Owning a personalised number plate in the UK allows you to express your individual flare and boost your vehicle’s value. However, a time will come when you want to use a different number plate for your car or the perfect number plate idea strikes you, but you can’t just replace your current number plate.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of number plate transfers in the UK, covering everything from the process to the reasons behind it.
A General Guideline About Owning Personalised Plates
Personalised number plates, also known as cherished plates, allow you to add a touch of uniqueness to your vehicle. They can represent your name, a special date, or even a clever play on words. However, following specific guidelines ensures your personalised plate adheres to UK regulations.
Use of Reflective Material and Black Characters
In the UK, number plates must be made of reflective material with black characters. The reflective surface enhances visibility, especially at night, while the black characters ensure clarity. This combination ensures other road users and enforcement agencies can easily read your number plate.
Use the Right Fonts, Spacing, and Height
The fonts, spacing, and height of the characters on your number plate also matter. The government has strict regulations regarding these aspects to maintain uniformity and readability. Using the correct font and character size ensures your plate complies with the law.
Maintain Proper Documents
When you purchase a personalised number plate, you’ll receive a V750 Certificate of Entitlement or a V778 Retention Document, depending on whether the plate is on a vehicle or in retention. These documents are crucial when you decide to transfer your cherished plate. Keep them safe, as they prove your ownership of the registration.
What Are the Different Types of Number Plate Transfers?
Number plate transfers in the UK can take various forms, each designed to meet different needs and circumstances. Let’s explore the most common types of transfers.
Transferring From One Car to Another
A car-to-car transfer involves moving your personalised number plate from one vehicle to another. This transfer is the most straightforward type and often the one that crosses your mind when thinking about number plate transfers.
When you purchase a new vehicle and want to retain your cherished plate, the process typically involves submitting the V317 DVLA form to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) and paying a transfer fee.
Applying a Retained Number Plate
If you’ve purchased a personalised number plate but haven’t yet assigned it to a vehicle, you can choose to retain it. You keep the rights to the registration, but it’s not currently attached to any car.
Retaining a number plate can be wise if you’re not ready to put it on your vehicle immediately. Like a car-to-car transfer, you’ll need to complete a V317 DVLA form and the V750 or V778 document, depending on your situation.
Retaining a Number Plate
Conversely, you might already have a personalised plate on your vehicle, but you want to take it off and place it in retention for various reasons. This temporary solution allows you to keep your cherished plate without assigning it to a vehicle. You can use this option if you plan to sell your vehicle but wish to keep your number plate for future use.
Like the previous processes, you’ll need a V317 DVLA form. Additionally, you’ll have to submit a V62 form with the new V5C logbook of the previous vehicle.
Reasons for a Number Plate Transfer
Now that you’re familiar with the different types of number plate transfers let’s explore some common reasons why people opt for number plate transfers in the UK.
Get Your Money Back
Personalised number plates can be a significant investment, and you can transfer or sell your plate to recoup some of your initial costs. The transfer process allows you to retain the intrinsic value of your cherished plate.
Minimise Waste
When you buy a new vehicle, it often comes with a standard-issue number plate. If you have a personalised plate that you want to keep, transferring it to your new car prevents the standard plate from going to waste. It’s an eco-friendly choice that minimises unnecessary production and disposal.
A Perfect Gift for a Loved One
Personalised number plates also make fantastic gifts. Whether it’s a special birthday, anniversary, or any other occasion, a personalised plate can be a thoughtful and unique present for a loved one. The transfer process lets you gift your cherished plate to someone else, allowing them to enjoy the personal touch it adds to their vehicle.
In Conclusion
Number plate transfers in the UK are a well-regulated process that ensures the integrity of vehicle registrations while allowing individuals to personalise their cars. Whether changing ownership, retaining a cherished plate, or transferring it to a new vehicle, understanding the different types of transfers and the reasons behind them is crucial.
The next time you give your car a personal touch or pass on a cherished plate as a gift, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the intricacies of the number plate transfer process.
Get Your Personalised Number Plate From Plates Express
If you’re inspired to get a personalised number plate or need assistance with the transfer process, look no further than Plates Express. We offer many personalised plates to suit your style and preferences.
Our team is well-versed in the intricacies of number plate transfers, and we’re here to make the process smooth and hassle-free for you. Add a touch of personalisation to your vehicle today with Plates Express!