How Long To Transfer A Number Plate?

If you’re moving a personalised number plate from an old car to a new one, there are some steps you should follow:

• Have the right documents ready before you log on to the DVLA website
• Transfer the number plate from the old car first, using the online form; you'll need your log book (V5C)
• You'll be asked to pay the £80 transfer fee
• You'll be given an online reference number
• You'll then need your V778 online reference number, your log book (V5C) and a valid MOT certificate if your car is over three years old so that you can assign the number plate to your new car
• Simply follow the clearly explained steps and you should be able to complete the transfer in a matter of minutes
• Don't forget to let your insurance provider know that you've transferred the number plate

I'm buying a new car through a dealership and want to transfer my personalised number plate

Most car dealerships, particularly those selling brand new vehicles, will usually be happy to organise the transfer for you. As long as you can provide your proof of entitlement to the personalised plate, your V778 document or your V750 certificate, you should be able to leave it to your car dealer to get this sorted for you, so the number plate can be put on the new vehicle when you're ready to collect it.

I've had the personalised plate for a while but haven't been using it

Unused personalised number plates are either on a V750 or V778, which keeps the plate in your name while not used. To register the number plate to a vehicle, you just need to log on to the DVLA website and follow their simple step-by-step instructions. If you complete the process by post, you'll need to be prepared for a wait of between two and five weeks.

I've just bought a personalised number plate for my current vehicle

Again, you should be able to get this sorted out very quickly. To assign a personalised number plate to a vehicle, you'll need a V778 retention document, a V750 certificate of entitlement or an online reference number. Make sure you get at least one of these when you purchase the new number plate. As long as you are the registered owner of the car the number plate is going to be transferred to, you can then complete the process online, with immediate effect.

I've inherited a personalised number plate

The process might take a little longer if you've been left a personalised number plate in a will. In addition to the usual documents, the DVLA will ask for documents that provide evidence that you have the right to use the number. A copy of the death certificate and a certified copy of probate, a copy of the will, or a solicitor's letter are usually required.

Are there rules about how my number plate should look?

You may be aware that standard UK number plates are made up of two letters showing the area where your vehicle was manufactured, then two numbers indicating the date of issue, followed by three letters that are randomly selected. Personalised number plates can deviate from this.

However, your number plate must be made from reflective material, with black letters and numbers on a white background at the front of your vehicle and a yellow background at the rear. You can't have any colours or patterns on the number plate as this might render the plate too hard to read.

If you are at all unsure about whether your number plate conforms to the law, there’s a helpful guide on the DVLA website, leaflet INF104, which is available to download.