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If you’re looking to move your private number plate to a new car, or keep hold of it when selling your current vehicle, you’ll need the DVLA V317 form. This guide breaks down exactly what it is, how to use it, and what happens after you send it off.
The V317 form is the DVLA’s official application to either:
It’s one form with two options. You just tick the one you need.
Here are the most common scenarios:
| Situation | Use the V317 for… |
|---|---|
| Selling your car but want to keep your plate | ✔ Retain your plate (you’ll get a V778 certificate) |
| Buying a new car and want to move your plate over | ✔ Transfer from old to new car |
| Swapping plates between two cars you own | ✔ Transfer both ways (2 applications needed) |
| Taking your plate off for now, but plan to use it later | ✔ Retain it to protect your rights |
| Giving a private plate to a family member | ✔ Transfer to their vehicle (with permission) |
Yes! In many cases, it’s quicker and easier to use the DVLA’s online transfer or retention service.
You can complete the transfer or retention instantly if:
If any of the above doesn’t apply, you’ll need to use the paper V317 form.
Depending on your option:
✅ If you RETAIN the plate:
🔄 If you TRANSFER the plate:
Flat fee: £80
This covers either a transfer or a retention. And there’s no extra fee to reassign the plate later (as long as it’s within its 10-year validity on the V778).
Not until you are the registered keeper. Wait until the V5C is in your name or use the nominee process on a V750/V778.
Yes, as long as the vehicle meets the usual tax/MOT rules and is registered in the UK.
Yes, but you’ll need to complete two V317 forms, one for each direction of transfer.
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Personalised Number Plates
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Yellowhite is proud to be a DVLA-registered supplier of personalised number plates and feature on the on the DVLA Registrations website. We work closely with the DVLA to ensure your registration transfers are completed quickly and smoothly. Our plates meet all DVLA standards and regulations, so you can be confident you're getting top quality.
DVLA is a registered trade mark of the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency. Yellowhite is not affiliated to the DVLA or DVLA Personalised Registrations. Yellowhite is a recognised reseller of DVLA registrations. Yellowhite is registered with the DVLA to supply physical number plates, i.e. the actual acrylic plate.
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