On the face of it, transferring a number plate from one car to another looks complex. However, the DVLA has attempted to make the process as straightforward as possible. Here is a quick guide on how to do it...

Transferring a private registration

Owning a private registration effectively means you have the right to assign that number to your own vehicle - or to one owned by someone else (known as a "nominee").

For example, you may wish to buy a registration as a gift for somebody else.

 

Criteria that must be met before you can transfer a registration:
  • Both vehicles must have valid MOTs
  • Both vehicles must be DVLA-registered
  • Both vehicles must have VED paid (or be SORN-declared for 5 years)
  • Both vehicles must be available for inspection if required.

 

You cannot complete the transfer if:
  • The registration begins with ‘NIQ’ or ‘Q’ (for Northern Ireland-registered vehicles)
  • The aim of the transfer is to make an older car look newer than it is.

 

Fill out form V317

Form V317 replaced the old V778, which was more time consuming and complicated to complete. The easiest approach is to complete V317 online.

You can also do it by post, but this will take longer. You'll need to either download and print out the form or visit your nearest large Post Office and collect a copy of the form.

 

Paying the £80 fee

The transfer process costs £80, which if applying online can be paid using a debit or credit card.

You can pay by cheque if applying by post.

 

Copy of the V5C logbook

If you're transferring the registration from one car to another, you'll need a copy of the V5C logbook.

Once the DVLA approves the removal of the number plate, you’ll be able to transfer it to a new vehicle.

 

For this you'll need:
  • The V750 Certificate of Entitlement or a V778 Retention Document. (You would have received this when you had the plate removed from the previous vehicle).
  • A valid MOT certificate if the vehicle is more than 3 years old
  • The V5C log book

With all this in order, you are able to apply to have the number plate added to somebody else's vehicle. For this to happen they must be added as a "nominee".

Add the nominee's name on Section 2 of the V750/V778 document.

 

What if I sold my number plate through a website?

In this case, you will be provided with all the necessary information for changing the registered owner of the registration plate.

 

How long does it take to transfer a private number plate?

In most cases this takes about 2 weeks. However, other factors could increase this period - for example if you applied by post. Additionally, the DVLA might face other issues - such as social distancing requirements relating to Covid-19.