The private registration plate industry in increasing each year in the UK, now more than ever we are regularly seeing vehicles with private plates on the road. Often people are worried about the different rules and complication that come with having a private plates, but in actual fact it is quite simple.
If the time has come to sell your vehicle, you might be wondering what to do with your private number plate. You have several options available from keep hold of the number plate, to swapping it to your new vehicle. However, if you don’t fancy keeping hold of it then it is possible to sell your vehicle with the private number plate.
What is a private number plate?
A private number plate is a personalised number plate that you can customise to resemble certain words and names. The possibilities are endless, and as long as you don’t choose a number plate that makes your vehicle look younger, you have a variety of options to choose from.
There are several different places to buy private number plates, you can get them from private number plate websites, through private sellers or at DVLA auctions. The DVLA also release a new selection of private plates each year that you have the option to choose from.
Retaining a number plate
If you decide that you want to keep your number plate, but you don’t have another vehicle to place it on then you can opt to retain it. In order to retain a number plate, you must:
-be the registered keeper of the vehicle
-the vehicle must have a valid MOT
-the vehicle must be taxed or declared SORN for the last 5 years
-the vehicle must be roadworthy in-case it has to be inspected
Once you are aware that you are able to retain your number plate, you can apply using a V317 form either on the DVLA website or via post. Once you have filled out the form you will also need to provide your V5C (logbook) or the 11-digit Document Reference Number if you are applying online.
When applying for retention, you will have to pay a £80 fee, however this will allow you to retain your number plate for up to 10 years.
Transferring a number plate
Additionally, if you then way to transfer the plate to your new vehicle, you can do so during the retention process. When applying online or via post, there will be the option to transfer the plate to another vehicle. Instead of receiving a Retention Certificate, you will receive a new number plate for your old vehicle (often the original number plate) and you will be able to transfer the new plate over to your vehicle.
Selling a car with a private number plate
When selling your vehicle, you can also choose to sell the private number plate along with it. Be aware that if your number plate holds value then it should also increase the price of your vehicle too and you should add this cost to the selling price.
Again, you are able to do this via the DVLA website or by post. When filling out the V317 form, you will need to name the buyer as the new owner of the registration number. When this has been processed (usually 2 weeks), the DVLA will send the Retention Document to the new owner of the plate and vehicle. They will then be responsible for the number plate and you can choose to get a new private number plate for your new vehicle.
