Retaining a Vehicle Registration Number in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide

Private license plates are more than just a symbol of wealth or prestige. They serve as a distinctive identifier that distinguishes their car, a personal touch, or an homage to a special occasion for many people in the UK. However, what if you want to maintain your unique license plate and are considering switching cars? This post will help you comprehend the specifics of retaining a registration in the United Kingdom.

Comprehending Retention

Retention, to put it simply, is the procedure that permits you to maintain a private registration number without having it associated with a car. This implies that until you’re ready to transfer the private number to another vehicle, you can take it out of your car and keep it on file using a retention document (a V778 or V750).

What Makes the V778 Different from the V750?

Although they are both retention records, V778 and V750 have distinct functions:
– Your Retention Document is V778. It serves as evidence that you are entitled to a specific registration number. When you remove a private registration from a car, you’ll receive this.
– The Certificate of Entitlement is V750. It’s evidence that you are entitled to a registration number that has never been used on a car before.

Why Would You Keep Your Registration Private?

A person may decide to keep their private registration for the following reasons:
– You want to utilize your unique license plate on another car in the future, but you’re selling your vehicle.
– You’re considering giving the number plate away or using it on another car because it has sentimental importance.
– You are keeping your private registration in the hopes that its value will rise since you view it as an investment.

What Is the Process of Retention?

To keep your registration number, you must first apply to the DVLA. This can be completed online or by mail using the V317 form. There is a charge; at the moment, it is £80. The V5C logbook for the car must be in your name. Verify that the car’s MOT and taxes are up to date. You will require a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) if it is off the road. You will receive a V778 or V750 certificate from the DVLA after everything has been approved.

Online Retention

Utilize a gov.uk form to easily and swiftly keep your license plate. Only your V5C logbook reference number is needed. If your online application is approved and your vehicle doesn’t require inspection, you can allocate the number plate to a new automobile using the reference number.

By Mail

Postal applications take longer and require more processes, but they’re still simple. The green ‘new keeper’ slip and a completed V62 form are required if you recently bought the car and don’t have a V5C. A V317 ‘transfer or retain a vehicle registration number’ form is required. Send the DVLA all this documentation after filling it out.

In Conclusion

In the UK, maintaining a private registration is a simple procedure. It’s a wonderful method to save a treasured license plate for later use, whether you’re doing it for sentimental reasons, as an investment, or because you’re switching cars.