Can I Transfer My DVLA Number Plate Straight to Another Car?

The quick answer: Yes, you can transfer your number plate directly to another car. This process is straightforward and once you have the step by step process (which we’re going to outline here) it’s pretty easy. Read on to find out exactly how to do it based on different scenarios.

Scenario 1: Bought a DVLA number plate and want to assign it to a car.

If you’ve purchased a DVLA number plate, which you obviously bought from Yellowhite for the easiest, cheapest and friendliest service… right? Let’s talk about this later. Well now you want to assign it to your vehicle, follow these steps:

• Forms needed:
  • You’ll need one of the following forms
    • V750 Certificate of Entitlement (You’ll get this if you bought the plate)
    • V778 Retention Document (You’ll get this if you are transferring from another vehicle or perhaps purchased it from a investor)
  • The vehicle’s log book (V5C)

• Method:
  • Ensure the vehicle is registered in the UK and is taxed or SORNed.
  • Apply online via the DVLA website or by post. We would advise that if you can do this online, it’ll save you a lot of time.
    • If applying by post, send the completed V750 or V778 and the V5C to the DVLA.
  • Once the number is assigned, you will receive a new V5C log book for the vehicle with the new registration.

Scenario 2: Have a number plate on a car and want to transfer it to another car.

If you already have a personalised number plate on one vehicle and want to transfer it to another, here’s what you need to do:

• Forms Needed:
  • V778 Retention Document (to remove the plate from the current vehicle)
  • V5C (log book) for both vehicles
  • V317 Application to transfer or retain a vehicle registration number

• Method:
  • Apply to retain the current number plate online or by post to get the V778 document.
  • Ensure both vehicles are registered, taxed or SORNed, and have a valid MOT.
  • Use the V778 and V317 forms to apply for the transfer online or by post.
  • Once approved, fit the new number plates to both vehicles.
  • DVLA will send new V5C log books for both vehicles.

What Do I Do with the Old Number Plate?

Once you’ve transferred your personalised number plate, you have several options for the old plate:

1. Sell it:
   • List the old number plate for sale on platforms like, oh I don’t know, how about here! Sell your private plate on Yellowhite or other number plate resale websites.
2. Release it to the DVLA:
   • Inform DVLA that you no longer wish to use the old number plate.
   • This will release the number back to DVLA, and it can be reassigned to another vehicle in the future.
3. Retain it on a retention certificate:
   • Apply for a retention certificate using a V778 form.
   • Pay the necessary fee (£80) to keep the number plate on retention.
   • This allows you to hold the number plate without assigning it to a vehicle, making it easier to assign it later.

Yip, that’s it! It’s really easy. Make sure to follow the outlined steps and have the necessary documents ready to ensure a smooth transfer. Consider what to do with the old plate. But why hassle with all the forms and the DVLA, Yellowhite can do this all for you when you buy a number plate through us.