How To Assign A Private Plate

Yes, but in most cases you'll need to wait until the vehicle is registered in your name before you can assign the registration.

If you have recently purchased a used vehicle, the DVLA will normally need to update its records and issue a V5C log book showing you as the registered keeper before a private plate can be assigned online.

If you've only just purchased the vehicle and are still waiting for the V5C, you may be able to apply by post using the green new keeper slip and a completed V62 application. However, many motorists choose to wait until the replacement V5C arrives to simplify the process.

If you're buying a brand-new vehicle from a dealer, the dealer can usually assign the registration as part of the vehicle registration process before delivery.

If the DVLA selects your vehicle for inspection, the assignment will be placed on hold until the inspection has been completed.

Vehicle inspections are relatively uncommon, but they may be requested as part of the DVLA's checks before assigning a registration. If an inspection is required, the DVLA will contact you with further instructions.

You should continue displaying the vehicle's existing registration until the assignment has been approved. Once the inspection has been completed and the application accepted, the private registration can be assigned in the normal way.

No. The DVLA's online private plate assignment service requires information from the vehicle's V5C log book and will not accept the reference number shown on a green new keeper slip.

This is because the online service updates the vehicle's registration records and issues a replacement V5C as part of the assignment process. If you have only recently purchased the vehicle and are still waiting for the V5C to arrive, you will need to wait until it has been issued in your name before assigning the registration online.

If you do not want to wait for the replacement V5C, it may be possible to apply by post using the green new keeper slip together with a completed V62 application.

Yes. Private registrations can be assigned to motorcycles provided both the vehicle and registration meet the DVLA's eligibility requirements.

The motorcycle must be registered with the DVLA, capable of being used on the road and meet the same assignment rules that apply to other vehicles. The registration must also not make the motorcycle appear newer than it is.

As with cars and vans, the application can usually be completed online or by post using a valid V750 Certificate of Entitlement or V778 Retention Document.

Yes. Private registrations can be assigned to vans in the same way they can be assigned to cars.

The van must meet the DVLA's eligibility requirements and the registration must not make the vehicle appear newer than its actual age. Once assigned, the private registration replaces the vehicle's existing registration and will appear on the updated V5C log book.

Whether the van is used privately or for business purposes does not normally affect the assignment process.

Yes, provided the registration does not make the vehicle appear newer than it is. This is one of the most important rules when assigning private plates to classic and historic vehicles.

Dateless registrations and certain age-appropriate registrations are commonly used on classic vehicles because they do not reveal a specific year of registration. However, eligibility will always depend on both the vehicle's age and the registration being assigned.

If you're unsure whether a registration can be assigned to your classic vehicle, use National Numbers Vehicle Age Checker to confirm compatibility before applying.

Yes, if you own the vehicle. If the vehicle is supplied through the Motability Scheme, you should obtain permission before applying.

Vehicles supplied through the Motability Scheme may require additional authorisation or paperwork before a private registration can be assigned. For this reason, it is best to contact Motability and confirm their requirements before starting the application.

Once any required approvals have been obtained, the registration can normally be assigned in the same way as any other eligible vehicle.

Usually yes, but the finance or leasing company may need to approve the assignment first.

If the vehicle is subject to a finance agreement, lease agreement or hire purchase arrangement, the finance company may have an interest in the vehicle's registration records. Because of this, many providers require notification or written permission before a private plate can be assigned.

Some leasing and finance companies will handle part of the process on your behalf and may charge an administration fee. Before starting an application, check the provider's requirements and make sure any necessary permissions have been obtained.

Once approved, a private registration can normally be assigned to a leased or financed vehicle in the same way as any other eligible vehicle.