3 min read · Updated
If your car has a private number plate, decide what you want to do with it before you sell. Once the car is sold with the plate on it, getting the number back is very hard.
This guide explains how to take a private number off a car with the DVLA, what the V778 retention document is, and how to put the number on another car later. Details are from GOV.UK. Check the current fee and rules there before you apply.
Your three options
- Take the number off and keep it, so you can put it on another car later.
- Transfer it straight to another vehicle you own.
- Leave it on the car and sell it with the car. The buyer gets the number.
Taking the number off: the rules
GOV.UK says it costs £80 to take a private number off a vehicle. To do it, 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 HGV test certificate
- be available for inspection, if DVLA asks
- have been taxed or had a SORN in place continuously for the past 5 years
- be taxed now or have a SORN in place (if it's been on SORN for more than 5 years, it must be taxed and have an MOT)
That 'move under its own power' rule matters. If your car is failing, take the plate off before it stops running (source: gov.uk, Take a private number off a vehicle).
The V778 retention document
If your application is successful, GOV.UK says you'll get a V778 retention document and a new log book (V5C). The V778 proves you still have the right to assign the private number for the next 10 years. GOV.UK says you must have your V778 and the new log book before you scrap or sell the vehicle.
The new log book shows the registration the car will carry once the private number is removed. Make sure the new plates are fitted before the buyer takes the car.
Step by step
- Decide whether to keep, transfer or sell the number with the car.
- Check the car meets the conditions above, especially that it's taxed or on SORN and can move under its own power.
- Apply on GOV.UK to take the number off and pay the fee.
- Wait for the V778 and the new V5C to arrive.
- Fit plates showing the car's new registration.
- Sell the car using the new V5C.
- When you're ready, assign the number to your next car. GOV.UK says you can also transfer a number by post using form V317.
Renewing your right to the number
GOV.UK says you must renew your right to use the number every 10 years. Keep the V778 somewhere safe and note the expiry date.
Selling a car with a private plate to us
If you're keeping the number, finish the DVLA process before we collect. We'll need the new V5C showing the car's current registration. If you want to sell the number with the car, tell us when you ask for a valuation. See how it works and our guide to the documents you need to sell.
Taking the car abroad instead? See selling your car before leaving the UK, which covers private plates and permanent export.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules and fees change, so check GOV.UK for the latest.