Can I Sell My Car and Keep the Number Plate

Yes, you can sell your car and keep the number plate—but only if you follow the correct legal process. Whether you have a personalised plate or simply want to keep your current registration, understanding DVLA rules and transfer procedures is essential to avoid losing it forever.

Key Takeaways

• You can keep your number plate when selling your car by applying to retain it with the DVLA before or after the sale.
• Personalised or cherished plates are easier to retain than standard registrations, but even regular plates can be kept with proper paperwork.
• The retention process requires a V750 or V778 certificate, which proves ownership of the registration number.
• You must transfer the car to the buyer first before applying to keep the plate, or use a third-party service to manage the timing.
• Retained plates can be assigned to another vehicle you own, but only one private plate can be active per vehicle at a time.
• Fees apply for retaining and assigning plates, currently around £80–£100 depending on the method used.
• Failure to follow DVLA procedures may result in losing the plate permanently, so timing and documentation are critical.

Can I Sell My Car and Keep the Number Plate?

So, you’ve decided it’s time to sell your car. Maybe you’re upgrading to something newer, switching to an electric vehicle, or simply downsizing. But there’s one thing you’re not ready to part with—your number plate. Whether it’s a personalised registration that spells your name, a cherished plate with sentimental value, or just a clean, easy-to-remember sequence, you’re wondering: *Can I sell my car and keep the number plate?*

The short answer is: **yes, you can**—but it’s not as simple as just walking away with it. The process involves specific steps set by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in the UK. If you don’t follow them correctly, you could lose your plate forever. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the rules, timelines, and paperwork involved.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about selling your car while keeping your number plate. From understanding what types of plates can be retained to the step-by-step process of transferring ownership and retaining your registration, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re dealing with a standard plate or a custom one, this article will help you make the right decisions and avoid common pitfalls.

Understanding Number Plates and Ownership

Before diving into the process, it’s important to understand how number plates work in the UK. Many people assume that the number plate “belongs” to the car, but that’s not quite accurate. In reality, the registration number is linked to the vehicle’s logbook (V5C), and ownership of the number itself is managed separately by the DVLA.

There are two main types of number plates:

• Standard registration numbers: These are the standard-issue plates assigned when a vehicle is first registered. They follow a format like “AB12 CDE” and are not personalised.
• Personalised or cherished plates: These are custom registrations that you can buy, often spelling out names, initials, or meaningful words (e.g., “JIM 1” or “LOVE”). These are treated as private property and can be transferred between vehicles.

Even if you have a standard plate, you may still want to keep it—especially if it’s low-numbered, has a memorable sequence, or holds sentimental value. The good news is that **you can retain almost any registration number**, provided you follow the correct procedure.

The key is understanding that the number plate is not automatically tied to the car forever. Once a vehicle is sold, the standard registration typically stays with it—unless you take action to remove it first. That’s where the retention process comes in.

What Is a Retained Number Plate?

A retained number plate is a registration that has been officially removed from a vehicle and placed into “retention” with the DVLA. This means the number is no longer assigned to any car and is held in your name until you choose to assign it to another vehicle.

When you retain a plate, you receive a certificate—either a V750 (if you applied online) or a V778 (if applied by post)—which proves you own the rights to that registration. This certificate is essential if you ever want to put the plate on another car in the future.

Retention doesn’t cost anything extra beyond the standard fee, but it does require timing and accuracy. You can’t just decide to keep the plate after the car is sold—you need to act before or during the transfer process.

The Step-by-Step Process to Keep Your Number Plate

Now that you understand the basics, let’s walk through the actual steps to sell your car and keep the number plate. This process applies whether you have a standard or personalised plate.

Step 1: Decide Whether to Keep the Plate

Before doing anything else, ask yourself: *Do I really want to keep this number plate?* Consider the following:

• Is it personalised or hard to replace?
• Do I have another vehicle I can assign it to?
• Am I emotionally attached to it?
• Will it add value if I sell it later?

If the answer is yes, proceed. If not, you might be better off letting it go with the car—especially if it’s a standard plate with no special meaning.

Step 2: Apply to Retain the Number Plate

You have two options for retaining your plate: **before selling the car** or **after the sale**. Each has its pros and cons.

