How do personalised number plates work?

For drivers who want to buy, move or keep a private registration number.

Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland Last checked against official sources: 6 October 2026

You can buy a private (personalised) registration number from DVLA or from a private dealer, then assign it to a vehicle.

DVLA sells numbers online and at auctions, where reserve prices start from £130.
When you buy, you get a V750 certificate of entitlement, which proves your right to put the number on a vehicle.
Assigning a number to a vehicle is free online or by post.
Taking a number off a vehicle to keep it costs £80, and you get a V778 retention document.
V750 and V778 certificates last 10 years and are free to renew.
You cannot use a number that makes a vehicle look newer than it is.

Key facts

Buy from DVLA or a dealer
Assigning is free
Taking a number off: £80
Certificates last 10 years

What a personalised number plate is

A personalised (or private) number is a registration number you choose and buy, rather than the one your vehicle was first given. You buy the right to use the number, then assign it to a vehicle. You can assign it to a vehicle in your name or in someone else's name (called the "nominee").

Where to buy one

Where	How it works
DVLA Personalised Registrations	Search online to see which numbers are available and what they cost
DVLA auctions	Online auctions held several times a year, each running for 7 days. Reserve prices start from £130
Private dealer or person	Most dealers move the number onto your vehicle for you. Or ask for the V750 or V778 so you can do it yourself

The two key documents

V750 certificate of entitlement: you get this when you buy a number from DVLA.
V778 retention document: you get this when you take a number off a vehicle to keep it.

Both prove your right to use the number. They are valid for 10 years. Renewing is free, but you can only apply up to 28 days before the expiry date. If you miss the expiry date, you lose the number for good.

Costs at a glance

Action	Cost
Assign a number to a vehicle (online or post)	Free
Take a number off a vehicle and keep it	£80
Renew a V750 or V778	Free
Buy a number	Depends on the number (auction reserve prices from £130)

Rules for putting a number on a vehicle

The vehicle must:

be registered with DVLA in the UK
be able to move under its own power
be a type that needs an MOT or HGV test certificate
be available for inspection if DVLA asks
have been taxed or had a SORN in place continuously for the past 5 years
be taxed now or have a SORN in place

A classic vehicle needs a current MOT certificate to take a private number, even if it is usually exempt from MOTs.

You cannot assign a number that makes the vehicle look newer than it is. You also cannot assign numbers starting with Q or QNI.

How to assign a number

Apply online (Monday to Friday, 7am to 9pm, weekends 7am to 8pm) or by post with your V750 or V778 and the log book (V5C).
Online, the number is assigned straight away if the vehicle does not need an inspection.
You get a new log book, usually within 4 weeks.
Get new number plates made and fitted before you drive.
Tell your insurer, and update any automatic payment accounts, such as the Congestion Charge.

Taking a number off a vehicle

It costs £80. You get a V778 and a new log book. The vehicle usually gets its original number back. Fit the original or new plates before driving and tell your insurer.

Things to know

Number plates must show the number correctly. You must not rearrange or change letters or numbers to make them hard to read. You could be fined up to £1,000 and your vehicle will fail its MOT.

Related guides

Where this comes from

Private (personalised) number plates (GOV.UK)
Buy a personalised registration number (GOV.UK)
Buying a private number plate (GOV.UK)
Keep or assign a private number (GOV.UK)
Take a private number off a vehicle (GOV.UK)
Renew a private number certificate (GOV.UK)
Displaying number plates (GOV.UK)

Get it done

This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.

Search DVLA personalised numbers

Common questions

Can a private number make my car look newer?

No. You cannot assign a number that would make a vehicle look newer than it is.

What happens if my V750 or V778 expires?

You permanently lose the right to use the number if you do not renew on or before the expiry date. You can renew up to 28 days before it expires.

Do I need to tell my insurer?

Yes. You must tell your insurance company about the new registration number.

Official sources

1.Private (personalised) number plateswww.gov.uk/personalised-vehicle-registration-numbers
2.Buy a personalised registration numberwww.gov.uk/buy-a-personalised-registration-number
3.Buying a private number platewww.gov.uk/personalised-vehicle-registration-numbers/buying-a-private-number-plate
4.Keep or assign a private numberwww.gov.uk/personalised-vehicle-registration-numbers/keep-or-assign
5.Take a private number off a vehiclewww.gov.uk/personalised-vehicle-registration-numbers/take-private-number-off
6.Renew a private number certificatewww.gov.uk/personalised-vehicle-registration-numbers/renew-private-number-certificate
7.Displaying number plateswww.gov.uk/displaying-number-plates

Checked against GOV.UK on 6 October 2026

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