Change Your Car Number Plate with the DVLA
Complete UK reg transfer guide
Change your number plate with the DVLA using their online service or by post with form V317.
You’ll need your V5C logbook and, if applicable, a V750 or V778 certificate for private or retained plates.
Once approved, fit the new plates to your car and notify your insurer.
Update your details with DVLA systems to ensure tax, MOT, and insurance records match the new registration.
Changing a number plate is not the same as retaining one for later use or checking its history.
Each task uses different DVLA processes.
This guide explains how to change your plate efficiently, the documents required, the cost, and what to do after the switch is complete.
How to Change Your Number Plate with the DVLA
To change your number plate with the DVLA, you must submit a change request, either online or by post, depending on the type of documents you have.
The vehicle must be registered in your name, have a valid V5C logbook, and meet all DVLA criteria.
If you're assigning a private or retained registration, you’ll also need:
- A V750 certificate of entitlement — issued when you purchase a new private plate, confirming your right to assign it, or
- A V778 retention certificate — issued when you’ve removed a plate from a previous vehicle and wish to reassign it
Most drivers choose the online method for speed and simplicity, but postal applications are necessary in more complex cases.
Once approved, the DVLA will update your V5C logbook and registration records.
At this point, you must arrange for new number plates to be legally made and fitted, and inform your insurer immediately to ensure your policy remains valid.
✅ Summary of Requirements
- Valid V5C logbook (registered in your name)
- V750 or V778 certificate (if using a private plate)
- Apply via GOV.UK or by post using form V317
- Replace number plates after approval
- Notify your insurer immediately
- Wait for new V5C confirmation from DVLA
Online vs Paper Application Methods
Factor | Online | By Post |
|---|---|---|
Speed | Instant to 5 workings days | Up to 3 weeks |
Form needed | None (done at Gov.uk) | V317 required |
Documents | V5C, V750 or V778 (if applicable) | V5C + V750/V778 |
Where to apply | DVLA Personalised Registrations, Swansea SA99 1DS |
What Happens After You Submit?
Once submitted, the DVLA will verify the information and assign the new plate.
For online applications, this often happens instantly; postal submissions may take up to three weeks.
You’ll receive a notification of completion by email or post, confirming the change.
An updated V5C logbook follows this.
From this point, your new plate is active in DVLA systems.
Complete the steps above to ensure your number plates are fitted and your insurer's records are updated.
Apply a Private Number Plate via DVLA
A private plate (also called a personalised registration) replaces your vehicle’s standard DVLA number with a custom letter-and-number sequence.
Drivers often choose them for personalisation or to mask the age of a car.
Buy a private number plate from the DVLA or a reseller, then assign it to your vehicle using the V750 certificate.
This certificate is required to complete the change.
To apply, you can submit an assignment request online via GOV.UK. Most applications are approved instantly, and the plate becomes active immediately.
If you apply by post, DVLA will process the request once your documents arrive, which may take longer.
Once your V5C reflects the private registration, follow the fitting and insurer update steps noted above.
Steps to Assign a Private Plate
- Purchase a private plate from DVLA or an authorised seller
- Receive your V750 certificate of entitlement
- Apply to assign the plate (online at GOV.UK or by post)
- Wait for DVLA confirmation of assignment
- Replace the physical number plates on your vehicle
- Inform your insurer of the new registration
Timing & Requirements
An online application to assign a private plate can be approved instantly or within a few days, while postal submissions may take up to three weeks.
For vehicles on lease or finance, you must first obtain the finance company’s permission, since they are recorded as the registered keeper.
The DVLA also requires the vehicle to be taxed or declared SORN and to have a valid MOT (if over three years old).
Applications won’t be processed if these conditions are not met, so check them in advance to avoid delays.
Revert to Original Number Plate – DVLA Reassignment Process
To revert to your original number plate after using a private plate, submit a DVLA reassignment request.
The agency will typically reissue the vehicle’s original registration number.
This is the age-related plate the vehicle was first given at registration.
The return is automatic if the original plate is still available.
