How to Transfer a Private Registration
A private number plate transfer moves a private registration from one vehicle to another. The process can often be completed online through DVLA, or by post using a V317 form when an online transfer is not available.
Our guide explains how to transfer a private number plate from one car to another, how to transfer a private reg to a new car, which documents you need, what it costs and what to do after DVLA approval.
If you are selling or part-exchanging the vehicle currently displaying the private plate, remove or retain the registration before the vehicle leaves your control.
Private Number Plate Transfer at a Glance
The table below summarises the main points to check before starting a private number plate transfer.
Question | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
Can you transfer a private number plate? | Yes, if the registration and receiving vehicle meet DVLA rules |
Can you transfer online? | Yes, in many cases, using DVLA online services |
Can you transfer by post? | Yes, using a V317 form |
How much does it cost? | £80 when taking a private number off a vehicle |
What documents do you need? | Usually the V5C log book, plus a V750, V778 or online reference where relevant |
Can you transfer from one car to another? | Yes, by removing the plate from the donor vehicle and assigning it to the receiving vehicle |
Can you transfer to a new car? | Yes, but the route depends on whether the car is new, used or dealer-supplied |
When can you fit the plates? | Only after DVLA confirms the assignment |
What Does It Mean to Transfer a Private Number Plate?
A private number plate transfer moves the right to display a private registration from one vehicle to another. In most cases, this involves removing the registration from the vehicle currently displaying it, then assigning it to the receiving vehicle.
People often use “transfer” to describe a few related DVLA processes. The table below explains the difference.
Transfer vs Retain vs Assign
Term | What It Means | Where to Learn More |
|---|---|---|
Transfer | Move a registration from one vehicle to another | This guide |
Retain | Take a registration off a vehicle and hold it for later | |
Assign | Put a registration from a V750, V778 or online reference onto a vehicle |
If the registration is held on a V750 Certificate of Entitlement or V778 Retention Document, it must be assigned to a suitable vehicle before it can be displayed.
Before You Transfer a Private Number Plate
Before starting a private number plate transfer, check that the registration and vehicle meet DVLA rules. This applies to the vehicle the plate is coming from and the vehicle receiving the registration, where relevant.
The vehicle must:
Be registered with DVLA in the UK
Be able to move under its own power
Be available for DVLA inspection if requested
Be a type that needs an MOT or HGV test
Have been taxed or covered by SORN continuously for the past five years
Be taxed currently or have a SORN in place
If SORN has been in place for more than five years, the vehicle must be taxed and have a current MOT certificate. Historic vehicles also need a current MOT for private number plate transfer, even if they are normally MOT exempt.
You cannot transfer a registration starting with Q or QNI, and you cannot assign a private registration to a Q-registered vehicle. A private registration also cannot make a vehicle look newer than it is.
Before applying, use our Vehicle Age Checker to confirm that the registration is suitable for the receiving vehicle. You can also read our number plate year of issue guide for help understanding registration age identifiers.
How to Transfer a Private Number Plate From One Car to Another
To transfer a private number plate from one car to another, the registration must first be removed from the donor vehicle. It can then be assigned to the receiving vehicle using the reference number provided by DVLA.
Step 1: Take the Plate Off the Donor Vehicle
Start by removing the private registration from the vehicle currently displaying it. You can do this through the official DVLA private number plate service.
You will need:
The registration number being removed
The donor vehicle’s V5C log book
The 11-digit V5C document reference number
The postcode of the registered keeper
Payment for the £80 DVLA fee
If the application is approved and DVLA does not need to inspect the vehicle, the private registration is removed straight away. DVLA will then give you a reference number that can be used to assign the registration to another suitable vehicle.
Do not continue driving the donor vehicle with the private plate displayed once DVLA confirms it has been removed.
Step 2: Assign the Plate to the Receiving Vehicle
After the private registration has been removed, you can assign it to the receiving vehicle using the DVLA reference number.
You will need the receiving vehicle’s V5C log book. You can use the official DVLA assign a private number online service, or apply by post if the online service is not available.
If the vehicle meets DVLA rules and no inspection is needed, the assignment can be approved immediately. Do not fit the private plates to the receiving vehicle until DVLA confirms the assignment.
For a full walkthrough, read our guide to assigning a private plate to a vehicle.
What Happens to the Donor Vehicle?
When the private registration is removed, the donor vehicle will normally get its original registration back. If that registration is not available, DVLA may issue an age-related replacement instead.
The donor vehicle must display its replacement registration before it is driven. Keep the confirmation and updated documents safe, especially if the vehicle is being sold or part-exchanged.
Private Number Plate Transfer by Post Using a V317 Form
You can also complete a private number plate transfer by post using a V317 form. This is the DVLA form used to transfer or retain a vehicle registration number.
When Do You Need a V317 Form?
