This article explains how you can transfer a personalised registration to another vehicle and explains the DVLA regulations currently in place governing the transfer of a registration number from one vehicle to another.

Similar regulations apply to the transfer of a private registration to or from a Northern Ireland registered vehicle.

The V317 Form

You will need the V317 application to transfer or retain a vehicle registration number. This can also be collected from a local DVLA office or a Post Office which issues tax discs.

Section two of the V317 form should be signed and completed by the keeper of the donor vehicle (the vehicle from which the registration number is being transferred). Section three of the form asks for the details of the keeper and vehicle the registration number is being transferred to.

The Required Documents

The following apply to both vehicles in the transfer. You will need:

• The vehicle registration certificate (V5C) or V5C/2 (new keeper's details plus a V62 application for a vehicle registration certificate)
• MOT or GVT (Goods Vehicle Test) certificate if applicable (i.e. vehicle older than three years old)
• A photocopy of the current tax disc or an application for a tax disc V10 plus the appropriate fee and insurance certificate
• The transfer fee which is currently £80

Paying for the Transfer

DVLA accepts debit cards, credit cards, or cash if you are visiting the DVLA local office in person. Cheques are also accepted and should be made out to "DVLA Swansea" or, for transfers to vehicles in Northern Ireland, "DVA". Postal Orders are also acceptable.

The Regulations for Transferring a Number Plate

The Vehicles

• Both vehicles must exist and be registered on the DVLA or Northern Ireland (Coleraine) computer
• Both vehicles must be available for inspection if deemed necessary
• The vehicle given in section two (i.e. the vehicle currently registered with the mark; sometimes called the "donor" vehicle) must either be taxed or be declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification)

Tax

• There can be no break between the tax expiry date and the start of the SORN
• Only 12 months are allowed after the last tax expiry date (i.e. one SORN application) otherwise the vehicle has to be re-taxed (and, thus, have to undergo an MOT test if appropriate)
• The vehicle in section three (sometimes referred to as the "receiving" vehicle) must be taxed as DVLA will not transfer a registration to an un-taxed vehicle
• An application for tax may be made at the same time as the transfer - any changes to the V5C may also be made at the same time

Also note that:

• You can only transfer vehicles which are subject to an MOT or GVT test some time in their life
• You cannot transfer a Q registration vehicle

The Next Steps

Once your application is approved by the local DVLA office (do not send your application to DVLA, Swansea direct) the following will happen:

• The vehicle in section two will be allocated another age-related registration (unless you are transferring or assigning another registration of your choice at the same time)
• The mark on the vehicle in section three will be lost unless you apply to transfer or retain it
• Your MOT certificate will be amended to show the new registration number and sent to the appropriate vehicle keeper
• Tax discs showing the new marks will be issued and sent out as above
• V948 authorisation to display the new marks will also be sent out from the local DVLA office
• Your new V5C will usually be issued from Swansea and will arrive separately. However, the legal time to display your acrylic number plates is when you have a tax disc to match

Last updated: Monday 25th July 2011 at 11:21am