Option A: Retain Before Selling (Recommended)

This is the safest and most common method. Here’s how it works:

1. Go to the official DVLA website and apply to retain your number plate.
2. You’ll need your vehicle’s registration number, V5C logbook, and proof of identity.
3. Pay the £80 retention fee (as of 2024).
4. The DVLA will issue a V750 certificate of entitlement, confirming you own the number.
5. Once retained, the plate is removed from your current car and held in your name.
6. You can then sell the car with a new, standard registration number assigned by the DVLA.

Why this is better: You avoid any risk of the buyer claiming the plate. The car is sold cleanly with a new number, and you keep full control of your original plate.

Option B: Retain After Selling

This is riskier and often more complicated. If you sell the car first, the standard registration typically transfers to the new owner. To reclaim it, you’d need to:

• Buy the plate back from the new owner (if they agree).
• Or apply to retain it within 30 days of the sale—but only if the new owner hasn’t already registered it to another vehicle.

This method is not recommended unless you have a very good relationship with the buyer and can coordinate the transfer carefully.

Step 3: Complete the Car Sale

Once your plate is retained, you can sell your car normally. When you transfer ownership:

• Sign Section 4 of the V5C logbook and give it to the buyer.
• Notify the DVLA of the sale online or by post.
• The buyer will receive a new V5C in their name, and the car will be assigned a new registration number.

At this point, your original plate is safely in retention, and the car has a fresh number.

Step 4: Assign the Plate to Another Vehicle (Optional)

If you have another car, you can assign your retained plate to it. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your DVLA online account or use the V750 certificate.
2. Select the vehicle you want to assign the plate to.
3. Pay the £10 assignment fee.
4. The DVLA will update the records, and your new plate will appear on the vehicle’s logbook.

Note: You can only have one private plate active per vehicle at a time. If your new car already has a personalised plate, you’ll need to retain or sell that one first.

Costs and Fees Involved

Keeping your number plate isn’t free. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs (as of 2024):

• Retention fee: £80 (paid when applying to keep the plate).
• Assignment fee: £10 (to put the retained plate on another vehicle).
• New registration for sold car: Free (the DVLA assigns a new standard number automatically).
• Personalised plate purchase (if applicable): Varies widely—from £100 to thousands for rare or desirable plates.

These fees are relatively small compared to the value of a cherished plate. For example, a plate like “M1 KEV” could be worth thousands, making the £80 retention fee a smart investment.

Are There Any Hidden Costs?

Generally, no—but there are a few things to watch out for:

• If you miss the 30-day window to retain a plate after selling, you may lose it permanently.
• If you assign a plate to a vehicle that doesn’t meet DVLA standards (e.g., missing paperwork), the assignment may be rejected.
• Some third-party plate dealers charge extra for handling transfers—always check fees upfront.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, people often make mistakes when trying to keep their number plate. Here are the most common ones—and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Selling the Car Before Retaining the Plate

This is the #1 error. If you sell the car first, the standard registration usually goes with it. Unless the buyer agrees to sell it back, you’ve likely lost it.

Solution: Always retain the plate *before* completing the sale. Use the online service for speed and peace of mind.

Mistake 2: Not Having Another Vehicle Ready

You can retain a plate without assigning it immediately, but if you don’t have another car, the plate just sits in storage. While that’s fine, it’s not very practical.

Solution: Only retain a plate if you plan to use it soon—or if it has high resale value.

Mistake 3: Forgetting to Update the V5C

After assigning a retained plate to a new car, you must update the V5C logbook. If you don’t, the plate isn’t legally recognised.

Solution: Use the DVLA online service to assign the plate—it updates the logbook automatically.

Mistake 4: Assuming All Plates Can Be Retained

While most plates can be retained, some older or special-issue numbers (like those from Northern Ireland or military vehicles) may have restrictions.

Solution: Check with the DVLA if you’re unsure about your plate’s eligibility.

Can You Sell the Retained Plate?

Yes! One of the biggest advantages of retaining a number plate is that you can sell it later for a profit—especially if it’s personalised or rare.

