To take a private number plate off your car, you apply to the DVLA to put it on retention. It costs £80, you can usually do it online straight away, and you’ll get a V778 retention document that keeps your right to the number for 10 years.
Your car is usually given its original registration back. This guide covers who can retain a number plate, how to apply online or by post, and what to do before you sell or scrap your car.
1Check your car qualifies
The DVLA will only let you retain a number plate if the vehicle it’s on meets all of these rules. Tick off each one before you apply:
If the vehicle has been under a SORN for more than 5 years, it must be taxed and have an MOT certificate. Historic vehicles also need a current MOT, even if they’re normally exempt.
You’ll need the vehicle’s V5C log book to apply. If the vehicle isn’t registered in your name, you’ll need to apply by post rather than online.
Numbers that start with Q or QNI can’t be retained.
2Apply online
Applying online is the quickest way to put your number plate on retention. The DVLA service is open Monday to Friday, 7am to 9pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 7am to 8pm.
Have your V5C log book to hand. Check your vehicle meets every rule in step 1 first.
Apply on GOV.UK and pay the £80 fee. Use the DVLA’s take a private number off a vehicle service.
Keep your reference number. If the vehicle doesn’t need an inspection, the number comes off straight away. You can use the reference to put it on another vehicle immediately.
Fit new plates and tell your insurer. Do both before you drive the car again.
3Or apply by post
You must apply by post if the vehicle isn’t registered in your name. Send these to the DVLA, using the address on the form:
- Form V317, the application to transfer or retain a vehicle registration number
- The V5C log book, or the green “new keeper” slip with a completed form V62
- The £80 fee
Also send form V10, the correct amount of vehicle tax and an MOT certificate. Your MOT certificate will be sent back to you.
4What happens next
Once your application goes through, your car’s original registration is usually given back to it automatically, straight away. A new V5C showing the car’s registration can take 4 to 6 weeks to arrive.
You’ll also receive a V778 retention document, which proves your right to the private number. If the number is in someone else’s name, the V778 is sent to them instead.
Before you drive the car
- Fit plates showing its registration. New plates must come from a registered number plate supplier.
- Tell your insurance company about the new registration.
- Update any automatic payment accounts, such as ULEZ, Dart Charge or Clean Air Zone accounts, to avoid penalty charges.
5Keep your V778 valid
Your V778 is what lets you put the number on another vehicle, give it to someone else or sell it later. It keeps your right to the number for 10 years, and you can renew it for free up to 28 days before it expires. Applications made earlier than that may be refused.
The DVLA won’t accept a renewal after the expiry date. If your V778 expires, you permanently lose the right to the number.
Putting the number on another vehicle later is free. It can’t go on a vehicle it would make look newer than it is. To put it on someone else’s vehicle, add them as a nominee in section 2 of the V778.
6Selling your car? Do this first
If your car is about to be sold, part-exchanged or scrapped, take the private plate off before it goes. Wait until you have both your V778 and the car’s new V5C before you hand the car over. The number then stays yours, ready to put on your next car or to sell.
You must have your V778 and the new log book before you scrap or sell your vehicle. Otherwise, you lose the right to use the private number.
Ready to sell the plate itself? Sell my number plate
Thinking of selling your plate once it’s off?
A plate on retention can be sold just like one on a car. All you need is your V778. We find the buyer, handle the DVLA transfer and release your payment once it’s confirmed. For typical values, see our number plate valuation guide.
- No upfront fees and free to list
- Commission only when your plate sells
- No obligation to sell
7Retention FAQs
How much does it cost to take a private plate off a car?
The DVLA charges £80 to take a private number off a vehicle and put it on retention. Renewing your V778 is free, and so is putting the number on another vehicle later.
How do I put my number plate on retention?
Apply to the DVLA online, or by post with form V317, your V5C log book and the £80 fee. Online applications are usually processed straight away, as long as the vehicle doesn’t need an inspection.
How long does it take to retain a number plate?
If you apply online and the vehicle doesn’t need an inspection, the number comes off straight away. The new V5C for your car can take 4 to 6 weeks to arrive.
Will I get my original number plate back?
Usually, yes. The DVLA normally gives your car its original registration back automatically when the private number comes off. Your new V5C will show the registration your car has been given.
Can I retain a plate if the car isn’t in my name?
Yes, but you’ll need to apply by post rather than online, using form V317 with the V5C log book and the £80 fee.
Can I take a private plate off a car on SORN?
Yes, if the car has been taxed or under a SORN continuously for the past 5 years. If it has been under a SORN for more than 5 years, it must be taxed and have an MOT certificate.
Does the car need an MOT?
It must be a type of vehicle that needs an MOT or HGV test certificate. A current MOT is needed if the car has been under a SORN for more than 5 years, or if it’s a historic vehicle that’s normally exempt.
Can I sell my car before the plate is off?
No. Wait until you have your V778 retention document and the car’s new V5C before you sell or scrap it. If the car goes with the number still on it, you lose the right to the number.
How long does a V778 last?
10 years. You can renew it for free up to 28 days before it expires. If it expires, you permanently lose the right to the number.
Can I put a retained plate on another car?
Yes, and it’s free. The number can’t go on a vehicle it would make look newer than it is. To put it on someone else’s vehicle, add them as a nominee in section 2 of the V778.
Can I keep a Q plate?
No. Numbers that start with Q or QNI can’t be taken off a vehicle and retained.
Can I sell a number plate that’s on retention?
Yes. A plate on retention can be sold just like one on a car, as long as your V778 is still valid. We can find the buyer and handle the DVLA transfer for you.
Sources. Fees, rules and timings in this guide were checked against GOV.UK in November 2026. DVLA fees and rules can change, so check GOV.UK before you apply.