When can I put my new number plates on my car?
You can only put the number plates on the car once it has been re-registered and you have received official DVLA confirmation.
How long does it take to get the documents changed?
When you buy a new private registration number, that's just the first step. At that point the registration number will not be registered to your car.
The 2nd step is to ask the DVLA to update their computer systems, to reflect the new registration number for your vehicle. It takes around 2-4 weeks for the DVLA to process the transfer of a registration number.
Can I put the number plates on before I get a DVLA confirmation?
No. You must not put the plates on too soon.
You should wait until you have written confirmation from the DVLA.
What do I do while I'm waiting for DVLA to put the new number plate on?
You can carry on driving your car as normal, with the existing registration number.
I've got written confirmation from DVLA. How long do I have to put the plates on?
You should put your new number plates on the car as quickly as possible once you have received a letter from the DVLA that the transfer of the registration number is complete. You will have a few days' grace to have the number plates made up. But don't leave it too long.
What should I do after I have put the number plates on the car?
If you haven't done so already, you contact your insurance company and let them know you have changed the registration number on your vehicle. They will need to amend their records, and send you a revised policy schedule. The DVLA will not do this for you.
You may also be interested in the answers to these questions:
What happens to my existing registration number when I put a private number plate on?
What is the UK law on number plates?
