A step-by-step guide to changing your vehicle registration with the DVLA.
Changing your number plate, whether you're assigning a private registration or replacing a current one, is a simple process when you know what you're doing.
We'll walk you through how to change your number plate with the DVLA, including what documents you need, how to apply and how long it takes, too.
Whether you're adding a personal touch to your vehicle or just updating your reg, this guide will help you do it legally and stress-free.
To transfer a private number plate to your vehicle, you'll need one or more of these important documents:<br><br><strong>V5C (Vehicle Registration Certificate):</strong> This document proves that you are the registered keeper of the vehicle.<br><strong>Certificate of Entitlement (V750):</strong> This shows that you have the right to the private number. You will have one of these if you have purchased a private plate and are intending to assign it to a vehicle.<br><strong>Retention Document (V778):</strong> This shows that you have the right to the private number and you'll have one if you've purchased a private plate but have not assigned it to a vehicle.
Ensure that the private number plate does not make the vehicle appear younger than it is. Make sure the vehicle is:<br><br>• Registered with the DVLA<br>• Taxed or declared SORN if not in use<br>• Capable of moving under its own power and available for inspection if required<br>• Taxed or declared SORN continuously for the past 5 years (if 5 years old or older)
You can apply to assign your private number to a vehicle online or by post:<br><br>• <strong>Online:</strong> Accessible through the DVLA's registration service.<br>• <strong>By Post:</strong> Complete the V317 form and send it with your documents to the DVLA.<br>• <strong>Brand new car?</strong> Let your dealer sort out the transfer. Just give them your V750 or V778.<br><br>Already have a private number on your vehicle? You will need to apply to take it off your vehicle before assigning a new one. We recommend this as you may lose this number plate if not done first!
Once your application is processed, you'll receive a new V5C. Please note that the DVLA can take up to <strong>4 weeks</strong> to process this. You must not sell or get rid of a vehicle until you get the new log book (V5C).
You must put new number plates on the vehicle before you drive it. You can keep the original registration number and plates — they'll be reassigned to the vehicle when you take off the private number.<br><br>Don't forget to tell your insurance company about your change, and also any automatic payment accounts you may have, like congestion charge or toll accounts.
While the process above is straightforward, our Easy Reg Transfer Service simplifies it further:
Ready to change your registration without the hassle? Let us take care of it with our Easy Reg Transfer Service and make your transition as smooth as possible!
Assigning a plate via DVLA costs £80.
No, you must choose from DVLA-approved registrations. Search our private plate list, we have the UK's largest database of private registrations.
Online applications can be as quick as a few minutes; postal applications may take up to 4 weeks.
You can retain your old plate using a V778 retention document, or it may be reassigned by the DVLA.
Excellent service from Yellowhite. The whole private registration transfer process was smooth, quick and easy, and they kept me informed throughout. Everything was handled professionally, and I’m very pleased with the service. I would definitely recommend Yellowhite to anyone looking for help with private number plates. Thank you!
Great service speedy response everything was handled professionally with cost effective manager. I would highly recommend whoever looking for new private number plate
What a easy simple service from Yellow white, recivied the certificate very quickly. Had a few questions rang spk to dil he was fantastic answered all question explained everything also followed up with email 5* service would use an recommend these guys
Very happy with service. Very quick and love 3D design Thank you. Roger
Dylan made everything straight forward and took care off everything
Staff at Yellowhite are very friendly, helpful and helped me out so much would highly recommend them great service and quick delivery and quick response with getting back to me
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