Private (personalised) number plates
Printable version
1. Overview
You can buy a private (personalised) registration for your vehicle鈥檚 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.
This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).
Take a private number off (鈥榬etention鈥�)
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 鈥榦n retention鈥�) to use later.
You鈥檒l 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鈥檙e 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:
-
Take it off the vehicle you鈥檙e transferring it from.
-
Assign it to the vehicle you鈥檙e 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 .
Buying at DVLA auctions
DVLA holds 9 auctions a year. They are held online and run for 7 days.聽
Visit to:
- check the dates of upcoming auctions
- register as a bidder
- see what plates are for sale
You鈥檒l get a V750 certificate of entitlement once you鈥檝e 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:
- a V750 certificate of entitlement - you鈥檒l get this if you buy a private number
- a V778 retention document or online reference number - you鈥檒l get one of these if you take a number from another vehicle you own
Eligibility
You cannot:
- assign a number starting with 鈥楺鈥� or 鈥楴IQ鈥�
- put a private number on a 鈥楺鈥� registered vehicle
- use a private number that makes a vehicle look newer than it is - for example, an 鈥�07鈥� 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鈥檚 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鈥檒l 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鈥檚 free to apply online or by post. You need the vehicle鈥檚 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鈥檝e applied.
This service is open from 7am to 7pm. It鈥檚 also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).
Apply by post
Send all of the following documents to DVLA:
- the completed V750 or V778 - the address is on the form
- the vehicle鈥檚 log book (V5C) or green 鈥榥ew keeper鈥� slip with a completed V62 鈥榓pplication for a vehicle registration certificate V5C鈥�
If you鈥檙e assigning the number to someone else鈥檚 vehicle, add them as a 鈥榥ominee鈥� - complete section 2 of the V750 or V778.
To tax your vehicle at the same time, include all of the following:
- a V10 鈥榓pplication for vehicle tax鈥� form
- the right amount of vehicle tax
- an MOT certificate
After you assign a private number
You鈥檒l 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鈥檒l 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鈥檒l usually receive your log book after 4 weeks.
Contact DVLA if you have not received your log book and it鈥檚 been 4 weeks since you applied.
If you have not received your log book after 6 weeks and you have not notified DVLA, you鈥檒l have to pay 拢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 鈥楺鈥� or 鈥楴IQ鈥�.
The vehicle鈥檚 original registration number is usually reassigned to it automatically when you take off a private number.
If your application is successful you鈥檒l 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鈥檒l 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鈥檚 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鈥檒l 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 拢80. You must have the vehicle鈥檚 log book (V5C).
If the vehicle鈥檚 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鈥檝e applied to take it off - use the reference number you get after you apply.
This service is open from 7am to 7pm. It鈥檚 also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).
Apply by post
Send all of the following to DVLA:
- a V317 鈥榯ransfer or retain a vehicle registration number鈥� form - the address is on the form
- the vehicle鈥檚 log book (V5C) or green 鈥榥ew keeper鈥� slip with a completed V62 鈥榓pplication for a vehicle registration certificate V5C鈥�
- the 拢80 transfer fee
To tax your vehicle at the same time, send all of the following:
- a V10 鈥榓pplication for vehicle tax鈥� form
- the right amount of vehicle tax
- an MOT certificate
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鈥檒l be sent:
- a new log book (V5C) showing the vehicle鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 not being used on a vehicle.
You鈥檒l 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鈥檒l get a reminder letter or email if you鈥檙e not using a private number and your right to use it is about to run out.
It鈥檚 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 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鈥檙e the person with the right to use the number (your name will have been on the V778 or V750 as the 鈥榞rantee鈥�)
It鈥檒l 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 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鈥檒l 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鈥檝e 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鈥檙e 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鈥檚 vehicle for you.
Sell your private number yourself
After you find a buyer, you鈥檒l 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鈥檚 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.
Assign your number online
You鈥檒l need details from:
- the log book (V5C) of the vehicle you鈥檙e assigning the number to
- your V778 or V750
The number will usually be assigned immediately.
This service is open from 7am to 7pm. It鈥檚 also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).
Assign your number 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 鈥榥ominee鈥� (the person you鈥檙e giving the number to). Fill in section 2 of the V750 or V778 with the new nominee鈥檚 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 .
Change your address by post - V750 or V778
Fill in the 鈥榗hange of address鈥� 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鈥檒l 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鈥檝e changed your name legally
Fill in the 鈥榥ominee details鈥� 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 拢80 if you have the right to use a private number but you decide not to assign it to a vehicle.
This refunds the 拢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鈥檝e lost it and it鈥檚 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鈥檚 expired.
Tick the 鈥楪ive up the right to this registered number (surrender)鈥� 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鈥檚 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鈥檙e in charge of the will (an 鈥榚xecutor鈥�), you can:
- keep the private number
- transfer it to another vehicle
- put it in someone else鈥檚 name
- give up the right to use the number (you can apply for a refund)
To do this, you鈥檒l need to send a form to DVLA, along with documents that prove you have the right to use the number.
Prove you鈥檝e 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 (鈥榓ssigned to鈥�) 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 拢80.
DVLA Personalised Registrations
Swansea
SA99 1DS
If the number has not been assigned to a vehicle
Send the documents that prove you鈥檝e 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 拢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鈥檝e lost it and it鈥檚 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鈥檚 expired.
Send DVLA:
- the V778 or V750 document - tick the 鈥楻efund of the assignment fee鈥� 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