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Thinking of keeping your private number plate after selling your car or just storing it for future use? You’ll need a DVLA V778 Retention Document. If this sounds a bit complicated, don’t worry, this guide explains clearly and simply what a V778 is, how to use it, and answers your most common questions.
You’ll automatically receive your V778 Retention Document when you apply to remove (retain) your personalised plate from your vehicle. This process can be done easily using the DVLA’s V317 form or their online retention service.
Here’s how the process works step-by-step:
Your V778 retention document is valid for 10 years from the date of issue.
Ready to use your private plate again? Assigning it back to a vehicle is simple:
Easy as that!
Holding a V778 also gives you flexibility if you decide to sell or transfer your plate to someone else. Here’s how:
Update nominee details:
After nominee update:
Remember: Always update nominee details when transferring or selling to avoid complications down the road.
Forgetting to renew your V778: Ensure timely renewal every 10 years to avoid losing your registration rights.
Losing or misplacing your V778: Keep your document in a safe place, though replacements are straightforward.
Not updating nominee details when selling or transferring: Always officially update nominee details to clearly transfer rights and prevent disputes.
Yes! Once you have your V778, you can assign the plate to any suitable vehicle straight away online.
You retain rights to the plate indefinitely as long as you renew the V778 every 10 years.
Yes, and it’s strongly recommended. Retaining your plate before selling your vehicle means you don’t risk losing it in the sale.
No, the assignment fee is included in the initial retention process fee (£80 at time of writing), meaning future assignment is free.
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Personalised Number Plates
© 2025 Yellowhite
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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