Assign a Private Number Plate to a Vehicle

How to Assign a Private Number Plate to a Vehicle

Assigning a private number plate (sometimes called "assigning a registration") means linking a registration number you hold on a certificate (V750 or V778) to a vehicle. Once assigned, the vehicle will officially carry the new registration, and the DVLA will update its records automatically. Assigning a number plate to a vehicle is free, as the £80 transfer fee is already paid when the registration is placed onto a certificate.

1. What You Need Before Assigning a Plate

Before applying, make sure:

• The vehicle meets DVLA requirements:
• Must be registered with the DVLA in the UK.
• Must be able to move under its own power.
• Must be taxed and have an MOT (or be MOT-exempt).
• Must not be a Q-plate vehicle.
• Must have been taxed or had a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) in place continuously for the past 5 years, with no gaps. If it has been SORN for more than 5 years, it must currently be taxed and have a valid MOT.
• The registration number:
• Cannot make the vehicle look newer than it is (e.g. you cannot put a "25" plate on a car first registered in 2015).
• Can be older (e.g. a 1990s plate on a 2020 car).
• The correct documents:
• V5C log book for the vehicle (or new keeper slip with a V62 form).
• V750 (Certificate of Entitlement) or V778 (Retention Document).
• That is valid and in date

2. How to Apply

You can assign a plate either online or by post.

Option A: Assign a Plate Online

The quickest method. Please note: this is only available from 7am-7pm.

1. Go to the DVLA assign a private number page.
2. Enter your private registration number (from V750/V778).
3. Confirm that you are the Grantee/Purchaser.
4. Enter your vehicle details from the V5C log book:
• Current registration number
• V5C document reference number (11 digits)
• Registered keeper's postcode
5. Enter the certificate details (V750/V778).
6. Submit the application.

If no inspection is required, the registration is updated immediately, and you can fit your new plates straight away.

Option B: Assign a Plate by Post

Takes longer but is available if you prefer paperwork.

1. Complete the V750 or V778 certificate.
2. Include:
• The vehicle's V5C log book (or new keeper slip + completed V62).
• If assigning to someone else's vehicle (e.g. a gift), add them as a nominee on the V750/V778.
• If you need to tax the vehicle at the same time, include a V10 tax application form and payment, as well as an MOT certificate.
3. Send everything to DVLA, Swansea (address is on the forms).

DVLA will send you a new log book (V5C) with the updated registration. This usually takes up to 6 weeks.

3. After Assignment

Once the DVLA confirms the change:

• Fit the new number plates to your vehicle before driving.
• Inform your insurance company of the new registration.
• DVLA will automatically update MOT and road tax records.
• The previous registration will usually be reassigned to the vehicle if you remove the private plate later.

Do not sell or dispose of the vehicle until you have received the new V5C log book showing the assigned registration.