Private (personalised) number plates

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1. Overview

You can buy a private (personalised) registration for your vehicle’s number plates from DVLA or from a private dealer.

If you have the right to a private number that is not currently being used, you can apply to assign it (put it on) to a vehicle.

Take a private number off (‘retention’)

If you do not want to use your private number anymore you can apply to take it off your vehicle. You can keep the number (put it ‘on retention’) to use later.

You’ll get a V778 retention document proving you still have the right to use the number.

Selling a private number

You can also sell your private number if you do not want to use it anymore.

If you’re selling your private number online, do not share a scan or photograph of the V750 or V778 document. Someone other than the buyer might use it to put the private number on another vehicle.

Transfer a private number

To transfer a private number from one vehicle to another, you need to:

  1. Take it off the vehicle you’re transferring it from.

  2. Assign it to the vehicle you’re transferring it to.

You can also do this by post using form V317.

2. Buy a private number

Buy from DVLA

You can buy new numbers from DVLA Personalised Registrations.

Buying at DVLA auctions

DVLA holds 9 auctions a year. They are held online and run for 7 days. 

Visit DVLA auctions to:

  • check the dates of upcoming auctions
  • register as a bidder
  • see what plates are for sale

You’ll get a V750 certificate of entitlement once you’ve paid for the private (personalised) number. This is to prove that you have the right to put the number on a vehicle.

Buying from a private dealer or person

You can buy a private number from a dealer or from another person.

Most dealers will transfer the number to your vehicle for you. If you want to keep or assign the number yourself, ask the dealer if you can have the V750 or V778.

3. Assign a private number to a vehicle

To assign a private (personalised) number to a vehicle, you need one of the following:

Eligibility

You cannot:

  • assign a number starting with ‘Q’ or ‘NIQ’
  • put a private number on a ‘Q’ registered vehicle
  • use a private number that makes a vehicle look newer than it is - for example, an ‘07’ registration number on a 2003 registered vehicle

The vehicle must:

  • be registered with DVLA in the UK
  • be able to move under its own power
  • be of a type that needs an MOT or heavy goods vehicle (HGV) test certificate
  • be available for inspection - DVLA will contact you if they need to inspect your vehicle
  • have been taxed or had a SORN in place continuously for the past 5 years
  • be taxed currently or have a SORN in place - if it’s had a SORN in place for more than 5 years, it must be taxed and have an MOT certificate

If you have a historic (classic) vehicle you’ll also need a current MOT certificate, even if your vehicle is usually exempt from MOTs.

Apply to assign a number

If the vehicle is:

  • registered to you - apply online or by post
  • a used vehicle you just bought - wait for DVLA to send you a new V5C in your name before you apply online or by post
  • brand new - give the dealer your V750 or V778 document and ask them to apply
  • registered to someone else and you want the private number to be transferred to them - apply online or by post

It’s free to apply online or by post. You need the vehicle’s log book (V5C).

If you already have a private number on your vehicle, apply to take it off first. You could lose the right to use the number if you do not.

Apply online

The number will be assigned immediately if your vehicle does not need an inspection. Be ready to put new number plates on the vehicle as soon as you’ve applied.

Assign a number online

This service is open from 7am to 7pm. It’s also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Apply by post

Send all of the following documents to DVLA:

If you’re assigning the number to someone else’s vehicle, add them as a ‘nominee’ - complete section 2 of the V750 or V778.

To tax your vehicle at the same time, include all of the following:

After you assign a private number

You’ll be sent:

  • a new log book (V5C)
  • your original MOT back (if you sent it to tax the vehicle)

You must put new number plates on the vehicle before you drive it.

You can keep the original registration number and plates - they’ll be reassigned to the vehicle when you take off the private number.

You must not sell or get rid of a vehicle until you get the new log book (V5C).

If you have not received your log book

You’ll usually receive your log book after 4 weeks.

Contact DVLA if you have not received your log book and it’s been 4 weeks since you applied.

If you have not received your log book after 6 weeks and you have not notified DVLA, you’ll have to pay £25 to get a replacement.

