Number plate transfer from one car to another
A number plate transfer happens in two stages: you remove the private number from the first vehicle, then assign it to the second vehicle. Removal costs £80, while assignment is free.
At DVLA, A21 OYL costs £250 all-in, and our price check found it to be the cheapest DVLA plate.
How a DVLA number plate transfer works
GOV.UK sees a transfer as two separate jobs. This first step takes the number off the current car, and it gives you a V778 retention document. After that, assign it from the V778 to its next car. Both steps can be completed online, or the whole process can be handled by post with form V317.
The car giving up the number usually has its original registration restored automatically.
Requirements for both cars
Both vehicles must meet the following conditions:
- have DVLA registration in the UK
- be capable of moving under their own power
- fall into a category that requires an MOT certificate or HGV test certificate
- be available to be inspected if DVLA asks
- over the past 5 years, have remained taxed or on SORN without a break
Even when a historic vehicle is usually exempt, it still needs a current MOT.
Two further rules apply to the car receiving the number. The number cannot make the car look newer than it is, and the car cannot be Q registered. If you are unsure, check the private number plate rules.
How to move a private reg online
- For both cars, find the log books (V5C).
- If the receiving car already carries a private number that you want to keep, remove that number first, because you could otherwise lose it.
- On GOV.UK's removing a private number from a vehicle page, remove the number from the first car and pay the £80 fee. You must apply by post if the car is not in your name.
- On the keep or assign page, assign the number to the second car using the V778 reference. There is no charge for this.
- When neither car requires an inspection, each step is completed immediately online.
- Before you drive either car, fit new plates. The second car carries the private number, and the first carries the replacement number.
- The new log books may take 4 to 6 weeks, so wait for them to arrive.
On weekdays the service opens at 7am and closes at 9pm; at weekends, it opens at 7am and closes at 8pm. For more detail on each half, see our guides to retaining a number plate and assigning a private plate.
Selling off the old car
Do the transfer before the first car is sold or scrapped. GOV.UK states that the V778 and the new log book must be in your possession before the car leaves, or the number is lost. After that, you can hold the number using the V778 until another car arrives. If the car is brand new, hand over the V778 and ask the dealer to apply.
Cherished plate transfer and transfers to someone else
A cherished plate transfer works in the same way. A dateless number shows no year, so the age rule does not prevent it from going on the next car.
Add their name as nominee in section 2 of the V778 to put the number on their car. Rather than moving it, if you sell the number, most dealers will find a buyer, handle payment, and make the transfer for you. Have a look at sell my number plate.
Questions asked by people
How do you move your private reg?
The number comes off one car first and is then assigned to the other. Both steps can be done online, or you can use form V317 by post.
How much is a DVLA number plate transfer?
Removing the number costs £80. You can assign it to the new car at no cost.
How long does a number plate transfer take?
If neither car needs an inspection, both steps are completed online right away. It can take 4 to 6 weeks for the new log books to arrive.
Can I move a private plate onto someone else's vehicle?
Yes, you can. In section 2 of either the V750 or V778, enter their name as nominee. Their vehicle can then receive the number.
After transferring, will I need new number plates?
Yes, you can. Before either car is driven, it must have plates that show its new registration.