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How to put your number plate on retention 

If you want to retain your number plate via the online application then you simply need to visit the DVLA website and go to the section that states ‘Take off a number plate’.

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IF YOU own a private number plate and you are looking to sell or scrap your vehicle then you probably want to have the plate removed and keep it for your next vehicle.

If you don’t have a vehicle to place the number plate on straight away, or you’re looking to sell the plate on sites such as NewReg.co.uk, then it is possible to retain the plate until you do either.

It may seem like a complicated process, but retaining your number plate is a simple process and can be done from the comfort of your sofa online, or via post. We’ve created a full run down of everything you need to know to complete the process. 

How to put a number plate on retention 

If you want to retain your number plate via the online application then you simply need to visit www.gov.uk/personalised-vehicle-registration-numbers/take-private-number-offDVLA.

From here it will take you through the process step by step of removing the number plate from your vehicle. 

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If, however you’d like to do the process via post then you can download the V317 form online, or collect it from your local large post office, fill it out and send it will the appropriate documentation to: 

DVLA 

Personalised Registrations 

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Swansea 

SA99 1DS 

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What are the regulations? 

  • The vehicle must be registered with the DVLA 
  • You must be the registered keeper of the vehicle 
  • The vehicle must be taxed or declared SORN for the last 5 years 
  • The vehicle must be in a drivable state in-case of inspection by the DVLA 
  • The registration must not begin with Q or NIQ 

How to apply

Once you are sure that your vehicle and number plate qualify for retention, you can begin the process with the DVLA. It costs £80 to retain your number plate and this lasts for 10 years. If after this point you want to continue to retain the plate, you can renew this at no extra cost. 

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When applying, you need to have your V5C (logbook) for the vehicle and the 11-digit Document Reference Number if you are applying online. Once the application has been approved you are able to remove the registration plate from the vehicle. 

If you are applying using the V317 form and sending your application via post then you will need to download and print the form and fill out the relevant parts.

The registered keeper of the number plate will need to fill out sections 2,3 and 9.1. If you want to put a grantee on your form then you will need to put their details on section 9.1, and if you want to add a nominee, then fill out their details in section 9.2.

Once the form has been completed, send the document with you V5C logbook to the address given above. 

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What happens next? 

When the application has been approved you will be sent a new V5C logbook for your vehicle which will be given its old number plate, or assigned a new one according to the year of its registration.

This will usually arrive in 2 weeks unless the DVLA want to inspect the vehicle. If you’re looking to retain the plate to eventually sell it, you can do so using NewReg.co.uk where you will receive the best price selling your plate and receive guidance transferring the plate over to another name. 

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