Private number plates, also known as personalised number plates, are a popular way to make your vehicle stand out. They can add a touch of individuality, can hide the age of your vehicle and can also be a great investment.
Sadly though, many owners don’t understand the requirements and processes and after 35 years in the private plates industry I can’t tell you how many times people have asked “Can I get my old private plate back?”.
The answer really depends on the circumstances. Below I answer the most common questions relating to keeping private registrations and offer guidance on your options in the hope you don’t end up having to ask how to get your own personalised number plate back in the future.
I’m about to sell or scrap my vehicle. How do I keep my private registration?
If you want to sell or scrap the car to which your private number plate is assigned to, you can usually do so. The only exception to this general rule applies to registrations that begin with either “Q” or “NIQ”.
You have two options; retain the number or transfer it to another vehicle. Both cost £80.00 and are processed by DVLA. Normally when you have retained or transferred your private registration number DVLA will replace it with the previous registration.
You MUST take your personalised number plate off before you sell or scrap your vehicle.
Eligibility for private registration plates
First things first, you need to make sure your vehicle is eligible as only DVLA registered vehicles capable of moving by means of their own power can take part in the registration transfer or retention scheme.
It should be the kind of car, van, motorcycle, moped, tricycle or heavy goods vehicle (HGV) that requires an MOT or HGV test pass certificate. It should either have current road tax, or have been subject to a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) for the five consecutive years immediately before taking it off the vehicle. If a SORN has existed for over five years, then the vehicle should now be taxed.
It must also be available for inspection, should the DVLA decide to do so. If this does apply, then they will contact you directly to arrange this.
If your vehicle satisfies the DVLA conditions and the number plate can be retained or transferred, the process is fairly simple. You can apply to retain private number plates online, or apply by post but a transfer application must be posted. The DVLA fee for both options is currently £80 and you will need the V5C (log book) when you apply.
I didn’t take the private plate off before I sold my vehicle.
Many people are mistaken and think it is enough just to unscrew the number plates and sadly private number plates have been lost forever this way. Once the keeper of the vehicle has been changed the new vehicle keeper has entitlement to the private registration. If you are able to contact the person you sold the vehicle to you could ask them to let you have your private plate back. A paper application would need submitting to DVLA though requesting you to be stated as the Grantee, as if the application is made online the new keeper of the vehicle will be stated and the retention document would be posted to them.
If the new owner won’t agree to this or says they will and then doesn’t co-operate then there isn’t much you can do. The private number plates is no longer yours. However, if you have a written agreement you could make a claim in a civil court.
I didn’t take the private plate off before I scrapped my vehicle.
I’m sorry but you no longer have entitlement to the private number plate, it became void when the vehicle was scrapped and no longer exists.
My car has been stolen. Have I lost my personalised number plate?
Not necessarily but you will need to apply to DVLA. You should apply to keep your registration mark as soon as your vehicle has been stolen and must apply within 2 years and 6 months of advising DVLA that your vehicle was stolen.
DVLA will only give you your number plate back if you advised the police that the vehicle was stolen and if the vehicle was taxed (or declared SORN) and had a valid MOT when it was stolen.
My V778 Retention Document or V750 Certificate of Entitlement has expired. Can I renew it?
No, unfortunately your rights to your personalised registration expire on the V778 or V750 expiry date if you don’t renew beforehand. You can apply to renew up to 28 days before the expiry date (anything earlier than this may be rejected) and more importantly DVLA will reject any applications made after the expiry date. A successful renewal application results in a new V778 or V750 being issued which will be valid for 10 years.
Note that when you buy a private number from a third party and don’t assign it to a vehicle straight away the V778 or V750 remains in their name. You will not be able to apply to DVLA for a renewal so always be sure to purchase from a recognised dvla reseller such as newreg.co.uk so that you have access to a renewal service.
I have lost my V778 Retention Document or V750 Certificate of Entitlement. What can I do?
Assuming the V778 or V750 hasn’t expired then in most cases you can apply for a new one. If your name and address was at the top left side of the lost document you can contact DVLA and ask for a new one.
If the name and address on the lost document is for the person or company you bought the number plate from then you will need them to apply to DVLA on your behalf. This is tricky if you bought from “John Smith” via eBay as they’re less likely to want to help but if you originally bought the number from a recognised DVLA reseller you should be OK as most offer a duplicate document service.
Benefits of Keeping Your Private Number Plate
There are several compelling reasons to keep your private number plate when selling or scrapping your vehicle:
- Personalisation: A private number plate allows you to personalise your vehicle, making it uniquely yours and easily recognisable.
- Investment: Private number plates can appreciate in value over time, making them a smart investment. Many of our clients have built up a nice portfolio and achieve an income by selling personalised number plates.
- Unique Identity: Your private number creates a distinct identity for your vehicle, setting it apart from others on the road.
- Resale Value: Private number plates can enhance the resale value of your vehicle, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
- Emotional Value: Many private number plates hold sentimental value, reflecting personal interests, hobbies, or significant life events.
By retaining your number plate, you preserve these benefits and can transfer them to your next vehicle.
I hope this information has been helpful, if you require anything further please don’t hesitate to contact the team at newreg.co.uk or browse our FAQs.
Steven Jackson OBE, founder of New Reg Limited
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