Private Registration Plates And Leased Vehicles
Adding a private number plate to a leased car is a slightly different process to a vehicle on traditional finance or for a vehicle you own.
How Do I Add My Private Number Plate To My Leased Car?
Once you have already taken delivery of your vehicle, you will need to arrange for the finance provider to be named as a Nominee on the Certificate of Entitlement (V750).
You can add or change a Nominee to the Certificate online or by post. Further details on how to do this is stated on section C on the reverse of the Certificate of Entitlement (V750). Once you’re ready to proceed, you will need to send the following documents in the post, along with a short covering letter, direct to the finance provider:
Certificate of Entitlement (V750) (with the finance company named as the Nominee or Grantee)
Any administration fee (this varies from funder to funder but is usually around £35 plus VAT)
You will receive a letter of acknowledgement from your finance provider once they have received the required paperwork.
The finance company will contact you to arrange for payment of the admin fee, the documents will then be sent onto the DVLA to process the transfer. The DVLA will assign the registration number to the vehicle and once the appropriate documentation has been sent back, the documents will be forwarded to you by Special Delivery to enable for the vehicle number plates to be updated.
It is illegal to display the plate on a vehicle until you have received confirmation from the funder and DVLA.
How Long Does It Take To Transfer My Registration Plate?
It may take up to six weeks for The DVLA to complete a private number plate transfer once all the documents have been received. It is your responsibility to pay for and to ensure the number plates reflect the change of registration.
How Do I Remove My Private Registration Plate From My Leased Car?
You must allow at least six weeks prior to the end of your lease contract, for the private registration plate to be removed from the vehicle. This must be arranged directly with the finance provider as your Vehicle Contract company is unable to do this on your behalf. To do this, you will need to send the following documents in the post, along with a covering letter confirming the nominee details (usually the keeper of new vehicle), direct to your finance provider:
A cheque for £80 made payable to the DVLA
Any administration fee (this varies from funder to funder but is usually around £35 plus VAT)
Once the documents have been received, a letter of acknowledgement confirming receipt will be sent to you. The DVLA will assign the registration number to the vehicle and the appropriate documentation has been sent back, the documents will be forwarded to you by Special Delivery to enable for the vehicle number plates to be updated. If the vehicle is at end of contract, the plate must be transferred before collection can be arranged.
Please note that the DVLA normally send the retention certificate out approximately two weeks after the transfer has been completed and this will be sent separately to you.
If in doubt of the process of adding and transferring private car registration plates to a vehicle that is leased, please contact your Car Leasing contractor.
What Makes a Number Plate Illegal?
UK number plate regulations are precise and strictly enforced. What might seem like a minor modification or creative personalisation can result in fines up to £1,000, MOT failure, and in serious cases, your vehicle being taken off the road.
Celebrity Number Plates: Who Owns What?
Private number plates have long been the preserve of the wealthy and famous, offering a glimpse into celebrity personalities while demonstrating the extraordinary value some registrations can command.
Is a private plate worth it?
Private number plates have moved from niche luxury to mainstream automotive accessory across the UK. With the market generating roughly £276 million annually, personalised registrations are clearly attracting buyers. The question is whether they represent good value for money or an unnecessary expense.
How much is it to have a private plate?
Private number plates have become increasingly popular across the UK, with the DVLA reporting over 1.2 million transactions in 2024 alone. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about private plate pricing in the UK.