Guide
How to retain my number plate
Yes, you can retain your number plate when you sell your car by contacting the DVLA.
Words by: Nimisha Jain
Published on 28 August 2025 | 0 min read
For some drivers, a number plate is more than just a legal identifier. It’s personal. Maybe you’ve got a private plate that reflects your name, a lucky number, or a memory you don’t want to give up. Like a phone number you’ve had for years, it just feels like part of who you are.
The good news is you don’t have to lose it when you change cars. If you’ve got a plate you want to hold on to, you can transfer it and keep it with you on your next set of wheels.
The good news is you don’t have to lose it when you change cars. If you’ve got a plate you want to hold on to, you can transfer it and keep it with you on your next set of wheels.
How can I keep my number plate when selling my car?
You can apply to keep your number plate, if your car:
• Is registered with the DVLA • Is able to move under its own power • Is a type that needs an MOT or heavy goods vehicle (HGV) test certificate • is available for inspection when the DVLA contact you • is taxed or has SORN continuously for the past five years. If the car has had a SORN for five or more years, you’ll need to tax the car and get an MOT certificate If you meet all the above conditions, you can apply on gov.uk to take the number plate off your current car. You can either do this online or by post. Once the DVLA has taken off your number plates, you’ll receive a V778 retention document and a new logbook, and your car will be reassigned its original plates. Read our step-by-step guide on how to take off your number plates.
• Is registered with the DVLA • Is able to move under its own power • Is a type that needs an MOT or heavy goods vehicle (HGV) test certificate • is available for inspection when the DVLA contact you • is taxed or has SORN continuously for the past five years. If the car has had a SORN for five or more years, you’ll need to tax the car and get an MOT certificate If you meet all the above conditions, you can apply on gov.uk to take the number plate off your current car. You can either do this online or by post. Once the DVLA has taken off your number plates, you’ll receive a V778 retention document and a new logbook, and your car will be reassigned its original plates. Read our step-by-step guide on how to take off your number plates.
How much does it cost to retain a number plate?
It costs £80 to take your number plate off your car. You can pay with a debit or credit card.
How long is the private number plate retention with DVLA?
Once your number plate has been taken off, you can keep it for the next 10 years. You may keep the number plate without putting it on another car. The V778 document proves that you’re allowed to retain the number plate and it also tells the date by which you must transfer the number plate to another vehicle. If you don’t transfer the number plate to another car within 10 years, and you want to continue keeping the number plate with yourself, you should renew the V778 document before it expires.
How can I transfer the number plate to a new car?
Once you’re ready to transfer the number plate to another vehicle registered to you, you can either apply on gov.uk if you’re transferring it to a used car or ask the dealer to help if it’s a new car.
When transferring the number plates to a used car, wait until you’ve received the V5C logbook from the DVLA. Once you’ve got the V5C logbook, go to gov.uk and provide key details like the car’s current registration number, the number plate you want to transfer to your car and the V5C logbook number. Read our step-by-step guide on how to transfer the number plates.
When transferring the number plates to a used car, wait until you’ve received the V5C logbook from the DVLA. Once you’ve got the V5C logbook, go to gov.uk and provide key details like the car’s current registration number, the number plate you want to transfer to your car and the V5C logbook number. Read our step-by-step guide on how to transfer the number plates.
To summarise, yes you can retain a number plate when selling your car by applying for a V778 retention certificate. With the retention certificate valid for a decade, you have ample time to decide how to use your number plate. Once you’re ready to transfer the number plate to a car, you can apply on gov.uk or ask a dealership for help.