Buying a private vehicle registration is a straightforward way to personalise your car. Whether you want your initials, a memorable number or a registration that suits your name, the process can be completed through the DVLA or a private registration dealer.
Here’s how it works.
1. Find a private registration
You can search for available registrations through the DVLA website or private registration dealers.
Private registrations come in many different formats and prices, so you can search for something specific or simply browse what’s available.
Before buying, make sure the registration can legally be assigned to your vehicle. For example, a registration cannot make a vehicle appear newer than it actually is.
2. Buy the registration
Once you’ve found a registration you want, you can purchase it.
When buying directly from the DVLA, you’ll normally receive a V750 Certificate of Entitlement. If you’re buying a registration that is already held on another vehicle, the relevant transfer documentation will depend on its current status.
Keep this documentation safe. It proves your entitlement to use the registration.
3. Check your vehicle is eligible
Before assigning the registration, your vehicle needs to meet the DVLA’s requirements.
Generally, the vehicle must:
- Be registered with the DVLA.
- Be available for inspection if the DVLA requests one.
- Have a current MOT if one is required for its age.
- Be taxed or have a valid Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN), depending on the circumstances.
- Be of a type that the registration can legally be assigned to.
There are also restrictions on the age identifier. A registration cannot be used to make a vehicle appear newer than it is.
For example, you cannot put a newer-style registration onto an older vehicle if doing so would make the vehicle appear newer than its actual date of first registration.
4. Get your new number plates made
Once your registration has been assigned, you’ll need physical number plates displaying the new registration.
This is where a DVLA-registered number plate supplier such as Redline Plates can help.
To legally manufacture a road-use number plate, you’ll need to provide the required proof of entitlement to the registration and identification.
Your plates must also meet the legal requirements for use on public roads, including the correct character style, spacing, materials and required markings.
At Redline Plates, we offer 2D Printed, 3D and 4D number plates, subject to the style meeting the relevant legal requirements.
5. Assign the registration to your vehicle
If you’ve bought a registration from the DVLA, you can apply to assign it to your vehicle online or using the relevant DVLA paperwork.
Once the DVLA approves the application, the private registration becomes assigned to your vehicle.
If you’re transferring a registration from another vehicle, the process is slightly different and you may need the appropriate V778 or other DVLA documentation.
6. Fit your new plates
Once your new plates have arrived, they need to be securely fitted to the vehicle and clearly visible.
Make sure the plates haven’t been altered, obscured or fitted in a way that prevents the characters from being read correctly.
You should also make sure your vehicle’s registration details are correctly reflected on your insurance and any other relevant records.
How long does the process take?
The time involved depends on where you buy the registration and whether it is being purchased, transferred or assigned. A general rule of thumb is 7-14 days.