Buy from DVLA You can buy new numbers from DVLA Personalised Registrations . Buying at DVLA auctions There are auctions across the country about 5 times a year. You can see a list of the numbers coming up for auction . You can bid in person, by phone, in writing or online. You’ll get a V750 certificate of entitlement once you’ve paid for the private (personalised) number. This is to prove that you have the right to put the number on a vehicle (‘assign’ it). Buying from a private dealer or person You can buy a private number from a dealer or from another person. Most dealers will transfer the number to your vehicle for you. If you want to keep or assign the number yourself, ask the dealer if you can have the V750 or V778.

Assign a private number to a vehicle

To assign a private (personalised) number to a vehicle, you need one of the following: a V750 certificate of entitlement - you’ll get this if you buy a private number a V778 retention document or online reference number - you’ll get one of these if you take a number from another vehicle you own Eligibility You cannot: 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 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 be available for inspection - DVLA will contact you if they need to inspect your vehicle 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 in place for more than 5 years, it must be taxed and have an MOT certificate If you have a historic (classic) vehicle you’ll also need a current MOT certificate, even if your vehicle is usually exempt from MOTs. Apply to assign a number If the vehicle is: registered to you - 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 - 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 - apply online or by post It’s free to apply online or by post. You 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. Apply online The number will be assigned immediately if your vehicle does not need an inspection. Be ready to put new number plates on the vehicle as soon as you’ve applied. Assign a number online This service is open from 7am to 7pm. It’s also available in Welsh (Cymraeg) . Apply by post Send all of the following documents to 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, include all of the following: a V10 ‘application for vehicle tax’ form the right amount of vehicle tax an MOT certificate After you assign a private number You’ll 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) You must put new number plates on the vehicle before you drive it. 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). Who to tell about your new registration number You must tell your insurance company. Update your registration number for any automatic payment accounts you have, for example to pay: the Congestion Charge the Low Emission Zone Charge the Ultra Low Emission Zone Charge the Dart Charge charges for driving in Clean Air Zones You may get a penalty charge if you do not update your registration details and enter one of these zones. If your vehicle has Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation scheme certification, you also need to tell them your new registration number.

Take a private number off a vehicle

You can apply to take a private (personalised) number off a vehicle if you want to either: keep the number to use later assign it to another vehicle You cannot keep a number starting with ‘Q’ or ‘NIQ’. The vehicle’s original registration number is usually reassigned to it automatically when you take off a private number. If your application is successful you’ll be sent a V778 retention document and a new log book (V5C). You must have your V778 and new log book before you scrap or sell your vehicle - otherwise you’ll lose the right to use the private number. Eligibility 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 be available for inspection - DVLA will contact you if they need to inspect your vehicle 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 in place for more than 5 years, it must be taxed and have an MOT certificate If you have a historic (classic) vehicle you’ll also need a current MOT certificate, even if your vehicle is usually exempt from MOTs. Apply to take off a number You can apply online or by post. It costs £80. You must have the vehicle’s log book (V5C). If the vehicle’s not in your name, you have to apply by post. Apply online The number will be removed immediately if your vehicle does not need an inspection. You can assign the number to another vehicle as soon as you’ve applied to take it off - use the reference number you get after you apply. Take off a number online This service is open from 7am to 7pm. It’s also available in Welsh (Cymraeg) . Apply by post Send all of the following to DVLA : a V317 ‘transfer or retain a vehicle registration number’ form - 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’ the £80 transfer fee To tax your vehicle at the same time, send all of the following: a V10 ‘application for vehicle tax’ form the right amount of vehicle tax an MOT certificate After you apply Your original number plate will usually be reassigned to your vehicle automatically, if your application is successful. This will happen straight away. You’ll be sent: a new log book (V5C) showing the vehicle’s replacement registration number - it can take 4 to 6 weeks to arrive your original MOT back (if you sent it to tax the vehicle) a V778 retention document if the private number is in your name If the private number is in someone else’s name, the V778 document will be sent to them. Before you can drive your vehicle, you must: put the original or new number plates on the vehicle before you drive it tell your insurance company your new registration number Who to tell about your new registration number You must tell your insurance company. Update your registration number for any automatic payment accounts you have, for example to pay: the Congestion Charge the Low Emission Zone Charge the Ultra Low Emission Zone Charge the Dart Charge charges for driving in Clean Air Zones You may get a penalty charge if you do not update your registration details and enter one of these zones. If your vehicle has Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation scheme certification, you also need to tell them your new registration number. What happens to the private number Your V778 retention document proves that you still have the right to assign the private number for the next 10 years. You must renew your right to use a private number before the V778 expires. You can give up your right to use the private number if you decide not to assign it.

