The DVLA sells personalised registrations directly to the public. Visit https://dvlaregistrations.direct.gov.uk then search for a favoured combination of letters and numbers. But remember: it is illegal to make a vehicle look newer than it is. A 2015/15 registration, for example, cannot be fitted to a vehicle first registered in 2008. In contrast, you can make it look older so a 2015 vehicle can, for example, be assigned a 2008/08 registration.
Depending on the age of the vehicle, you can choose from the current registration plate format (AA15 ABC) or the previous prefix style (A123 ABC). Prices start at £250 including an £80 transfer fee. The DVLA also sells its most interesting plates – some of which do not fit into the above styles – at auction. Once the sale has been finalised you receive a Certificate of Entitlement. If the registration has not assigned before this expires, you can pay to extend its validity or surrender the mark.
How To Transfer A Registration Number
You can transfer a registration:
- from your vehicle to a second registered in your name
- to a vehicle you are purchasing
- to a vehicle registered to somebody else.
Both must be registered with the DVLA, available for inspection, of a type that requires an MOT (or heavy goods vehicle test certificate), and taxed. However, if the vehicle that has the favoured registration is not taxed you can still apply if:
- the tax expired in the last 12 months
- there is no break between when the tax expired and the start of a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN).
Proceed via Form V317 (Application To Transfer Or Retain A Vehicle Registration Number). If a number is being transferred to someone else’s vehicle, both keepers have to complete a form. Include:
- the £80 transfer fee (cheque or postal order payable to DVLA)
- For each vehicle, the Registration Certificate or New Keeper Supplement
- For each vehicle, Form V62 (Application For A Vehicle Registration Certificate V5C).
If a New Keeper Supplement has been stamped by a local DVLA office, you have to complete Form V62 (Application For A Vehicle Registration Certificate V5C) before you transfer a registration mark. Send the paperwork to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1DS.
How To Retain A Registration Number
You can transfer a registration from a vehicle and hold it on a Retention Certificate (V778). The cost is £80. The vehicle must:be registered with the DVLA available for inspection of a type that requires an MOT or heavy goods vehicle test certificate.
To proceed, send the following to the DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1DS:
- Form V317 (Application To Transfer Or Retain A Vehicle Registration Number)
- Registration Certificate or the New Keeper’s Supplement
- Form V62 (Application For A Vehicle Registration Certificate V5C).
You will then receive:
- V778 Retention Document showing you as the grantee
- Registration Certificate showing a replacement registration.
How To Have A Registration Plate Made
Plates should only be produced by a registered supplier. Find yours via www.gov.uk/number-plate-supplier. You will require:
- proof of name and address, e.g. passport, driving licence, utility bill
- proof of entitlement to use the registration, e.g. V5C log book, Retention Certificate, New Keeper Supplement.
