Private plate on a lease car
The leasing company is the registered keeper, so you may only fit a private plate to a lease car with its permission. Ask them first, and leave the number with its certificate until they give permission. Before the car goes back, plan to take the number off.
At DVLA, A21 OYL costs £250 in total, and our price check found it as the cheapest DVLA plate.
Why you need the leasing company's consent
For a leased or financed car, you are not the registered keeper. That role belongs to the leasing company or finance provider. Its consent is needed for any change to the car's registration. The log book (V5C), which is needed for an assignment, is also in its name.
The order of these steps matters. Buying the plate first is fine. When you buy a private number, you gain the right to apply to have it on a vehicle, but no duty to do so straight away. Until the leasing company says yes, the number simply stays on its V750 certificate of entitlement.
The same applies whenever you drive a car registered in someone else's name, including a company car, a Motability car, or one provided through a salary sacrifice scheme. Before you buy, ask the registered keeper.
How to fit private plates on a leased car
- Get in touch with the leasing company. Find out whether private plates are allowed, what process the company follows, and any charges it applies. According to Carwow's guide, a small admin fee of £35 to £50 is typical.
- Pick a plate that suits the car. A plate that makes the car look newer than it really is is not allowed, and neither is a Q registered car. The rules for private number plates explain the age rule.
- Buy the plate, then keep it on the V750 or V778. Compare the all-in price from each seller with our number plate search.
- The V5C is in the leasing company's name, so follow its process for the assignment. There is no charge from the DVLA to assign a number.
- Have the new plates made for you. A letter of authorisation that a lease or hire company provides is one document a registered number plate supplier accepts and can check.
For the general steps that apply to any car, see assigning a private plate.
When the lease ends
Plan to remove the private number before you give the car back. According to GOV.UK, your V778 retention document, together with the new log book, must be in place before the vehicle is sold or scrapped, or the number is lost. Do not leave this until the last week.
As the car is not in your name, removal requires a postal application and the leasing company's agreement again. There is a charge of £80 to remove a number. The car normally returns to its original registration, and the V778 lets you keep the number for use on your next car. Full steps appear in retaining a number plate.
Costs you should plan for
- the cost of the plate itself, with VAT and an £80 assignment fee that some sellers include and others add on top
- an admin fee, if the leasing company charges one
- a set of physical plates that a registered supplier provides
- £80 to remove the number when the lease ends
The private plate finance page lists dealers offering instalment plans if that is how you are paying for the plate.
Common questions
Can I put a private number plate on my lease car?
Yes, but only if the leasing company grants permission. They are the registered keeper, so ask them before you assign the number.
Can my Motability car have a private plate?
Check with the registered keeper first, just as you would for any car not kept in your name. Until you hear back, keep the number on its certificate.
Who is the registered keeper for a lease car?
It is the leasing company or finance provider. This is why any change to the registration requires their consent.
What is the cost of adding a private plate to a lease car?
There is no DVLA charge for assigning the number. Carwow reports that leasing companies usually charge between £35 and £50 in admin fees.
What happens to my private plate when the lease ends?
Before you return the car, remove the plate with the leasing company's agreement. The fee is £80, and the number stays on a V778 for you.