If it has already been reallocated or permanently withdrawn, the DVLA will instead issue a replacement age-related plate that matches the vehicle’s year of manufacture.
To change back, you must apply through the DVLA, either online or by post.
Once the application is approved, the DVLA updates its database and sends out a new V5C logbook confirming the reinstated registration.
Once DVLA approval is received, ensure plates and insurance records are updated as outlined earlier.
This ensures the car remains legally registered and all DVLA, tax, and MOT records continue to align with the correct number plate.
How Much Does It Cost to Change a Number Plate?
Changing a number plate with the DVLA is usually free when you assign a new plate or revert to your car’s original registration.
The only direct DVLA fee is the £80 charge to remove or retain a private plate.
This fee applies when you take a private registration off a vehicle and place it on retention, which issues a V778 retention certificate.
Outside of DVLA fees, the real cost comes from buying and fitting the physical plates.
Typical Costs of Changing a Number Plate
Item | Typical Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
DVLA plate change (assign/revert) | £0 | Free to assign a plate or revert to your original registration via GOV.UK. |
DVLA retention fee | £80 | Payable when removing or retaining a private plate; provides a V778 retention certificate. |
Standard plates | £20-£30 per pair | Legal acrylic plates from DVLA-registered suppliers (e.g. Halfords, local garages). |
3D/gel plates | £40-£100+ per pair | Premium styles cost more but must still meet DVLA display rules. |
Fitting service | £10-£20 | Retailers like Halfords or Kwik Fit; DIY with screws or adhesive pads is cheaper. |
Fixing kit (skrews/tape) | £3 -£10 | For home fitting if you don’t pay for installation. |
What Most Drivers Pay
For a standard DVLA number plate change, expect to spend £25–£50 in total, including purchase and fitting.
If you are removing a private plate, add the £80 DVLA retention fee to this amount.
Always buy plates from a DVLA-registered supplier, since you’ll need to show your V5C and proof of ID before plates can be made.
Non-compliant plates risk MOT failure, fines, or being stopped by police.
✅ Summary:
- Free – to assign a new plate or revert to original registration.
- £80 DVLA fee – only when removing or retaining a private plate.
- £25–£50 – typical cost for buying and fitting new physical plates.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The time it takes to change a number plate with the DVLA depends on the method you choose.
An online application through GOV.UK is usually processed instantly, and the new registration can be used immediately.
For a postal application, the DVLA advises allowing two to three weeks for documents to be received, checked, and updated.
Once your application is approved, the DVLA will send out a new V5C logbook confirming the registration change.
From this point, buy legally compliant plates and fit them securely. Same-day collection is possible from registered suppliers, while online orders may take longer due to delivery times.
In most cases, the whole process takes a few days online or up to three weeks by post, depending on how quickly you arrange replacement plates.
DVLA Processing Times vs Real-World Delays
While the DVLA’s target times are clear, real-world delays can occur.
Applications submitted in peak periods, such as the March and September registration change dates, may take longer. Bank holidays and postal delays can also extend turnaround times.
For the fastest results, most drivers rely on the online DVLA plate change service, which avoids typical postal lag.
DVLA Documents for Number Plate Change
When you apply to change a number plate with the DVLA, you must provide the correct paperwork.
Without these documents, the DVLA will not approve the application.
- Change your number plate – the DVLA requires your V5C logbook, the vehicle’s registration certificate, showing you as the registered keeper.
- Proof of identity – A valid UK driving licence or passport is accepted to verify your identity.
- Changing your number plate through the DVLA, submit your V750 certificate (if newly purchased) or your V778 retention document (if transferring from another vehicle). These prove your right to assign a private registration. These prove your right to use the registration number.
- Proof of purchase (for private registrations) – A DVLA confirmation or dealer receipt may be requested if the number was recently bought.
- Permission from finance/lease provider – For leased or financed cars, written approval from the company is required before the DVLA can assign or remove a plate.
Having these documents ready ensures your number plate change request is processed smoothly and avoids unnecessary DVLA delays.
