How to transfer a number plate from retention certificate

How do I put a number plate from Retention Certificate onto my car?

If you have a number plate on a green Retention Document, follow our easy step-by-step guide on how to put it on your car (or other vehicle). If yours is a pink Certificate of Entitlement click to see our V750 Guide.

How to transfer number plate from retention

Guide to putting your number plate from retention onto a car

It's easy to put a private number plate on your car from a Retention Certificate. Here's your checklist:

  1. Check the expiry date
  2. Your vehicle MoT is current
  3. Your vehicle is taxed.

Transfer from Retention Document online:

In many cases your private number plate can be assigned online. But be aware that it MAY be declined if the DVLA wish to do detailed checks or if your MoT / tax is not valid. You must deal direct with the DVLA if this happens.


transfer number plate from retention to car - step 1
transfer number plate from retention to car - retention certificate

 

Have your documents ready

You will need these items:

  1. V778 Retention Document
  2. V5C Registration Document
  3. Payment card (may not be needed unless your Certificate is out of date or you need to tax the vehicle at the same time)

Please check that your vehicle meets the required criteria (such as MoT and tax) before you start. You'll find full information online (see next step).


transfer number plate from retention to car - step 2
Put number plate on my car online

 

Click on the link below and follow the instructions

https://www.gov.uk/put-registration-number-vehicle  

(opens new window).

You should follow the steps as shown the website.

You will be notified straightaway whether your application to put the private number plate on your car has been successful. You will also get an email notification (if you asked for it). The DVLA will send you a replacement V5C Registration Document by post (usually within a few days or so).

Some online applications could be declined. If this happens, there will be instructions on the website. Or contact DVLA directly for more help. If you are asked to send your documents to the DVLA the old-fashioned way, take a look at our instructions (below) on how to do this by post.


transfer number plate from retention to car - step 3
Swap number plates after assignment

 

Swap your number plates

When you transfer a private number plate from retention certificate online, it's done straightaway. So you should swap your number plates over as soon as you can. If you need to get them made up, take ID with you. See Getting number plates made up for details (opens new window).

Ideally, it's best to have the number plates ready before you apply. But if you haven't, then do it as soon as you can.

You do not need to wait for the replacement V5C to arrive from the DVLA . You can start using the your new private number plate on your car as soon as you see the "Applcation Successful" screen online.


transfer number plate from retention to car - step 4
update insurance company

 

Tell your insurance company

It's important to make sure you tell your insurance company as soon as you have online confirmation that your registration number has been put on your vehicle. The DVLA will not do this for you.

Your insurance company will update their records and send you a replacement Policy Schedule. Some insurance companies may charge an admin fee for this service.

 


transfer number plate from retention to car - step 5
transfer from retention certificate - replacement documents

 

Replacement Documents

You will get a new V5C Registration Document from the DVLA, showing the new private registration number. This normally takes just a few days.

You won't get a replacement MoT Certificate. Your MoT and car tax details are automatically updated on the DVLA's computer systems.


transfer number plate from retention to car - step 6
enjoy your new private number plate

 

Enjoy!

We hope you get lots of enjoyment from your new personalised registration number.


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Transfer by post:

Some online applications may be declined. So you will probably be asked to send your request in the post. It's not anything to worry about. If this happens, or if you prefer to send by post anyway, here's what you need to do:


transfer number plate from retention to car - step 1
transfer number plate from retention to car - retention certificate

Fill in the V778 Retention Document

Complete section 1 "Assigning this vehicle registration number".

The information you need will be on your V5C Registration Document for the vehicle the private number plate is going on. The form must be signed by the person named as Grantee at the top of the Certificate.

Leave the rest of the Retention Certificate (on the right) blank, unless you need to change the name of the nominee or extend the Certificate (if it's expired).

The name on the V5C Registration Document must be the same as either the Grantee or the Nominee on the retention Certificate. If it's not, you'll need to change the nominee name on the right, and a second (Grantee) signature is needed.

transfer number plate from retention to car - step 2
transfer from retention certificate - replacement documents

Your V5C Registration Document

You will need  your vehicle registration document (often called logbook). The Registered Keeper on the V5C must be the same as the person named as Grantee OR Nominee on the Retention Certificate.

Don't have the V5C Registration Document?

If you have just bought your vehicle, you may not have the V5C in your name yet. You can either wait for that, before applying to have the registration number changed, or you can use the V5C/2 New Keeper Supplement (small green slip) from the Registration Document. Send the V5C/2 with a completed DVLA V62 form instead of the V5C Registration Document.

If you've lost the V5C, then complete the V62 application form. Full instructions are on the form.

show me DVLA V62 form and V5C/2

What happens to my MoT and tax?

If you're still not sure, contact the DVLA for help.


transfer number plate from retention to car - step 3
transfer number plate from retention to car - send to DVLA

 

Step 3: Send to DVLA Swansea

Address is printed on the back of the V750 Certificate.

There are no more fees to pay for the assignment of your new private registration number to your vehicle.


assign number plate - step 4
how long to assign number plate

 

Step 4: Wait for DVLA. Can take 2-3 weeks.

The DVLA will take up to 15 working days to change the registration number for your vehicle. In the meantime, continue to drive your vehicle as normal. You don't need to change anything at this point.

Do not swap your number plates yet!


assign number plate - step 5
DVLA confirmation of assignment

 

Step 5: DVLA confirm number plate assigned

You will receive a letter from the DVLA confirming your new private registration number has been assigned to your vehicle.

You will NOT receive a replacement MoT Certificate, but the DVLA's systems will be updated. Just take your vehicle from MoT as usual.


assign number plate - step 6
Assign number plate - replacement documents

 

Step 6: Replacement Documents

DVLA will send you a replacement V5C Registration Document, displaying your new registration number.

A replacement MoT will not be sent, but the DVLA's computer systems will be updated.


assign number plate - step 7
assign number plate change tax disc

 

Step 7: Swap your number plates

Change your number plates as soon as you can after you have been notified by the DVLA.


assign number plate - step 8
update insurance company

 

Step 8: Tell your insurance company

Call your insurance company to let them know the registration number for your vehicle has been changed. The DVLA will not do this for you.

They will update their records and send you a replacement Policy Schedule. Some insurance companies make an admin charge for this.


assign number plate - step 9
enjoy your new private number plate

 

Step 9: Enjoy!

We hope you get lots of enjoyment from your new personalised registration number.


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Frequently asked questions:

What happens to the existing number plate on my car?

What happens to my MoT and tax when I put a private number plate on my car?

What happens to my private number plate when I change my car?

My Certificate has expired, or is about to expire. What do I do?


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