Who to tell about your new registration number

You must tell your insurance company.

Update your registration number for any automatic payment accounts you have, for example to pay:

  • the Congestion Charge
  • the Low Emission Zone Charge
  • the Ultra Low Emission Zone Charge
  • the Dart Charge
  • charges for driving in Clean Air Zones

You may get a penalty charge if you do not update your registration details and enter one of these zones.

If your vehicle has Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation scheme certification, you also need to tell them your new registration number.

4. Take a private number off a vehicle

You can apply to take a private (personalised) number off a vehicle if you want to either:

  • keep the number to use later
  • assign it to another vehicle

You cannot keep a number starting with ‘Q’ or ‘NIQ’.

The vehicle’s original registration number is usually reassigned to it automatically when you take off a private number.

If your application is successful you’ll be sent a V778 retention document and a new log book (V5C).

You must have your V778 and new log book before you scrap or sell your vehicle - otherwise you’ll lose the right to use the private number.

Eligibility

The vehicle must:

  • be registered with DVLA in the UK
  • be able to move under its own power
  • be of a type that needs an MOT or heavy goods vehicle (HGV) test certificate
  • be available for inspection - DVLA will contact you if they need to inspect your vehicle
  • have been taxed or had a SORN in place continuously for the past 5 years
  • be taxed currently or have a SORN in place - if it’s had a SORN in place for more than 5 years, it must be taxed and have an MOT certificate

If you have a historic (classic) vehicle you’ll also need a current MOT certificate, even if your vehicle is usually exempt from MOTs.

Apply to take off a number

You can apply online or by post. It costs £80. You must have the vehicle’s log book (V5C).

If the vehicle’s not in your name, you have to apply by post.

Apply online

The number will be removed immediately if your vehicle does not need an inspection.

You can assign the number to another vehicle as soon as you’ve applied to take it off - use the reference number you get after you apply.

Take off a number online

This service is open from 7am to 7pm. It’s also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Apply by post

Send all of the following to DVLA:

To tax your vehicle at the same time, send all of the following:

After you apply

Your original number plate will usually be reassigned to your vehicle automatically, if your application is successful. This will happen straight away.

You’ll be sent:

  • a new log book (V5C) showing the vehicle’s replacement registration number - it can take 4 to 6 weeks to arrive
  • your original MOT back (if you sent it to tax the vehicle)
  • a V778 retention document if the private number is in your name

If the private number is in someone else’s name, the V778 document will be sent to them.

Before you can drive your vehicle, you must:

  • put the original or new number plates on the vehicle before you drive it
  • tell your insurance company your new registration number

Who to tell about your new registration number

You must tell your insurance company.

Update your registration number for any automatic payment accounts you have, for example to pay:

  • the Congestion Charge
  • the Low Emission Zone Charge
  • the Ultra Low Emission Zone Charge
  • the Dart Charge
  • charges for driving in Clean Air Zones

You may get a penalty charge if you do not update your registration details and enter one of these zones.

If your vehicle has Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation scheme certification, you also need to tell them your new registration number.

What happens to the private number

Your V778 retention document proves that you still have the right to assign the private number for the next 10 years.

You must renew your right to use a private number before the V778 expires.

You can give up your right to use the private number if you decide not to assign it.

5. Renew or replace your private number

You must renew your right to use your private (personalised) number every 10 years if it’s not being used on a vehicle.

You’ll permanently lose the right to use the number if you do not renew it on or before the expiry date. DVLA will not accept applications made after that date.

Renew your V750 certificate of entitlement or V778 retention document

You can apply to renew your V750 or V778 up to 28 days before it expires. Do not apply earlier than this or your application may be refused.

You’ll get a reminder letter or email if you’re not using a private number and your right to use it is about to run out.

It’s free to renew and the V750 or V778 will be valid for 10 years.

Renew your V750 online

You can renew your V750 by using the DVLA personalised registration account you used to buy your private (personalised) number.

Renew by post

Fill in the form on the V750 or V778.

Send the V750 or V778 to the address on the form.

