My current registration number

what happens to exisitng registration when buy private number plate

We've asked you to complete a form about your existing registration number

We will transfer your new private registration number to your vehicle. But we need you to tell us what you would like to happen to your old car registration number.

what happens to my registration number

Use this form (attached to your Order Confirmation) to tell us.

 

Complete this form and return it to us, as requested.

If you have some questions, you will find most of the answers below. We advise you to read all of the information below to be sure you understand how this works.

If you decide to retain your existing registration number, please enclose a signed V317 form and cheque for DVLA fee. Details are on this form.


Got questions?  See below for the answers:


What happens to my existing registration when you put my private number plate on it?

When a private number plate is transferred to your car, the existing registration number is made void by the DVLA. It is effectively “lost”.

 

old registration is cancelled

If you do nothing, your old registration number is cancelled (becomes void).

This doesn't matter so much if you have a standard registration number on it. But if it's a personalised registration that you want to keep, you need to apply to retain it at the same time. You cannot do this later.

If you wish to keep the registration number, you need to put it on retention. The DVLA charges a fee for this. There is an explanation (further down the page) of how to do this.


How does it work when I change my car later? Can I transfer my private number plate?

Yes. You can apply to the DVLA to remove your private registration number.

transfer private registration to new car or on retention

When you change your vehicle in the future, you can transfer your private number plate onto it. Or you can apply to put it onto a Retention Document if that's more convenient.


Will I have to buy a replacement registration number when the private plate is removed?

No.

When you apply to remove a private number plate from a vehicle, the DVLA allocates a standard (age-related) registration number to the vehicle as part of the process. Usually, this is the same one that was on the vehicle before your private plate was allocated to it. But this is not guaranteed.

Your vehicle documents will be updated. Computer records for vehicle tax and MoT will also be updated.

All you will have to do is swap the number plates when the DVLA tell you that it's done. And inform your insurance company if you continue to use the vehicle.


Can I keep my existing registration number?

Yes you can.

This is especially important if you already have a private number plate on the car. You may want to keep it to use on another car, or sell it.

You must do this at the same time as applying to transfer your private number plate onto the car. You can't do it later - it will be too late! Keeping a registration number is called number plate retention.

Make sure you send us the additional V317 form and dheque for DVLA fee if you decide to keep your registration number.

The DVLA will send you a green Retention Document when they have processed your application.

Bear in mind that the DVLA will charge you a fee to retain your number plate. Unless your registration number is a personalised one, it may not be worthwhile.


Do I have to keep my existing registration number?

No you don't.

The DVLA will allocate a replacement registration number to the car when you move your personalised number to your next vehicle. If your existing registration number is just a standard one, then you may be wasting your money paying to retain it.

If the existing registration number is a private one, then you must retain it. If you don't the DVLA will void it and it will be permanently lost. You won't be able to get it back later. And they won't re-allocate it to the vehicle.


What do I need to do to retain my number plate?

You need to complete a V317 form. Plus cheque for the DVLA fee (see instructions on the form for current charges).

 

DVLA V317 form and fee

Follow the instructions given with the V317 form. You can download it here: V317 Application to retain a personalised number plate (opens new window).


Other information you may find useful:

How to put a private registration on retention

How to transfer a private registration direct from one vehicle to another - we're working on this page.

Guide to DVLA number plate forms

 


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