A private plate can be bought from the DVLA, auctions a dealer or a person.
DVLA auctions only happen about 5 times in a year and if you want a specific private plate the best route would be through a dealer.
Dealers hold many private plates and are always in the loop about private plates coming to be available and expected cost so to save your time it is advisable to go through one of these.
Many dealers also take the hassle out of the process by transferring the registration to your vehicle for you,
many will also get you a set of number plates made for you.
If you want to keep or assign the registration number yourself you can ask the dealer if you can have the V750 or V778.
HOW TO ASSIGN A PRIVATE REGISTRATION NUMBER TO A VEHICLE
To assign a private or personalised number plate to a vehicle you will need one of these:
a V778 retention document
a V750 certificate of entitlement
an online reference number
To get one of these you would either buy a registration number through one of the channels as listed above or take a registration number from another vehicle you own.
There are certain rules about personalised number plates you have to follow.
Here are some DONT’S
Assign a number starting with ‘Q’ or ‘NIQ’
Put a private number on a ‘Q’ registered vehicle
Use a private number that makes a vehicle look newer than it is – for example, an ‘07’ registration number on a 2003 registered vehicle
Here are some important rules about the Vehicle that you need to check first.
The vehicle must:
Be registered with DVLA in the UK
Be able to move under its own power
Be of a type that needs an MOT or heavy goods vehicle (HGV) test certificate
Have been taxed or had a SORN in place continuously for the past 5 years
Be taxed currently (or have a SORN in place – if it’s had a SORN for more than 5 years, it must be taxed)
Be available for inspection
Please be aware the DVLA will check your application and contact you if your vehicle needs an inspection.
APPLY TO ASSIGN A REGISTRATION NUMBER
You can apply to assign a number if the vehicle is:
Registered to you in your name – you can apply online or by post.
A used vehicle you just bought – wait for DVLA to send you a new V5C in your name before you apply online or by post.
Brand new vehicle – give the dealer your V750 or V778 document and ask them to apply.
Registered to someone else and you want the private number to be transferred to them – you can apply online or by post.
It’s free to apply online or by post. You just need the vehicle’s log book (V5C).
If you already have a private number on your vehicle, apply to take it off first. You could lose the right to use the number if you do not.
Applying online
The private number will be assigned immediately if your vehicle does not need an inspection.
Assigning a private number online
This service is open from 7am to 7pm.
Applying by post
The private number will be assigned within 2 weeks if your vehicle does not need an inspection.
Documents that need sending to the DVLA:
The completed V750 or V778 – the address is on the form.
The vehicle’s log book (V5C) or green ‘new keeper’ slip with a completed V62 ‘application for a vehicle registration certificate V5C’.
If you’re assigning the number to someone else’s vehicle, add them as a ‘nominee’ – complete section 2 of the V750 or V778.
To tax your vehicle at the same time, you will need all of the following:
V10 ‘application for vehicle tax’ form
The right amount of vehicle tax
An MOT certificate
After you assign a private number you will be sent:
A new log book (V5C) – it can take 4 to 6 weeks to arrive
Your original MOT back (if you sent it to tax the vehicle)
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO NEXT
You will need to put new number plates on the vehicle before you drive it.
Tell your insurance company of your new private registration number.
You can keep the original registration number and plates – they’ll be reassigned to the vehicle when you take off the private number.
You must not sell or get rid of a vehicle until you get the new log book (V5C).
I hope this explains how to buy a private number plate and then assign it to your vehicle.
Full details are always of the www.gov.uk website
