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:

  1. Take it off the vehicle you’re transferring it from.

  2. Assign it to the vehicle you’re transferring it to.

You can also do this by post using form V317.

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

  1. Step 1 Buy a private number

    1. Find out how you can buy a number

  2. Step 2 Assign your private number to a vehicle

    1. Apply to assign a private number to a vehicle

  3. 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

  4. 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.

    1. Check the rules for number plates
    2. Check what documents you need to get a number plate made
    3. Find your nearest number plate supplier