Private car number plates - guides

If you're looking to buy a private number plate, we have tips and suggestions to find the right one for you.

If you already own a private car number plate, you will at some point need to do something with it... either transfer it to another car, sell it, etc etc.

We've put together a whole heap of info for you, which should help guide you through what can seem like a maze of confusion. There are guides to the DVLA rules, the forms you need, and some general advice on the best way of doing what you need to do.

How to buy a private car number plate

First things first. You'd like to buy a private number plate. But with just so many number plates for sale, where on earth do you start? Whatever your budget, there are a few things you should get to know about buying... before you get started.

Read our guide on buying a personalised number plate for tips and suggestions on how find the right car number plate.

How to assign a private number plate

If you already have a car number plate that is on a Certificate (either a V750 Certificate of Entitlement or V778 Retention Document) you may want to put it on your vehicle. This should be pretty straightforward provided your name is on it, and the Certificate hasn't expired.

Take a look at our checklist and guide to assigning a registration number plate to your car.

How to retain a private car number plate

If your private registration number is on your vehicle, you may decide to place it 'on retention'. This is most likely to be when you decide to change your car (and plan on transferring the number plate to your new car) or if you decide to sell your car number plate. You will need to apply to the DVLA to retain the registration number plate.

Read our checklist and guide to placing a number plate on retention.

How to transfer a private car number plate

If you already own a private number plate, then you'll find yourself needing to transfer it to another car at some point.

You can transfer a number plate from your car directly to another car. Like retention, you will need to fill in a form and apply to the DVLA with the appropriate fee. There are a few more guidelines too, which you must bear in mind before applying for the number plate transfer.

Check out our guide to transfering a private number plate.

Number plate terminology

What does all that number plate gobble-de-gook actually mean? What's a Retention Certificate? What's a prefix number plate? We've explained most of what you might come across. But if we've missed something... please let us know!

Take a look at our car number plate jargon buster.

Is your number plate legal?

The DVLA have some very well defined rules about how any number plate should be displayed. Regardless of whether you have personalized number plate or a standard one, you should check that yours is displayed legally. Or you risk a fine. Don't say we didn't tell you!

Read our guide to legal number plate display.