You must be wondering what’d happen to a personalised number plate when you sell your car or give it in a scrape. Simply, you want private number plate retention off your car. For first-hand assistance, the blog answers everything from how to keep your licence number to what happens if you do not take ownership of the number before selling the car.

But first let’s find out what does number plate retention mean?

What is Number Plate Retention?

Do you wish to keep your private number plate after selling your car or giving your car in a scrape? Or want to buy a number plate without having a car at the present time? You do not need to worry, you can put the number plate on retention. Instead of using a registration number plate on the vehicle, you’ll have registration printed on a certificate stating your entitlement.

Here are some questions that might come into your thoughts.

Can I Sell My Car and Retain a Private Number Plate?

Yes, you can sell your car and keep a personalised number plate even if you’re giving your car for scrap all you need is Form 778 – The Retention Certificate. 778 Retention Document is the certificate stating your entitlement to the number, which you can hold even after selling your car. Either use the plate for your next vehicle, gift the number or simply keep it as a token of achievement – your call.

Now the new question that arises is “how to get the certificate?”

How Can You Retain a DVLA Number Plate?

To keep your number plate to you, you can apply by post or online. To apply online, go to GOV’s personalised vehicle registration service and here are points to be taken care of:

To keep your number plate to you, you can apply by post or online. To apply online, go to GOV’s personalised vehicle registration service and here are points to be taken care of:

• Your vehicle should be registered in the UK with DVLA.
• It should be of a type that needs an MOT.
• Vehicle needs to have a SORN in place or have a valid tax for the last five years.
• Your vehicle needs to have a valid tax or a valid SORN.
• Vehicle needs to be available for inspection.

You can also apply by post but you’ll need a V317 form (transfer or keep a vehicle registration number) and the car’s logbook (V5C).

The DVLA will decide if they need to inspect your car.

Once they’ve approved the application, they’ll send you a new logbook. That’ll have the new registration. You’ll get a V778 ‘retention document’ if the private plate is in your name.

How Much Does It Cost for Putting A Private Plate on Retention?

It’ll cost £80 to take the number plate off car and retain it to transfer on another vehicle of yours.

What Happens If You Sell Your Car with A Private Plate?

Thanks to DVLA, we have a way to retain the private number plate – v778 Certificate. In the worst scenario, if you don’t claim ownership of the number plate, it will be transferred to the buyer along with the ownership of the vehicle.

Can You Sell Your Car While Waiting for The Certificate?

Even if you have applied for the transfer of the number plate, do not sell the car until you get the approval or get the v778 certificate issued. As said above, DVLA might want to check your car before issuing the certificate.

Will The New Number Plate Norms Impact My Registration Number?

No. Although the V778 Retention Certificate is valid for a period of 10 years and needs to be renewed for continuous ownership. Remember, you must have either V750 or V778 to show your ownership of the number plate.

Looking for a private number plate maker near you?

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Conclusion

From the above it is the V778 or The Retention Certificate is the only way to keep your personal number after selling or scrapping the car. The other two important forms are V317 (application required to transfer or retain a number) and V5C the logbook of the car.

Get in touch with us to see how we can put the finishing touches on your vehicle today!