Renew or replace your private number

You must renew your right to use your private (personalised) number every 10 years if it’s not being used on a vehicle. If you got your private number before 2015, you must renew it more often - check your V750 or V778 document. You’ll permanently lose the right to use the number if you do not renew it before the expiry date. DVLA will not accept applications made after that date. Renew your V750 certificate of entitlement or V778 retention document You can apply to renew your V750 or V778 up to 28 days before it expires. Do not apply earlier than this or your application may be refused. You’ll get a reminder letter or email if you’re not using a private number and your right to use it is about to run out. You can renew it for up to 10 years, and it does not cost anything to do. Renew your V750 online You can renew your V750 by using the DVLA personalised registration account you used to buy your private (personalised) number. Renew by post Fill in the form on the V750 or V778. Send the V750 or V778 to the address on the form. Replace a lost or stolen V750 or V778 You can apply for a replacement V750 or V778 if: it has not expired you’re the person with the right to use the number (your name will have been on the V778 or V750 as the ‘grantee’) It’ll take around 3 to 4 weeks for the new V750 or V778 to arrive. Apply online to replace a lost or stolen V750 You can apply for a replacement V750 by using the DVLA personalised registration account you used to buy your private (personalised) number. Apply by post to replace a lost or stolen V750 or V778 You can send a letter to DVLA Personalised Registrations to ask for a replacement V750 or V778. DVLA Personalised Registrations Swansea SA99 1DS If your address or name has changed, you’ll need to include an extra document with your letter. If your address has changed, include proof of your identity. This can be a copy of: a household bill sent to you in the last 3 months your Council Tax bill for this year a bank or building society statement sent to you in the last 3 months a medical card your current British driving licence your passport your birth certificate If your name has changed, include proof of your name change. This can be a copy of: your marriage or civil partnership certificate your divorce or end of civil partnership document (decree nisi, decree absolute, conditional order or final order) a deed poll to show you’ve changed your name legally

Sell or give a private number to someone else

You can sell or give a private (personalised) number to someone. The number must be assigned to their vehicle before they can use it. If you’re giving a number to someone, follow the steps for assigning your private number to someone else. Selling your private number You can use a private number dealer or sell your number yourself. Do not share a photograph or scan of the V750 or V778 document. Someone other than the buyer might use it to put the private number on another vehicle. Use a private number dealer Most dealers will find a buyer, arrange the payment and transfer the number to the buyer’s vehicle for you. Sell your private number yourself After you find a buyer, you’ll need to assign your number to their vehicle. Follow the steps for assigning your private number to someone else. Assign your private number to someone else You can put your private number on someone else’s vehicle online or by post. After that, DVLA will send a replacement log book for the vehicle but with the new private number assigned to it. Online You’ll need details from: the log book (V5C) of the vehicle you’re assigning the number to your V778 or V750 The number will usually be assigned immediately. Assign a number online This service is open from 7am to 7pm. It’s also available in Welsh (Cymraeg) . By post Send DVLA : your V778 or V750 form - fill in sections 1 and 2 and sign it first the log book (V5C) for the vehicle you want to put the private number on The address is on the form. If the nominee dies The person who has the right to use the private number can change the ‘nominee’ (the person you’re giving the number to). Fill in section 2 of the V750 or V778 with the new nominee’s details, sign the form and send it to: DVLA Personalised Registrations Swansea SA99 1DS

Change your name or address

You can change your address or name on your V750 or V778 certificate. Change your address online - V750 only Use your DVLA personalised registration account . Change your address by post - V750 or V778 Fill in the ‘change of address’ section on your V750 or V778. Sign it and send it to DVLA Personalised Registrations. DVLA Personalised Registrations Swansea SA99 1DS If you do not have your V750 or V778 Write a letter saying what your new address is. Sign it and send it to DVLA Personalised Registrations with proof of your identity. This can be a copy of: a household bill sent to you in the last 3 months your Council Tax bill for this year a bank or building society statement sent to you in the last 3 months a medical card your current British driving licence your passport your birth certificate Change your name - V750 or V778 You can only change your name by post. You’ll need proof of your name change - this can be a copy of: your marriage or civil partnership certificate your divorce or end of civil partnership document (decree nisi, decree absolute, conditional order or final order) a deed poll to show you’ve changed your name legally Fill in the ‘nominee details’ section on your V750 or V778. Sign it and send it to DVLA Personalised Registrations with proof of your name change. DVLA Personalised Registrations Swansea SA99 1DS If you do not have your V750 or V778 Write a letter saying what your new name is. Sign it and send it to DVLA Personalised Registrations with proof of your name change. Fix mistakes Write a letter saying what the mistakes are. Send it with the V750 or V778 to DVLA Personalised Registrations. DVLA Personalised Registrations Swansea SA99 1DS

Give up your right to use a private number

You might get a refund of £80 if you have the right to use a private number but you decide not to assign it to a vehicle. This refunds the £80 fee you paid when you either: bought the number (the fee was included in the cost) took the number off a vehicle You can apply for a refund if: the number was not assigned to any vehicle after you paid the fee you have the latest V778 or V750 document - if you’ve lost it and it’s still valid you can get a replacement from DVLA If the document was issued before 9 March 2015, you can only get a refund once it expires. You cannot get a replacement document if it’s expired. Tick the ‘Give up the right to this registered number (surrender)’ section of the V778 or V750 document, sign it and send it to: DVLA Personalised Registrations Swansea SA99 1DS You cannot use the private number after you give up your right to it. There’s a different process if the person with the right to use the private number has died .

