FAQs

Buying a private registration

• Can I buy a private registration as a gift?

  Yes, of course you can buy a private registration as a gift! All you have to do is to enter the recipient’s details, rather than your own, as the Nominee for the official documentation.

• Can I use a private plate to make my car look newer?

  No, it is not possible to use a private plate to make your car look younger than it is. You must ensure your plate is older than the car to which you wish to assign it. For example, if you have a 21 plate car, you can use any style of plate, up to and before the 2021 registration (21). Don’t forget that cherished and dateless registrations can be assigned to any age of vehicle!

• Do I have to pay the DVLA assignment fee straight away?

  Yes, you have to pay the £80.00 assignment fee as well as the purchase price. 

• Do I have to put my private plate straight onto my car?

  If you have purchased a private registration, then no, you do not have to assign it straight away. You may choose to retain the entitlement to the registration, or may have bought it for a gift, in which case you will just need to present the person you have bought it for with the V750. They can then assign it when they are ready.

  If however you have assigned the registrations, then yes, you do have to put new plates straight on the vehicle.

• How do I purchase a private registration?

  Are you wondering how to get private number plates? Purchasing a private registration is easy with Number 1 Plates! Simply search for the initials, date or specific characters you’re looking for, find your perfect plate, click buy now and then follow the checkout process. If you have any questions at any point, then you can email [email protected]. 

• How long does it take to buy a private registration?

  You can buy a private registration in a matter of minutes! However, it can take up to four weeks to receive your certificate of entitlement (V750 or V778), depending on how busy the DVLA is. Once you have received this, you can then assign your plates to the vehicle.

• What documents do I need to buy a registration number?

  To buy a registration number you don’t need to provide any documents at all! Only when you come to have number plates made which display your new registration do you need to provide proof of ID and proof of entitlement.

• What if I change my mind after I’ve paid for a private registration?

  The sale of all registrations and/or number plates are strictly non-refundable. Once you have made an order, you will not be able to change your mind. If for any reason you no longer want your new registration, Number 1 Plates can advertise and sell this on your behalf.

Selling a private registration

• What happens to my private registration when I sell my car?

  To keep a private registration plate that’s on a car you want to sell or scrap, you need to apply to keep the number plate. You can do this online on the Government’s website, or apply through the post by completing and sending the following to the DVLA:

  • V317: This lets you transfer your private registration number to another car.
  • V5C (aka your vehicle log book): This proves you own the car you want to remove your private registration from.  If you’ve only just bought your car and don’t have a V5C, you will need to instead send your V5C/2 “new keeper” slip and a filled out V62 form.
  • An £80 transfer fee (you will also need to pay this if you do it online).

  Once the private number plate is transferred, your car will automatically be reassigned its original registration number. However, you will need to put the original plates back on the car before you drive it on the public road again, and it’s best to reattach the plates too if you’re going to sell the car on.

  If you’re looking to sell your car then you should always apply to take the registration off of the car if you wish to keep the registration. If you sell or scrap the car, there is no way of getting the registration back as you will legally no longer own it. 

Transfering a private registration

• How do I assign a private registration?

  Assigning a private registration is a relatively quick and simple process! All you’ll need is your V750 or V778, along with your V5C (Log Book). As soon as you’ve assigned the number plate, you can put new number plates which display your new registration onto the vehicle to which they’re assigned! 

  If this seems a little confusing, then don’t worry, because for a small fee of just £14.99, we offer a service where we can do all of this for you! If you choose this option, then all you need to do is send us your V750/V778 and current V5C

• How long does it take to assign a private registration?

  Once you have your V750 or V778, it takes just minutes to assign a private registration to a vehicle. If you’re busy and don’t have time, for just £14.99 we can take the hassle away from you. Once we’re done, we’ll send you a quick update email and your documents will be returned to you, with your new V5C being sent directly to you from the DVLA.