehicle or keep it on retention for future use. Assigning the plate to a new car is generally free of charge. However, to retain the plate for future use, there is a fee.
Costs and Duration of Retention
The current fee to retain a private number plate is £80. This payment grants you the right to keep the plate on retention for a period of 10 years. It's vital to be aware of this timeframe, as you will need to reapply to retain it again once this decade has passed. Failing to renew the retention before it expires will result in the loss of your private plate, making it available for someone else to acquire.
Documentation and Reassignment
Upon successful removal and retention of your private plate, the car from which it was removed will be automatically reassigned its original number plate. You will then be issued with a new V5C (log book) reflecting this change, along with a V778 retention document. This V778 document is your proof of ownership for the private plate and is essential for future assignments.
Reinstating Original Number Plates
Once your private plate is either transferred to a new vehicle or placed on retention, the DVLA will automatically assign the car's original registration number back to the vehicle. If you still possess the physical original number plates, you can fit them back onto your car. Should you no longer have them, you will need to obtain new plates from a registered number plate supplier. When fitting new plates, ensure they are aligned correctly before securing them, whether using screws or adhesive pads. A common mistake is drilling into bumpers without proper alignment, so take your time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Retaining Your Private Plates
Applying to retain a number plate is a straightforward process, with the online method being the quickest and most recommended. 1. Online Application: * Visit the official government website (GOV.UK). * Locate the service for transferring or retaining a vehicle registration number. * You will need the reference number from your car's V5C log book to complete the online application. * If your car does not require an inspection and your application is successful, you will receive a reference number from the DVLA. This number allows you to assign the plate to another vehicle or retain it for 10 years. 2. Postal Application: * Gather the necessary documents: your V5C log book, the green 'new keeper' slip (if applicable), or a completed V62 slip (if you don't have the V5C). * You will also need the V317 form, which is specifically for transferring or retaining a vehicle registration. * Complete the V317 form accurately. * Send the completed form and supporting documents to the DVLA address specified on the form. Important Reminder: Mark your calendar for the 10-year retention expiry. The DVLA usually sends reminders via email or post, but it's your responsibility to ensure the retention is renewed to avoid losing your cherished plate.
Selling Your Car with Private Plates Attached
It is perfectly acceptable to sell your car with your private plates still attached and registered to the vehicle. The process of transferring ownership remains the same, using the V5C form. While some private plates can genuinely add value to a car, particularly if they are relevant to the car's make, model, or have a desirable sequence, it's important to manage expectations. Many buyers view private plates as a personal preference, and not all will be willing to pay a premium for them. However, for car enthusiasts or those specifically looking for a car with a particular registration, your private plate could be a significant selling point.
Other Updates When Changing Plates
Changing your number plate, whether private or original, necessitates updating several important entities. Failure to do so can lead to penalties or administrative issues. Ensure you inform: * Your Insurance Company: This is crucial. Your car's registration number is a key identifier for your insurance policy. Informing them of the change ensures your policy remains valid. * ULEZ and Low Emission Zone Payments: If you drive in areas with Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) or other clean air zones, you must update your vehicle's registration details with the relevant authorities. This ensures accurate charging or exemption status. * Clean Air Zone Payments: Similar to ULEZ, any other clean air zone charges will need to be updated with the correct number plate. * Parking Permits: If you have any parking permits associated with your vehicle, you’ll need to update these with your new registration. * Dart Charge Payments: For those who use the Dartford Crossing, update your vehicle details to ensure correct payment and avoid penalty notices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I put a private plate on a car I’ve just bought?A1: Yes, you can put a private plate on a car you have just purchased. However, you must be the registered keeper (i.e., have the V5C log book in your name), and the car must not require a DVLA inspection as part of the transfer process. Q2: Can I put a private plate on a financed car?A2: You can put a private plate on a financed car, but it is essential to obtain prior permission from the finance company. As they are often the legal owner of the vehicle until the finance agreement is settled, their consent is required for any changes to the vehicle's registration. Q3: How long does it take to change a private number plate back to original?A3: The timeframe for reverting to the original number plate depends on your application method. Online applications are processed much faster, often immediately. Postal applications can take anywhere from two to six weeks. If a vehicle inspection is required, this will add to the overall processing time. Q4: Does a private plate affect insurance?A4: Generally, no. Private plates are not typically considered modifications by insurance companies, and therefore, they usually do not affect your car insurance costs. However, it is always best practice to confirm this directly with your insurance provider to avoid any misunderstandings. Choosing and managing a private number plate is a rewarding aspect of car ownership. By understanding the DVLA procedures for retention and transfer, you can ensure your personalised registration moves with you to your next vehicle, or remains safely yours until you decide to use it again.
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