Private (personalised) number plates
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’ll get this if you buy a private number
- a V778 retention document or online reference number - you’ll get one of these if you take a number from another vehicle you own
Eligibility
You cannot:
- assign a number starting with ‘Q’ or ‘NIQ’
- put a private number on a ‘Q’ registered vehicle
- use a private number that makes a vehicle look newer than it is - for example, an ‘07’ 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’s 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’ll 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’s free to apply online or by post. You need the vehicle’s 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’ve applied.
This service is open from 7am to 7pm. It’s 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’s log book (V5C) or green ‘new keeper’ slip with a completed V62 ‘application for a vehicle registration certificate V5C’
If you’re assigning the number to someone else’s vehicle, add them as a ‘nominee’ - complete section 2 of the V750 or V778.
To tax your vehicle at the same time, include all of the following:
- a V10 ‘application for vehicle tax’ form
- the right amount of vehicle tax
- an MOT certificate
After you assign a private number
You’ll 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’ll 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’ll usually receive your log book after 4 weeks.
Contact DVLA if you have not received your log book and it’s been 4 weeks since you applied.
If you have not received your log book after 6 weeks and you have not notified DVLA, you’ll have to pay £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.