Private registrations
Private number plate fees and forms
Choose an action to see the current DVLA fee, document and order of steps.
Summary: Removing a number or transferring it between vehicles costs £80. Assigning a held number and renewing a certificate carry no DVLA fee.
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- How to keep a private number plateTaking a private registration off a vehicle costs £80. Apply online or by post before the vehicle is sold or scrapped.
- How to assign a private number plateDVLA does not charge to assign a registration you already hold. You need the entitlement or retention document and the vehicle record.
- How to replace number platesA registered number plate supplier must see original identity and entitlement documents. Government does not set the retail price or production time.
Which fee and document apply?
| Item | Published answer |
|---|---|
| Fee | £80 to retain or transfer; £0 to assign or renew |
| Form or certificate | V317 for retention or a postal transfer; V750 or V778 for assignment and renewal |
| Timeline | Online changes can be immediate if no inspection is needed. Document delivery times differ by action. |
| Original registration | The donor's original mark is usually restored. Keep the receiving vehicle's original plates for possible reuse. |
What are the steps?
- Remove the number from the donor vehicle online for the £80 fee, or apply for the direct transfer with form V317.
- Use the online reference to assign the number to the receiving vehicle at no further DVLA fee.
- Fit the correct plates to both vehicles and tell both insurers before either vehicle is driven.
- Keep the receiving vehicle's original plates for possible restoration later.
Common questions
- Is there a separate fee to assign a retained number?
- No. The £80 is paid when the number is removed or transferred; assigning a number already held is free.
- How often must a V750 or V778 be renewed?
- The certificate lasts 10 years and renewal gives another 10 years.
Related pages
- How to keep a private number plateTaking a private registration off a vehicle costs £80. Apply online or by post before the vehicle is sold or scrapped.
- How to assign a private number plateDVLA does not charge to assign a registration you already hold. You need the entitlement or retention document and the vehicle record.
- How to replace number platesA registered number plate supplier must see original identity and entitlement documents. Government does not set the retail price or production time.
Sources
Fees and timings were checked against the linked official pages on 10 September 2026.
- Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, Take a private number off a vehicle (as of 10 September 2026)
- Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, Assign a private number to a vehicle (as of 10 September 2026)
- Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, Apply to keep a vehicle registration number and put it on another vehicle (form V317) (as of 10 September 2026)
- Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, Renew or replace your private number (as of 10 September 2026)