Where to Buy and Fit Your New Number Plates
After your DVLA number plate change is approved, you must purchase new plates from a DVLA-registered number plate supplier.
Businesses are authorised to make plates and will ask for your V5C logbook and proof of identity before producing them.
Well-known providers include Halfords, Kwik Fit, and independent motor factors, as well as online DVLA-approved retailers.
Ordering online is convenient, but you still need to supply copies of your documents.
Your new plates must comply with UK legal requirements: the correct font and spacing, reflective background, and the supplier’s details, plus the BS AU 145e code displayed in small print.
Non-compliant plates can fail an MOT or result in a police fine.
Suppliers usually offer a fitting service for £10–£20, or you can fit the plates yourself with screws or adhesive pads.
DIY is cheaper, but plates must be fixed securely to remain road legal.
For more on styles and requirements, see our British Number Plates Guide.
Changing Number Plates on Lease or Finance Cars
If your car is on a lease or finance agreement, you cannot change the number plate without the company’s approval.
While you may be the registered keeper, the lease or finance provider remains the legal owner, and the DVLA requires their consent before any registration change.
The first step is to contact your lease or finance company and request permission.
Some providers handle the DVLA paperwork directly, while others give you written authorisation to apply yourself. In some cases, an administration fee may apply.
This requirement covers all scenarios, including adding a private number plate or reverting to the car’s original registration plate.
Without the owner’s approval, the DVLA will reject the request, and you may breach your finance or lease agreement.
To avoid delays, always get written consent before starting the DVLA process. This ensures your application is valid and that your insurance and vehicle records remain correct.
What to Do After Your Number Plate Has Been Changed
DVLA issues a new V5C logbook on approval; from that point, complete the actions below to keep insurance, tax and MOT records in sync.
Use this checklist to make sure everything is up to date:
- Inform your insurer immediately – Your policy must match your new registration. Failing to update it could invalidate cover.
- Check the Motor Insurance Database (askMID) – Confirm that your plate appears correctly on the national insurance database.
- Verify your vehicle tax (VED) – The DVLA usually updates this automatically, but double-check your new registration shows as taxed.
- Review your MOT status – The online MOT history should carry over to the new number plate. Confirm that your current certificate and expiry date display correctly.
- Update your service and warranty records – Ask your garage or dealership to log the new registration so future servicing and repairs link to the right vehicle ID.
CarVeto's guidance is based on official DVLA procedures and decades of experience helping UK drivers manage vehicle registrations, valuations, and ownership transfers.
Our information is regularly reviewed and updated in line with current UK road legislation to ensure you receive accurate, trustworthy advice when handling your vehicle paperwork.
When Do Number Plates Change in the UK?
UK number plates change twice each year, on 1 March and 1 September.
These scheduled updates introduce a new registration code, helping identify when a vehicle was first registered.
Dealers also use plate-change periods to launch offers on brand-new cars, making these dates popular for buyers.
For example, a car registered in March 2024 carries a “24” plate, while one registered in September 2024 displays a “74” plate.
The cycle continues each year with a new number in March and a higher code in September.
Understanding when registration plates change is helpful if you want the newest plate on a car, are planning to buy around release dates, or are comparing used cars by age.
March vs September Plate Examples
Registration Date | Example Plate |
|---|---|
March 2024 | 24 Plate |
September 2024 | 74 Plate |
March 2025 | 25 Plate |
September 2025 | 75 Plate |
Want to Keep Your Plate Instead of Changing It?
If you’d prefer to keep your existing registration rather than swap to a new one, you’ll need to use the DVLA’s number plate retention process.
This allows you to secure your plate for future use, transfer it to another vehicle, or hold onto it until you’re ready.
👉 Learn more in our full guide: Number Plate Retention
Useful Tools & Checks
After changing your registration, double-check your plate details or learn more about UK plate rules.
These resources will help:
- Private Reg Check – Confirm registration data directly against DVLA records.
- UK License Plate Lookup – Run a lookup to verify vehicle history linked to a plate.
- British License Plates Guide – Understand legal formats, display standards, and plate styles in the UK.