Replace a lost or stolen V750 or V778

You can apply for a replacement V750 or V778 if:

  • it has not expired

  • you’re the person with the right to use the number (your name will have been on the V778 or V750 as the ‘grantee’)

It’ll take around 3 to 4 weeks for the new V750 or V778 to arrive.

When you receive your new V750 or V778, you should destroy all previously issued documents because they are no longer valid and cannot be used online or to notify DVLA of any change.

Apply online to replace a lost or stolen V750

You can apply for a replacement V750 by using the DVLA personalised registration account you used to buy your private (personalised) number.

Apply by post to replace a lost or stolen V750 or V778

You can send a letter to DVLA Personalised Registrations to ask for a replacement V750 or V778.

DVLA Personalised Registrations
Swansea
SA99 1DS

If your address or name has changed, you’ll need to include an extra document with your letter.

If your address has changed, include proof of your identity. This can be a copy of:

  • a household bill sent to you in the last 3 months
  • your Council Tax bill for this year
  • a bank or building society statement sent to you in the last 3 months
  • a medical card
  • your current British driving licence
  • your passport
  • your birth certificate

If your name has changed, include proof of your name change. This can be a copy of:

  • your marriage or civil partnership certificate
  • your divorce or end of civil partnership document (decree nisi, decree absolute, conditional order or final order)
  • a deed poll to show you’ve changed your name legally

6. Sell or give a private number to someone else

You can sell or give a private (personalised) number to someone. The number must be assigned to their vehicle before they can use it.

If you’re giving a number to someone, follow the steps for assigning your private number to someone else.

Selling your private number

You can use a private number dealer or sell your number yourself.

Do not share a photograph or scan of the V750 or V778 document. Someone other than the buyer might use it to put the private number on another vehicle.

Use a private number dealer

Most dealers will find a buyer, arrange the payment and transfer the number to the buyer’s vehicle for you.

Sell your private number yourself

After you find a buyer, you’ll need to assign your number to their vehicle. Follow the steps for assigning your private number to someone else.

Assign your private number to someone else

You can put your private number on someone else’s vehicle online or by post.

After that, DVLA will send a replacement log book for the vehicle but with the new private number assigned to it.

Online

You’ll need details from:

  • the log book (V5C) of the vehicle you’re assigning the number to
  • your V778 or V750

The number will usually be assigned immediately.

Assign a number online

This service is open from 7am to 7pm. It’s also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

By post

Send DVLA:

  • your V778 or V750 form - fill in sections 1 and 2 and sign it first
  • the log book (V5C) for the vehicle you want to put the private number on

The address is on the form.

If the nominee dies

The person who has the right to use the private number can change the ‘nominee’ (the person you’re giving the number to). Fill in section 2 of the V750 or V778 with the new nominee’s details, sign the form and send it to:

DVLA Personalised Registrations
Swansea
SA99 1DS

7. Change your name or address

If your private (personalised) number is already assigned to a vehicle you only need to change your address on your vehicle log book (V5C).

If the number has not been assigned to a vehicle, then you need to complete a V750 or V778 certificate.

When you receive your new V750 or V778, you should destroy all previously issued documents because they are no longer valid and cannot be used online or to notify DVLA of any change.

Change your address online - V750 only

Use your DVLA personalised registration account.

Change your address by post - V750 or V778

Fill in the ‘change of address’ section on your V750 or V778. Sign it and send it to DVLA Personalised Registrations.

DVLA Personalised Registrations
Swansea
SA99 1DS

If you do not have your V750 or V778

Write a letter saying what your new address is. Sign it and send it to DVLA Personalised Registrations with proof of your identity. This can be a copy of:

  • a household bill sent to you in the last 3 months
  • your Council Tax bill for this year
  • a bank or building society statement sent to you in the last 3 months
  • a medical card
  • your current British driving licence
  • your passport
  • your birth certificate

Change your name - V750 or V778

You can only change your name by post. You’ll need proof of your name change - this can be a copy of:

  • your marriage or civil partnership certificate
  • your divorce or end of civil partnership document (decree nisi, decree absolute, conditional order or final order)
  • a deed poll to show you’ve changed your name legally

Fill in the ‘nominee details’ section on your V750 or V778. Sign it and send it to DVLA Personalised Registrations with proof of your name change.

