BUYING A NUMBERPLATE? >>Browse for Numberplates for sale
How do I buy a Number Plate?
Search our site for the exact plate you want or specific words and numbers- our intelligent search engine will deliver relevant results based on your selection.
Once you have found the registration number you want- contact the seller directly and negotiate the price.
When I buy a Registration Number exactly am I buying?
You are buying the right to display the registration mark on a vehicle. Registration numbers are not items of property so you cannot buy legal title to them. You have the right to put the numberplate onto a vehicle in your name or that of a nominee that you have chosen.
If you don't want to transfer the numberplate onto a vehicle you may place the registration on retention by completing DVLA form V778/1.
If the numberplate is currently on a vehicle
If the seller currently has the registration number on their car then you need to complete DVLA form V317 from the DVLA with the details of both buyer and seller.
The following documents will need to be sent to your local DVLA office.
Registration document V5C for donor vehicle.
Registration document V5C for the recipient vehicle.
Valid MOT certificate for both vehicles.
Photocopy of both tax disc.
£80 cheque payable to DVLA Swansea
If the numberplate is currently on retention
If the plate is on retention (DVLA form V750 or V778) then you will need to add your details to this document and become the Nominee- which entitles you to display the registration number on your vehicle. The fee for adding/changing a nominee is £25 payable to DVLA Swansea.
The following documents will need to be sent to your local DVLA office.
The V750/V778 completed and signed
Registration document V5C for the recipient vehicle.
Valid MOT certificate for the recipient vehicle.
Photocopy of the tax disc.
Cheque payable to DVLA Swansea- £25 if the assignment fee is already paid, £105 if it is not.
When the cherished transfer process is complete you will receive…
• V5C/2 “new keepers supplement” with official DVLA government stamp.
• A replacement tax disc and a return envelope for the existing tax disc.
• The MOT certificate with an official DVLA government stamp which shows the change of registration mark.
• A V948 Numberplate Authorisation Certificate. This is proof of your entitlement to the registration number.
It is only when you receive the new tax disc that you can display your new registration and fit the numberplates.
You will be asked to return the original tax disc if applicable.
You will receive new V5C document 2-6 weeks after the cherished transfer has been completed.
You must ensure you notify your insurance company of your change of reg.
SELLING A NUMBERPLATE?
>>Browse wanted numberplate adverts
>>Advertise your numberplate for sale
How do I sell my Personalised NumberPlate?
Place an advert with us for £10. The advert will remain with us until you have sold the plate- no relisting, no extra fees and no commissions.
If the personalised numberplate is currently on a vehicle
You need to complete form V317 from the DVLA with the details of both buyer and seller.
The following documents will need to be sent to your local DVLA office.
Registration document V5C for donor vehicle.
Registration document V5C for the recipient vehicle.
Valid MOT certificate for both vehicles.
Photocopy of both tax disc.
£80 cheque payable to DVLA Swansea
If the numberplate is currently on retention
If the numberplate is on retention (DVLA form V750 or V778) then you will need to add the buyer’s details to this document as the Nominee- which entitles them to display the registration on their vehicle. The fee for adding/changing a nominee is £25 payable to DVLA Swansea.
The following documents will need to be sent to your local DVLA office.
The V750/V778 completed and signed
Registration document V5C for the recipient vehicle.
Valid MOT certificate for the recipient vehicle.
Photocopy of the tax disc.
Cheque payable to DVLA Swansea- £25 if the assignment fee is already paid, £105 if it is not.
When the cherished transfer process is complete you will receive…
• V5C/2 “new keepers supplement” with official government stamp.
• A replacement tax disc and a return envelope for the existing tax disc.
• The MOT certificate with an official government stamp which shows the change of registration mark.
• A V948 Numberplate Authorisation Certificate. This is proof of your entitlement to the registration number.
It is only when you receive the new tax disc that you can display your new registration and fit your new numberplates
You will be asked to return the original tax disc if applicable.
You will receive new V5C document 2-6 weeks after the numberplate transfer has been completed.
You must ensure you notify your insurance company of your change of registration number
How long does the numberplate transfer process take?
It is recommended to send your application by recorded delivery or deliver it personally to the DVLA local office.
Upon receipt the DVLA aim to complete the transfer within four weeks- the process usually takes approx 7-10 days.
GENERAL QUESTIONS >>
What is retention?
The retention scheme is a way of holding your entitlement to a registration number without having it on a vehicle. Retention must be renewed each 12 months if the registration is not transferred to a vehicle- this costs £25.
The DVLA will write to you to remind you to renew the retention but it is your responsibility to apply for the extension- if you don’t apply you lose the numberplate- it’s as simple as that.
What is the assignment fee?
The assignment fee is the DVLA fee for carrying out the numberplate transfer for you, updating their records and issuing new documents.
At the time of writing it is £80 and any fees must be made payable to “DVLA Swansea”
Registration Age
The registration mark can only be assigned to a vehicle that is of the same age or newer than the numberplate to be transferred. For example, a 1999 “V” vehicle can have V123ABC but could not have X123 ABC as this would make the vehicle appear newer.
Please refer to our Suffix Date and Prefix Date guide for more information.
Can I transfer a Numberplate to/from a motorcycle?
Yes- Motorbikes, mopeds and any other licenced vehicle (with an MOT) can participate in the cherished transfer process.
Can I buy direct from the DVLA?
You certainly can- there are millions of unissued numberplates for sale at http://www.dvlaregistrations.co.uk/.
Where is my nearest DVLA local office?
List of all DVLA local offices can be seen here
Your question not answered here?
• You can Email us any queries or questions you have and we will be happy to assist info@smashing-plates.com
• You can refer to the FAQ at the DVLA website http://www.dvla-som.co.uk/home
• You can Email the DVLA vehicles.dvla@gtnet.gov.uk
• You can call the DVLA directly 08702400010
• You can write to the DVLA:
Vehicle Customer Services (VCS) DVLA,Swansea, SA99 1AR
You can visit the direct government website:
http://www.direct.gov.uk
Can´t find your ideal numberplate?
If you can´t find the plate you´re after then you can place a wanted advert with us for as little as £5 and reach thousands of sellers in a click!
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Where do I get my numberplates made?
Numberplates can be purchased from a registered numberplate supplier (RNPS)- click here for a FULL LISTING
When having numberplates made you will need documents proving your identity and entitlement to the registration number.leafelt INF136 Lists acceptable documents.
>>VIEW NUMBERPLATE DOCUMENTS
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