Retain a number plate
Your private number comes off your car, and DVLA sends you a V778 retention document; that is how you retain a number plate, and your right to the number lasts 10 years. The fee is £80, and your car usually receives its original registration back.
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What number plate retention means
Number plate retention lets you hold on to a private number through selling, scrapping or changing your car. A V778 retention document in your name holds the number after it comes off the vehicle. Once it is there, you can fit it to another car, hand it to someone else, sell it, or simply hold on to it.
You cannot keep a number that begins with Q or QNI.
DVLA retain number plate rules: what the car needs
The vehicle that the number comes off has to:
- be registered in the UK with DVLA
- be capable of moving under its own power
- be a vehicle type that needs an MOT certificate or an HGV test certificate
- be available for an inspection if DVLA asks for one
- have been taxed, or kept a SORN in place, for the past 5 years continuously, and be taxed or on SORN now
A car on SORN for over 5 years must be taxed and hold an MOT certificate. Historic (classic) vehicles also need a current MOT, even when they are usually exempt.
Steps for taking a private plate off a car
- Find the log book (V5C) and check the car meets the rules above.
- When the car is registered to you, apply online on GOV.UK's remove a private number from a vehicle page. On weekdays the online service is open 7am to 9pm, and at weekends 7am to 8pm.
- If the car is registered to someone else, apply by post, sending form V317 and paying the £80 fee.
- Pay the £80 charge. When no inspection is needed for the car, the number is taken off straight away online.
- Fit new plates that show the car's new registration before you drive. If your plates do not show the registration correctly, you may be fined up to £1,000.
- Keep an eye out for the post. You receive a V778 and a new log book with the car's replacement number; it may take 4 to 6 weeks.
When the private number comes off, the car usually gets its original registration number back automatically.
If you are selling, timing matters. Before you scrap or sell the car, you must hold the V778 and the new log book, otherwise the number is lost. Removing a private plate is the first step of a number plate transfer, and both steps appear on that page if you already have your next car.
Keeping your V778 retention document valid
For 10 years, a V778 lets you assign the number. If the number still is not on a vehicle when that period ends, you must renew. Renewal costs nothing, and a new V778 lasts 10 years as well.
Applications to renew can be made up to 28 days before it expires. Applying earlier is not allowed. Renew by the expiry date to keep the right to the number. If you renew late, the application is refused and that right ends permanently. The steps are on the renewal page at GOV.UK.
Next steps for a retained number
Once you are ready, assign your private plate to the car you will use next. It must not make the car look newer than it is. For selling instead, sell my number plate compares your options, while a number plate valuation shows the listed prices of similar plates.
Common questions
How much does DVLA plate retention cost?
Taking a private number off a vehicle costs £80, whether you apply online or by post. There is no charge to renew the V778 later.
How long does a V778 retention document last?
For 10 years, it lets you assign the number. Renewing it is free and runs for another 10 years, and you can apply from 28 days before it expires.
What if my retention document expires?
Miss the expiry date and the right to use the number is lost permanently.
How quickly can a private plate be taken off?
Online, the number comes off at once when no inspection is needed for the car. It can take 4 to 6 weeks for the new log book to reach you.
What happens to my car once the private plate is taken off?
The car's original registration usually goes back to it automatically. A new log book comes to you showing that number, and matching plates must be fitted before you drive.
May I sell my car before the retention ends?
No, that is not safe to do. You must hold your V778 and the new log book before any sale or scrapping of the car, or the number is lost.