DVLA Personalised Registrations
Swansea
SA99 1DS

If you do not have your V750 or V778

Write a letter saying what your new name is. Sign it and send it to DVLA Personalised Registrations with proof of your name change.

Fix mistakes

Write a letter saying what the mistakes are. Send it with the V750 or V778 to DVLA Personalised Registrations.

DVLA Personalised Registrations
Swansea
SA99 1DS

8. Give up your right to use a private number

You might get a refund of £80 if you have the right to use a private number but you decide not to assign it to a vehicle.

This refunds the £80 fee you paid when you either:

  • bought the number (the fee was included in the cost)
  • took the number off a vehicle

You can apply for a refund if:

  • the number was not assigned to any vehicle after you paid the fee
  • you have the latest V778 or V750 document - if you’ve lost it and it’s still valid you can get a replacement from DVLA

If the document was issued before 9 March 2015, you can only get a refund once it expires. You cannot get a replacement document if it’s expired.

Tick the ‘Give up the right to this registered number (surrender)’ section of the V778 or V750 document, sign it and send it to:

DVLA Personalised Registrations
Swansea
SA99 1DS

You cannot use the private number after you give up your right to it.

There’s a different process if the person with the right to use the private number has died.

9. If the person with the right to use the private number dies

If someone has died and left you a personalised number in their will, or you’re in charge of the will (an ‘executor’), you can:

  • keep the private number
  • transfer it to another vehicle
  • put it in someone else’s name
  • give up the right to use the number (you can apply for a refund)

To do this, you’ll need to send a form to DVLA, along with documents that prove you have the right to use the number.

Prove you’ve got the right to use the number

You must send DVLA the death certificate when you send in your form. The death certificate can be an original or a certified copy.

You must also send at least one of the following:

  • a certified copy of probate
  • a copy of the will
  • a letter from the solicitor confirming who the executors are or next of kin is

Keep or transfer the number, or give it to someone else

Which form you send depends on whether the number is already on (‘assigned to’) a vehicle.

If the number is already assigned to a vehicle

Fill in:

  • the V317 form (if you have an old blue form, fill in section 2)
  • section 2 if you have a new style log book (with multi-coloured numbered blocks on the front cover) or section 6 if you have the older style log book

Make sure you include:

  • a covering letter signed by all the executors confirming that they agree with the application
  • the details of the person you want to transfer the number to, for example an executor or next of kin

It costs £80.

DVLA Personalised Registrations
Swansea
SA99 1DS

If the number has not been assigned to a vehicle

Send the documents that prove you’ve got the right to use the number and either the:

  • V778 retention document
  • V750 certificate of entitlement form

The executors must sign the V778 or V750 before you send it.

You must also send a covering letter signed by all the executors saying if you want to:

  • keep the number
  • give the number to someone else

DVLA Personalised Registrations
Swansea
SA99 1DS

If you do not have the V778 or V750

Send DVLA:

  • the documents that prove you have the right to use the number
  • a covering letter signed by all the executors confirming that you do not have the forms, and explaining what you want to do with the number

Give up your right to use the private number

You might be able to get a refund of the £80 assignment fee if:

  • a private number was not assigned to a vehicle after the fee was paid
  • you have the latest V778 or V750 document - if you’ve lost it and it’s still valid you can get a replacement from DVLA

Check the V778 or V750 document to find out if a fee was paid.

If the document was issued before 9 March 2015, you can only get a refund once it expires. You cannot get a replacement document if it’s expired.

Send DVLA:

  • the V778 or V750 document - tick the ‘Refund of the assignment fee’ section and get all the executors to sign it
  • the documents that prove you have the right to use the number
  • name and address details of the person the refund is to be issued to

DVLA Personalised Registrations
Swansea
SA99 1DS

If you do not have the V778 or V750

Send DVLA:

  • the documents that prove you have the right to use the number
  • a covering letter signed by the all the executors confirming that you do not have the forms, and explaining what you want to do with the number