Can I Put My Number Plate on a New Car? UK Transfer Guide

Plate Legality · 8 July 2025 · 5 min read

Switching vehicles? Find out exactly how to transfer your existing number plate to a new car, the costs involved, and what DVLA paperwork you'll need.

Can I Put My Number Plate on a New Car?

Yes — you can transfer your existing number plate to a new (or different) vehicle, but there's a specific DVLA process you must follow. You cannot simply move a plate from one car to another without informing the DVLA. Here's how to do it correctly.

The Two Ways to Transfer a Number Plate

There are two routes depending on whether you want to use the registration immediately on another vehicle, or keep it for future use:

Option 1: Transfer Directly to Another Vehicle (V317)

If you want to move your registration straight onto a different car you already own, you'll need to complete a V317 form through the DVLA.

• Both vehicles must be taxed and have a valid MOT (or be SORN)
• The vehicle you're taking the registration from will be assigned an age-appropriate replacement plate
• DVLA fee: £80
• Processing time: usually 2–5 working days online, up to 4 weeks by post

Option 2: Retain the Registration (V778)

If you're selling the car and want to keep the personalised registration before handing it over, or if you don't have a second vehicle yet, you can retain the registration for up to 10 years.

• Apply online via the DVLA's personalised number plate service
• You'll receive a V778 retention document
• DVLA fee: £80
• The vehicle you're removing it from will receive a replacement age-related plate

When Can't You Transfer a Number Plate?

You cannot transfer a number plate if:

• The vehicle has no current MOT (unless it's SORN or an exempt vehicle)
• The plate you're transferring would make the receiving vehicle appear newer than it actually is — this is not allowed under DVLA rules
• The vehicle is registered as scrapped or written off on the DVLA's records

Do I Need New Physical Plates?

Yes. Once a registration is transferred to a new vehicle, you must order new physical plates for that vehicle. The old plates must be destroyed — you cannot drive the original vehicle with them after the transfer.

Order your new plates from a DVLA-registered supplier like Limitless Plates. You'll need to provide your V5C (showing the new registration) or your V778/V750 document. Design your replacement plates in minutes.

What About Keeping the Old Car's Original Plate?

When you remove a personalised registration, the DVLA will assign the vehicle a new age-related registration based on its year of first registration. The vehicle's V5C will be updated accordingly. You do not get to choose this replacement registration.

How Long Does the Process Take?

• Online via DVLA: 2–5 working days for confirmation, then new V5Cs issued within 4 weeks
• By post: Up to 6 weeks
• Assignment to receiving vehicle: Usually within 2 weeks of the transfer being approved

Once you have the new V5C (or confirmation email from DVLA), you can order your new physical plates from us. Upload your documents after checkout and we'll dispatch the same day.

Quick Summary

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