Personalised Number Plates UK: How to Buy & Transfer Private Registrations

Plate Guides · 5 March 2025 · 6 min read

Everything you need to know about buying, transferring, and retaining personalised number plates in the UK, including DVLA costs and V317 forms.

Personalised Number Plates UK: The Complete Guide

Personalised number plates (also called private plates, cherished plates, or vanity plates) allow you to display a unique registration that spells a name, word, or memorable combination. They're one of the most popular vehicle accessories in the UK, with the DVLA selling over £160 million worth of personalised registrations each year.

This guide covers everything you need to know — from buying a registration to transferring it to your vehicle and ordering the physical plates.

Types of Personalised Registrations

Dateless Plates

  • Format: ABC 1 or 1 ABC
  • No age indicator — can go on any vehicle regardless of age
  • The most expensive type — rare combinations sell for tens of thousands
  • Available through DVLA auctions and private dealers

Prefix Plates (1983–2001)

  • Format: A123 ABC
  • The first letter indicates the year (e.g., A = 1983, P = 1996)
  • Cannot be assigned to a vehicle registered before the plate's year
  • Popular for spelling names: e.g., J4 MES, P4 ULA

Current Format (2001–present)

  • Format: AB12 CDE
  • Two letters (area code), two numbers (age identifier), three random letters
  • The most affordable personalised options — available from £250 at DVLA Personalised Registrations

How to Buy a Personalised Registration

From the DVLA

From Private Dealers

  • Websites like Regtransfers and New Reg sell plates from private sellers
  • Prices vary hugely — from a few hundred to millions for rare dateless plates
  • Always verify the registration is legitimate before purchasing

How to Transfer a Registration to Your Vehicle

Once you've purchased a registration, you need to assign it to your vehicle through the DVLA:

Step 1: Complete Form V317

  • Download Form V317 from GOV.UK
  • You'll need the V5C (logbook) for the vehicle receiving the registration
  • If buying from a dealer, they usually handle the V317 for you

Step 2: Pay the Assignment Fee

  • The DVLA charges £80 to assign a registration to a vehicle
  • This is separate from the purchase price of the registration itself

Step 3: Receive Your New V5C

  • The DVLA will issue an updated V5C showing the new registration
  • This typically takes 2–4 weeks by post
  • You can then order your physical plates from Limitless Plates

Retaining a Registration

If you're selling your vehicle but want to keep your personalised registration, you can apply for a Retention Certificate (V778):

  • Apply online at GOV.UK
  • The fee is £80
  • Your registration is held for 10 years (renewable)
  • The vehicle reverts to its previous registration automatically

Ordering Physical Plates for Your Private Reg

Once your registration is assigned and your V5C is updated, you can order the physical plates:

Important Rules for Personalised Plates

  • You cannot make a vehicle appear newer than it is — e.g., a 2010 car cannot display a "70" plate (2020)
  • You can make a vehicle appear older — a 2020 car can display a "10" plate
  • Dateless plates have no age restriction
  • The physical plates must meet BS AU 145e standards
  • Rearranging spacing or using fixing bolts to alter characters is illegal and carries a fine of up to £1,000

Ready to Display Your Private Reg?

Once your registration is assigned, design your plates with Limitless Plates. We offer all styles including short plates for shorter registrations — perfect for showing off your personalised reg. All plates are BS AU 145e compliant and dispatched same-day.

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