How To Retain A Private Number Plate (2023)

Perhaps you are planning to sell your car or maybe you've bought a new private number plate but want to keep your vehicle registration. Regardless of the reason, safely retaining a number plate until it is needed is a useful option to have. Fortunately, DVLA provides this service with their number plate retention scheme.

The vast majority of private number plates are eligible for retention. Private number plates that begin with Q/NIQ are non-transferable. You can easily find out if you can retain your number plate by looking at the special notes section of the V5C document.

It's a simple process to apply for a number plate to be retained. The application can be done online or by post. You'll receive a V778 (Certificate of Retention) if your application has been approved. This proves your ownership of the registration and means you are able to transfer the private plate to a vehicle when you're ready to do so.

Retaining a number plate online

To satisfy the rules governing number plate transfers, any vehicles involved must be:

1. Check that your name is on the V5C document.
2. Visit the DVLA website and click 'take a private number off a vehicle'.
3. Click the green button labelled 'take off a number online.'
4. Enter the registration number you want to take off.
5. Type in your latest V5C reference number.
6. Enter the registered keeper's postcode.
7. Confirm that you are the registered keeper by selecting 'Yes I am'.
8. Pay the DVLA transfer fee of £80.
9. Await the arrival of your V778 retention document and your updated vehicle logbook with the replacement registration number.

You will be issued a replacement V5C document showing the registration number that has been assigned to your vehicle in place of the one you've removed.

You must display this replacement registration number before driving. Please note that the V778 can take 4-6 weeks to arrive.

Retaining a number plate by post

You can also submit an application to retain your private number plate by post. This is the method you will need to follow if you're looking to change the details of the nominee.

You will need to:

1. Download and print the V317 doc from the DVLA website.
2. Put an 'X' in the box of Option B.
3. Complete section 1 on page 2 with the details of the vehicle. You can find these details on your V5C document.
4. Tick the most relevant statement that applies to the vehicle in Section 2.
5. Fill out section 3 with the details of the person making the application.
6. Complete section 4.1 of the form only if there is to be a change to the ownership of the registration number.
7. Complete section 4.2 of the form only if a dealer is acting for you and you want them to receive correspondence and documentation on your behalf.
8. Send the completed V317 form and other required items (as listed on the document) to DVLA at the address on the form. You must send:
   • The V317 form
   • Your V5C vehicle registration document
   • The DVLA retention fee of £80.
9. Wait for the arrival of your V778 retention document with your updated V5C.

• registered with the DVLA;
• available for inspection if required;
• able to start and move under their own power;
• the kind of vehicle that needs an MOT or heavy goods vehicle (HGV) test certificate;
• declared off-road by a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) for the last 5 years without interruption, otherwise it will need to be taxed and more than 5 years, it will need to be taxed and an inspection could also be required.

Transferring a vehicle registration is a simple process. Of course, many people prefer the peace of mind provided by an experienced, professional team. That's why Regtransfers offers our customers the option of a fully managed transfer service, taking care of all red tape and formalities.

What happens when a retention certificate expires?

A retention certificate is valid for 10 years and can be renewed for a further 10 years.

Within the last 28 days of the retention term, you can submit an application to renew your V778. Your application could be declined if you choose to renew your certificate before the last 28 days.

Failure to renew your V778 document will result in you losing your rights to your private number plate as the DVLA will not accept any applications after the 10-year period.