How to Sell a Retained Number Plate

1. List it on a reputable plate marketplace (e.g., National Numbers, Regtransfers, or eBay).
2. Provide the V750 or V778 certificate as proof of ownership.
3. Set a price based on demand, rarity, and condition.
4. Once sold, transfer the plate to the buyer via the DVLA’s online service.

Popular plates can sell for hundreds or even thousands of pounds. For example, “25 O” recently sold for over £500,000!

Tips for Maximising Value

• Keep the certificate safe—it’s essential for transfer.
• Market the plate effectively (e.g., “Perfect for a James Bond fan!”).
• Consider auctioning it for higher bids.
• Avoid private sales without proper documentation—scams are common.

Legal and Practical Considerations

While the process seems straightforward, there are legal and practical aspects to keep in mind.

DVLA Rules and Regulations

The DVLA has strict rules about number plates:

• Only one private plate can be assigned to a vehicle at a time.
• Plates must be displayed in the correct format (size, font, spacing).
• You cannot assign a plate to a vehicle you don’t own.
• Retained plates must be assigned within a reasonable time or they may be released back to the general pool.

Always check the latest guidelines on the GOV.UK website to stay compliant.

Insurance and MOT Implications

Changing your number plate doesn’t affect your insurance or MOT, but you must:

• Notify your insurer of the new registration.
• Ensure the plate is legally displayed (correct size, font, and spacing).
• Update your vehicle records with the DVLA.

Failure to do so could result in fines or invalid insurance.

Real-Life Example: Sarah’s Story

Let’s look at a real-world scenario to bring this to life.

Sarah owned a 2015 Ford Focus with the registration “SAR 1H”. She loved the plate because it matched her name and was easy to remember. When she decided to sell the car to upgrade to an electric vehicle, she didn’t want to lose the plate.

Here’s what she did:

1. She logged into the DVLA website and applied to retain “SAR 1H”.
2. She paid the £80 fee and received her V750 certificate within a week.
3. She listed her Ford Focus for sale, clearly stating it would be sold with a new registration.
4. A buyer purchased the car, and Sarah transferred ownership via the DVLA online service.
5. The car was assigned a new number (“MT70 ABC”), and Sarah kept “SAR 1H”.
6. Six months later, she bought a Tesla Model 3 and assigned her retained plate to it for £10.

Today, Sarah drives her Tesla with “SAR 1H” proudly displayed—and she didn’t lose a penny in the process.

Conclusion

So, can you sell your car and keep the number plate? Absolutely—**as long as you follow the right steps**. Whether you have a personalised plate or just a standard registration you’d like to preserve, the DVLA provides a clear process for retention and reassignment.

The key is to act before selling your car. Apply to retain the plate, pay the fee, and secure your V750 certificate. Then, sell the car with confidence, knowing your number plate is safe and ready for future use.

Don’t let sentiment or forgetfulness cost you a cherished registration. With a little planning, you can keep your number plate, assign it to a new vehicle, or even sell it for a profit. It’s your plate—make the most of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my number plate if I sell my car privately?

Yes, you can keep your number plate when selling privately. Just make sure to apply for retention with the DVLA before completing the sale. This ensures the plate stays in your name and doesn’t transfer to the buyer.

How long does it take to retain a number plate?

It typically takes 5 to 10 working days to process a retention application online. If you apply by post, it may take longer. Once approved, you’ll receive your V750 certificate by mail.

Can I retain a standard number plate, or only personalised ones?

You can retain both standard and personalised plates. Even if your plate isn’t custom, you can still apply to keep it—especially if it’s memorable or low-numbered.

What happens if I don’t retain my plate before selling?

If you sell the car without retaining the plate, the registration usually transfers to the new owner. You may lose it permanently unless the buyer agrees to sell it back or you act within 30 days.

Can I assign my retained plate to a family member’s car?

No, you can only assign a retained plate to a vehicle you own. If you want a family member to use it, they’d need to buy it from you and assign it to their own car.

Is there a time limit on how long I can keep a retained plate?

There’s no strict time limit, but the DVLA may release the plate back to the general pool if it remains unused for a very long time. It’s best to assign or sell it within a few years.