Every number plate represents a specific vehicle. If that vehicle is destroyed, then the number plate will be destroyed, too. Unfortunately, keeping your number plate is not as simple as taking it off of your vehicle and then sticking it onto another.
If you choose to not tell the DVLA that you'd like to retain your number plate, it will simply disappear along with your vehicle, and there is no way to bring it back into circulation.
How to keep your car's number plate
If you're having to scrap your car due to unforeseen circumstances, you may be wondering whether you can keep your number plate. Who knows? Maybe you have a personalised number plate that's incredibly special to you, or maybe you've just grown incredibly accustomed to your given vehicle registration number. No matter the reason why, you will be able to keep your number plate if you take action with the DVLA.
You will have to take these steps before your car goes to the scrapyard. These instructions apply whether you have a personalised number plate, or whether you'd like to keep your old number plate.
The first thing to do is apply for the right to retain and transfer the plate. You can do this on the DVLA website or by post!
Before you fill out the application, ensure that your car adhered to the following eligibility criteria. Your vehicle must be...
- Eligible for a MOT certificate (you don't need to have a MOT at the time of application).
- Consistently taxed or declared SORN for the last 5 years.
- Taxed or declared SORN if it is not currently taxed (for cars that have been SORN for 5+ years).
In some cases, the DVLA may want to inspect your vehicle to ensure that it meets the above criteria.
Once you complete the application, you should have a V317 document, V750 document of entitlement (if you have bought your personalised number plate) or a V778 retention form (if you're taking a number plate from the vehicle you owned beforehand).
If you're assigning a number plate to someone else's vehicle (for example, if you've bought a personalised number plate as a gift for someone), then you will need to add them as a 'nominee' on section 2 of the V750 or V778.
How to transfer a car's number plate
After two weeks, you will receive the above documents in the post so you can transfer your car's number plate on the government website between 7am and 7pm.
You will need the following documents to hand:
- Your private registration number
- Your completed V750 or V778 forms
- The 11-digit reference number from the car's V5C log book
- The keeper's postcode (in the V5C)
If you do not have your vehicles log book, you will need a green 'new keeper' slip with a completed V62 'application for a vehicle registration certificate V5C'.
What happens after I transfer my number plate?
Once the transfer is complete, you will receive a new V5C logbook.
You must put the new number plates on the vehicle before you drive it, and you will be able to keep the original registration number and number plates as they will be assigned to the vehicle when you take off the private number.
Important Note: You must not sell or get rid of a vehicle until you get the new V5C log book.
Can I keep my number plate if my car is written off?
If your vehicle has been written off, the number plate will be written off at the same time.
If you want to reclaim your plate, then you will have to put an instant request in with the DVLA and your insurance provider.
This is quite a time-consuming process which involves lots of paperwork, and it may result in you having to buy the number plate back from your insurance provider.
Scrap your car with A&L Scrap Car Dealers...
We want to make your scrap car sale as smooth as possible, so we do all the heavy lifting for you.
Not only that, but it can be a harm to the environment around you. We are committed to responsible recycling, so when you choose A&L Vehicle Recycling, you can rest assured that your materials are being disposed of in a sustainable and responsible way.
Contact A&L Vehicle Recycling today, or click the button below to get an instant quote for your unwanted vehicle!
Request a free, no-obligation quote here
