Change your number plate
DVLA is the government agency that keeps a record of each vehicle and its number. It lets you change your car's registration in three ways. You can put a private number on it, take one off, or move one to another car. Getting new physical plates with the same registration is a separate job. A number plate supplier registered with DVLA does this, such as a garage or a plate shop.
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Ways to change your number plate
Two words come up often here. Assigning a number just means putting it on a car. Retention means you take a number off a car and keep it to use later. If a number is yours but not on a car, you get a paper from DVLA to prove it. This is a V750 for a number bought new, or a V778 for one taken off a car. The log book for the car, also called the V5C, shows whose name the car is registered in.
| What you want | What you do | DVLA fee |
|---|---|---|
| A private number on your car | After buying a number, assign it using the V750 or V778. | DVLA's £80 fee for putting a new number on a car is already in its price. It costs nothing to put on a number you already own. |
| Your private number off your car | Take the number off and keep it, using a V778. | £80 |
| Move a number to another car | Take the number off the first car, then put it on the other one. | £80 |
| New plates, same registration | Order from a registered number plate supplier | None: you pay the supplier |
The registration number stays with the car, not the owner. It only changes if you apply to DVLA for any of the changes above.
Change a number plate with DVLA
- Choose the number you would like. With the plate search, you can compare the same plate at every seller, using the total price you would pay.
- Check the number is allowed on your car. Your car can't have a Q registration. DVLA gives a Q number when it can't confirm a car's age. The number also can't make your car look newer than its real age.
- If the car already has a private number you want to keep, take it off first, or you could lose it.
- Apply online on GOV.UK's assign or keep a private number page. You will need the car's log book (V5C) and your V750 or V778. There is no fee. DVLA makes the change straight away, unless it needs to inspect the car first.
- Fit the new plates before you drive the car.
- Allow time for the new log book to arrive. Contact DVLA if it hasn't come after 6 weeks. If you haven't been in touch by then, you pay £25 for a replacement.
For the full steps, see assign a private plate.
Going back to your car's original number
To get the car's original number back, take the private number off. The car usually gets its original registration back automatically. The private number is still yours, held on a V778 for 10 years. It costs £80. See retaining a number plate.
DVLA swap number plate between two cars
There isn't one form for swapping numbers. To swap numbers between two of your cars, take each private number off, then put it on the other car. Taking each one off costs £80, and putting it on is free. Number plate transfer explains the steps, including form V317. You send this paper form by post to move a number between cars.
Changing car reg plates without changing the registration
If your plates are damaged or you want a different style, you only need new plates. Your registration stays the same. These plates have to come from a registered number plate supplier. Your supplier will ask you for proof of your name and address. They will also ask for proof that the registration is yours, for example your V5C log book.
Your new plates have to follow the display rules. They must reflect light. The front plate must be black on white and the back plate black on yellow, with no pattern behind. Each plate must also carry the name of the supplier and the British Standard it meets. Plates fitted after 1 September 2021 have to meet British Standard BS AU 145e. Your supplier handles this.
Changes you can't make
You can't change the order of the letters or numbers. You also can't make them hard to read, for example with fixing bolts. Showing your plates the wrong way could mean failing your MOT and a fine of up to £1,000. The MOT is a yearly safety check. Most cars must pass it once they are over three years old. Sometimes DVLA can even take the number away from you for good. The private plate rules cover the rest. GOV.UK explains how to display number plates.
Questions people ask
How do you change a number plate?
DVLA lets you put a private number on your car or take one off. You can also move a number from one car to another. If you only want new physical plates, go to a registered number plate supplier.
How do you get your original number plate back?
Take the private number off the vehicle. The car usually gets its original registration back automatically. This costs £80.
How do you swap a number plate between cars?
Take the number off each car, then put each one on the other car. Taking each one off costs £80.
How much does it cost to change a number plate?
It costs nothing to assign a number you already hold. With a new number, DVLA's £80 fee is already in the price. Taking a number off a car costs £80. New physical plates cost whatever the supplier charges.
Can I change my registration to make my car look newer?
No. Your private number must not make the car look newer than it really is.