Number plate retention: Can I keep my number plate when I sell my car?
Yes, you can retain your number plate when you sell your car by contacting the DVLA.
Keeping Your Private Number Plate When You Sell Your Car
For many drivers, a number plate isn’t just a legal requirement, it’s personal. It might include your name, a lucky number, or something meaningful you don’t want to lose. Like a phone number you’ve had for years, it feels like part of your identity. The good news? You don’t have to give it up when you change cars. If you’ve got a plate you love, you can transfer it and keep it for your next vehicle.
How Do You Keep Your Plate?
You can apply to retain your number plate if your car:
- Is registered with the DVLA
- Start and operate without assistance
- Requires an MOT or HGV test certificate
- Is available for inspection if requested by the DVLA
- Has been taxed or on SORN continuously for the past five years (if SORN for five years or more, you’ll need to tax the car and get an MOT first)
What Does It Cost?
It costs £80 to remove a plate from your car, payable by debit or credit card.
How Long Can You Keep It?
Once removed, you can hold onto your plate for up to 10 years without assigning it to another car. The DVLA will issue a V778 retention certificate, which confirms your right to keep the plate and shows the deadline for transferring it. If you don’t assign the plate within 10 years, you’ll need to renew the certificate before it expires.
Transferring to a New Car
To keep your plate when selling, apply for a retention certificate (V778) through the DVLA. It costs £80 and allows you to keep the plate for up to 10 years. When you’re ready to transfer, apply online at GOV.UK.
- For used cars, wait until you have the V5C logbook before applying.
- For new cars, your dealership can help with the process.
This way, your personalised plate stays with you ready for your next vehicle.
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