Assign a private number to a vehicle

To assign a private (personalised) number to a vehicle, you need one of the following:

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:

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:

After you assign a private number

You’ll be sent:

  • a new log book (V5C)
  • 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).

If you have not received your log book

You’ll usually receive your log book after 4 weeks.

Contact DVLA if you have not received your log book and it’s been 4 weeks since you applied.

If you have not received your log book after 6 weeks and you have not notified DVLA, you’ll have to pay £25 to get a replacement.

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.

  1. Step 1 Buy a private number

  2. Step 2 Assign your 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