A V317 form is useful when you cannot, or do not want to, complete the transfer online. You may need to apply by post if the online service cannot process the application, if DVLA needs extra information, or if the transfer involves vehicle or keeper details that need postal handling.
The form can be used to transfer a registration from one vehicle to another, or to take a registration off a vehicle and keep it on a retention document.
What to Send With the V317 Form
For a postal private number plate transfer, you will usually need to send:
A completed V317 form
The V5C log book for the relevant vehicle or vehicles
The green new keeper slip with a completed V62 form, where accepted
The £80 DVLA fee when a registration is being taken off a vehicle
Any supporting documents requested by DVLA
You should follow the instructions on the latest V317 form rather than relying on older postal details, as the form explains what to include and where to send the application.
How Long Does a Postal Transfer Take?
Postal transfers take longer than online transfers, so allow time for DVLA to process the application and issue updated documents.
Do not fit the private plates to the receiving vehicle until DVLA confirms the assignment. You should also wait for the updated V5C before selling, scrapping or part-exchanging the donor vehicle.
How to Transfer a Private Reg to a New Car
The route for transferring a private reg to a new car depends on how the vehicle is being bought. A used car and a brand-new car are handled slightly differently, so check which process applies before starting the transfer.
Transferring to a Used Car
If you have bought a used car, you will normally need to wait until the new V5C log book arrives in your name before assigning your private registration to it.
The receiving vehicle must meet DVLA eligibility rules and the registration must not make the car look newer than it is.
Once the V5C is available, you can assign the private number using the DVLA online service, a valid V750 or V778, or the reference number given when the plate was removed from another vehicle.
Transferring to a Brand-New Car
If the car is brand new, the dealer can usually arrange the private number plate assignment before the vehicle is registered.
You will need to give the dealer the correct details, such as a V750 Certificate of Entitlement, V778 Retention Document or DVLA reference number. Make sure the private registration is assigned before plates are made and fitted to the new vehicle.
For more detail on putting a registration onto a vehicle, read our guide to assigning a private plate to a vehicle.
How Much Does It Cost to Transfer a Private Number Plate?
The main DVLA cost is £80 when taking a private number off a vehicle. This applies if you are removing the registration so it can be transferred to another vehicle, or keeping it on a V778 Retention Document for later use.
Assigning a private registration from a valid V750 Certificate of Entitlement, V778 or DVLA online reference is usually free, as the assignment fee has already been paid.
You may still need to pay for new physical number plates for the donor vehicle, receiving vehicle or both. If a dealer or managed transfer service handles the process for you, they may also charge an administration fee.
What Happens After a Private Number Plate Transfer?
After a private number plate transfer is approved, make sure both vehicles are updated before they are driven or used for payment accounts.
You should:
Wait for the updated V5C log books from DVLA
Fit the correct number plates to each vehicle before driving
Make sure any new plates are road-legal and made by a registered number plate supplier
Tell your insurance company about the new registration number
Update automatic payment accounts that use the vehicle registration, such as Congestion Charge, Low Emission Zone, ULEZ, Dart Charge and Clean Air Zone accounts
Update the registration details for any Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation scheme certification, if this applies to your vehicle
Keep DVLA confirmation details and updated documents safe
Do not fit private plates to the receiving vehicle before DVLA confirms the assignment. For more information on compliant plate display, read our guide to UK number plate law.
Common Private Number Plate Transfer Mistakes
Most private number plate transfer issues come from starting the process too late, using the wrong documents or fitting plates before DVLA approval. Common mistakes include:
Trying to put a newer registration on an older vehicle: A private registration cannot make a vehicle look newer than it is.
Selling the donor vehicle before removing the private plate: Remove or retain the number plate before the vehicle leaves your control.
Fitting plates before DVLA confirms the assignment: The receiving vehicle cannot display the private plates until DVLA has approved the assignment.
Using the wrong V5C document reference number: Check that you are using the latest V5C log book before applying.
Applying before a used car’s V5C is in your name: If you have just bought the receiving vehicle, you may need to wait for the new log book.
Trying to transfer a Q or QNI registration: These registrations cannot be transferred or assigned in the same way as standard private registrations.
Forgetting to tell your insurer: Your policy must match the registration displayed on the vehicle.
Forgetting automatic payment accounts: Update ULEZ, Clean Air Zone, Dart Charge and other accounts that use the registration number.
Using an expired V750 or V778: Check that your certificate or retention document is valid before starting the transfer.
Need Help Transferring a Private Number Plate?
A private number plate transfer is often straightforward, but the correct documents, vehicle details and DVLA approval need to be in place before any plates are fitted.
National Numbers can help with buying, retaining, transferring and assigning private registrations. Search from over 80 million personalised number plates online or call 01642 363738 for help buying, transferring, and assigning a private registration.
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