If the person with the right to use the private number dies

If someone has died and left you a personalised number in their will, or you’re in charge of the will (an ‘executor’), you can: keep the private number transfer it to another vehicle put it in someone else’s name give up the right to use the number (you can apply for a refund) To do this, you’ll need to send a form to DVLA , along with documents that prove you have the right to use the number. Prove you’ve got the right to use the number You must send DVLA the death certificate when you send in your form. The death certificate can be an original or a certified copy . You must also send at least one of the following: a certified copy of probate a copy of the will a letter from the solicitor confirming who the executors are or next of kin is Keep or transfer the number, or give it to someone else Which form you send depends on whether the number is already on (‘assigned to’) a vehicle. If the number is already assigned to a vehicle Fill in: the V317 form (if you have an old blue form, fill in section 2) section 2 if you have a new style log book (with multi-coloured numbered blocks on the front cover) or section 6 if you have the older style log book Make sure you include the details of the person you want to transfer the number to, for example an executor or next of kin. It costs £80. DVLA Personalised Registrations Swansea SA99 1DS If the number has not been assigned to a vehicle Send the documents that prove you’ve got the right to use the number and either the: V778 retention document V750 certificate of entitlement form The executors must sign the V778 or V750 before you send it. You must also send a covering letter from the executors saying if you want to: keep the number give the number to someone else DVLA Personalised Registrations Swansea SA99 1DS If you do not have the V778 or V750 Send DVLA : the documents that prove you have the right to use the number a covering letter signed by all the executors confirming that you do not have the forms, and explaining what you want to do with the number Give up your right to use the private number You might be able to get a refund of the £80 assignment fee if: a private number was not assigned to a vehicle after the fee was paid you have the latest V778 or V750 document - if you’ve lost it and it’s still valid you can get a replacement from DVLA Check the V778 or V750 document to find out if a fee was paid. If the document was issued before 9 March 2015, you can only get a refund once it expires. You cannot get a replacement document if it’s expired. Send DVLA : the V778 or V750 document - tick the ‘Refund of the assignment fee’ section and get all the executors to sign it the documents that prove you have the right to use the number DVLA Personalised Registrations Swansea SA99 1DS If you do not have the V778 or V750 Send DVLA : the documents that prove you have the right to use the number a covering letter signed by the all the executors confirming that you do not have the forms, and explaining what you want to do with the number

Private (personalised) number plates

Overview

You can buy a private (personalised) registration for your vehicle’s number plates from DVLA or from a private dealer.

If you have the right to a private number that is not currently being used, you can apply to assign it (put it on) to a vehicle.

Take a private number off (‘retention’)

If you do not want to use your private number anymore you can apply to take it off your vehicle. You can keep the number (put it ‘on retention’) to use later.

You’ll get a V778 retention document proving you still have the right to use the number.

Selling a private number

You can also sell your private number if you do not want to use it anymore.

If you’re selling your private number online, do not share a scan or photograph of the V750 or V778 document. Someone other than the buyer might use it to put the private number on another vehicle.

Transfer a private number

To transfer a private number from one vehicle to another, you need to:

Take it off the vehicle you’re transferring it from.
Assign it to the vehicle you’re transferring it to.

You can also do this by post using form V317.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Step 1 Buy a private number
1. Find out how you can buy a number
Step 2 Assign your private number to a vehicle
1. Apply to assign a private number to a vehicle
or Keep your private number
You do not have to assign your number to a vehicle.

You must renew your right to use the number every 10 years.
1. Check how to renew your number
Step 3 Get a new number plate made
If you assign your private number to a vehicle you must get a number plate made up from a registered supplier.

Private (personalised) number plates

Overview

Take a private number off (‘retention’)

Selling a private number

Transfer a private number

Step 1 Buy a private number

Step 2 Assign your private number to a vehicle

or Keep your private number

Step 3 Get a new number plate made

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Private (personalised) number plates

Overview

Take a private number off (‘retention’)

Selling a private number

Transfer a private number

Part of Get a private (personalised) number plate: step by step

Step 1: Buy a private number

Step 2: Assign your private number to a vehicle

or Keep your private number

Step 3: Get a new number plate made

Is this page useful?

Help us improve GOV.UK

Help us improve GOV.UK

Step 1 Buy a private number

Step 2 Assign your private number to a vehicle

Step 3 Get a new number plate made