Add a Personal Touch: Private Plates for Lease and PCP Cars
Private plates are the ultimate way to personalise your vehicle—but what if your car is leased or on a PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) agreement? Good news: yes, you can put a private registration on a lease or PCP car! We have written a How to put a private plate on a lease PCP vehicle guide.
It’s a straightforward process, but because the finance company technically owns the car during the lease, there are a few extra steps to follow. Let’s break it down so you can confidently give your car that custom flair.
How to Put a Private Plate on a Lease or PCP Car
Here’s the step-by-step process to get your private plate onto your leased or PCP car:
1. Get Permission from the Finance Company
Since the finance company owns the car during the lease, you’ll need their written authorisation. Request a letter from them confirming their approval to assign a private registration to the vehicle. Don’t worry as this is very common and the most finance companies have this in a template format.
2. Provide the Required Documents
Along with the authorisation letter, you’ll also need a scanned copy or clear photo of the car’s logbook (V5C). The finance company should provide this since the logbook is issued in their name.
3. Add the Finance Company as a Nominee
If you choose our Easy Reg Transfer Service, we can do the rest for you. This involves adding the finance company as a nominee (as it is on the logbook) on your Certificate of Entitlement (V750). This allows the registration to be legally transferred to the car.
4. Transfer the Registration to the Vehicle
Once the finance company is added as a nominee, the registration can be transferred to the vehicle. At Yellowhite, we handle the transfer seamlessly for you within a day after we have the Certificate of Entitlement with the correct nominee back from the DVLA
5. New Logbook Issued to the Finance Company
Again, feel free to use our service as after the transfer, the DVLA needs to issue an updated logbook (V5C) to the finance company, showing the new private registration.
It’s that simple. Well for our team, it really is so use our Easy Reg Transfer service, available in the checkout page when you’ve selected your perfect registration.
What Happens at the End of the Lease?
When your lease or PCP agreement comes to an end, you’ll need to reclaim your private registration before returning the car. Here’s how to do it:
- Request Permission from the Finance Company
Just like when you assigned the plate, you’ll need written permission from the finance company to remove the private registration. - Apply to Retain the Plate
Use the DVLA’s online service to transfer your private registration onto a retention certificate. This ensures the plate remains yours and is ready to be assigned to another vehicle in the future. - Pay the Retention Fee
The DVLA charges a £80 retention fee, which you’ll need to pay as part of the process.
Check out our guide on Retain a Number Plate for more details on keeping your private plate safe.
Why Choose yellowhite for Private Reg Transfers?
At yellowhite, we make the process of transferring private plates to a lease or PCP car hassle-free. With over 75 million plates in our database, we’re experts in personalising your vehicle—no matter the ownership setup.
Here’s What We Offer:
- Seamless Transfers: From adding the finance company as a nominee to requesting a new logbook, we handle the entire process for you.
- Clear Guidance: Whether it’s your first private plate or your tenth, our team ensures you know every step of the process.
- Easy Retention: When your lease ends, we’ll help you reclaim your private reg quickly and securely.
FAQs
Q. Can I put a private reg on any leased or PCP vehicle?
A. Yes, you can add a private reg to most leased or PCP vehicles, but you must check with your finance company first as their policies can vary. Some specialist lease agreements or short-term leases may have restrictions.
Q. What documents do I need to assign a private plate to a lease car?
A. You’ll need:
- Written authorisation from your finance company.
- A scan or photo of the logbook (V5C), which the finance company will supply.
- Your Certificate of Entitlement (V750) for the private reg.
Q. Who owns the private plate once it’s assigned to the car?
A. You remain the legal owner of the private plate, but during the lease, it’s assigned to a vehicle owned by the finance company. Always retain your original Certificate of Entitlement or Retention Certificate as proof of ownership.
Q. How long will it take to put my private plate on the vehicle?
A. Once we have the authorisation letter and a copy of the logbook (V5C) from your finance company, the process usually takes 7 to 10 days. This includes submitting the paperwork to the DVLA and waiting for their confirmation. If you’re in a hurry, we recommend starting the process as early as possible to avoid delays.
Q. Can I add a private plate to an electric or hybrid lease car?
A. Yes, private plates can be assigned to electric or hybrid vehicles on lease or PCP deals, just like petrol or diesel cars. Consider exploring green number plate options to show off your vehicle’s eco-friendly credentials.
Q. What happens to the original registration when I add a private plate?
A. The vehicle’s original registration is automatically retained by the DVLA and will usually be reassigned to the car once the private plate is removed at the end of the lease.
Q. Can I personalise the appearance of the number plate?
A. Your number plate must follow DVLA regulations, even if it’s personalised. Ensure you use an approved supplier like yellowhite for legal printed plates to avoid fines or MOT failures.
Q. What should I do if I sell my private plate during the lease?
A. You can sell your private plate while it’s assigned to a lease vehicle, but you’ll need to remove it and place it on a Retention Certificate first. This will require the finance company’s permission and a transfer fee of £80.
Make Your Lease Car Uniquely Yours
Adding a private reg to your lease or PCP car is easier than you think, and it’s a fantastic way to make your vehicle stand out. Checkout the full How to out a private plate on a lease or PCP vehicle – step-by-step guide. Whether you’re in the market for a new registration or need help transferring one, yellowhite is here to help.
Explore our Private Plate Search today and find the perfect match for your car!
