How to retain a registration number

Putting a number plate on retention

Under the DVLA Retention Scheme, the DVLA allows you to remove a registration number from a vehicle, without assigning it to another vehicle. The registration number is kept on a document called the V778 Retention Document (or Retention Certificate).

This is often referred to as putting a registration number on retention.

What is a number plate retention certificate (V778)?

Before you apply

Check our guide Can I retain my number plate?

How to apply for a number plate V778 Retention Document

You can apply to retain a registration number using the DVLA form V778/1 “Application to Retain a Vehicle Registration Number”. You can pick up a V778/1 form from your local DVLA office. Or you can download the V778/1 form from http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring.

Complete the V778/1 form. Then either take it or send it to your local DVLA office, with the following documents:

	Original Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5 / V5C). If you’ve just acquired the vehicle, see instructions on the V778/1 form for alternative documentation
	Original MOT certificate (if the vehicle requires one). Your vehicle may not be old enough to need an MOT certificate. See Can I retain my registration number? for more information on vehicles that qualify for the DVLA Retention Scheme.
	Photocopy of vehicle licence disc (tax disc). The DVLA requests the disc expiry date and serial number. However, we would advise that you enclose photocopy to be on the safe side! Don’t include the original tax disc as you will need this while your retention is being processed.

Can I retain my number plate if MOT or tax has run out?

Will I get a Retention Certificate straightaway?

No. The V778 Retention Document will be posted to you.

Before approval, the DVLA office may decide to inspect your vehicle. This will be to confirm the vehicle’s entitlement to the registration number. In particular, they will check the VIN number and chassis plate. The DVLA office will inform you if they wish to inspect the vehicle.

In our experience, older vehicles in particular are often inspected.

If you are asked to produce the vehicle for inspection and the MOT / tax has expired, you will need to have it transported to the DVLA office! Don’t drive it there.

Note that you may not get all of your fee back if your application to retain the registration number is turned down.

How do I get a new registration number?

When your application to retain the registration number is approved, the DVLA will allocate a replacement registration number that reflects the age of the vehicle. If possible, the DVLA will try to reissue the vehicle's previous registration number.

Replacement registration numbers are issued on a non-transferable basis. That means you will not be able to sell the replacement registration. You can, however, replace it with another private registration number at a later date.

What happens when the retention is approved?

When your application has been approved by the DVLA, you will receive a V778 Retention Document. Don’t sell or scrap your vehicle till you receive this document!

The DVLA will also issue a replacement V5 registration document, and MOT certificate and tax disc (if applicable), reflecting the replacement registration number.

Your retention certificate is valid for 12 months. If you haven’t assigned the registration number to a vehicle within the 12 month period, you will need to apply to extend the certificate. You will find instructions on how to do this on the back of the V778 Retention Document.

DVLA number plate retention fees

Application to retain a registration number: DVLA fee £105

Application to make an amendment to a retention certificate: DVLA fee £25

Application to renew a retention certificate: DVLA fee £25.