Private Number Plate: How to Buy and Assign One

Let’s be honest: standard number plates can be a bit boring. They’re functional, but not exactly exciting. But put on a private number plate, and suddenly your car has personality. Maybe it says “GR8 DAD,” “L4DY BOSS,” or if you’re brave something like “Y0 M8.”

If you’ve ever thought, “How do I get one of those?”—grab your coffee and buckle up. You’re about to dive into the delightful world of UK private number plates.

Step 1: Decide What Your Plate Should Say 

This is arguably the hardest part. Choosing a private plate is not something you can just do out of whim without careful planning. Think initials, nicknames, hobbies, or something clever. Just don’t try spelling “SEXY 1” with too many 5s and Zs. You don’t want people thinking your car is texting them.

Now, bear in mind that:

• You can’t make your car look newer than it is. So if your car is from 2005, you can’t buy a 2023-style plate like “DA23 XYZ.”
• Offensive plates? Forget it. The DVLA is strict with a no-nonsense mood. “BU21 GER” or something similar won’t make it past the censors.

Step 2: Find Your Perfect Plate 

There are three main ways to get your hands on a private plate:

1. Buy directly from the DVLA – Yep, the UK government’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has an official site just for this: https://dvlaregistrations.dvla.gov.uk. It’s user-friendly, and sometimes, plates go for as little as £250. 
2. Try a private dealer – Think of them as the estate agents of number plates. They buy, sell, and sometimes auction plates. You’ll find quirky combinations and more “prestige” plates, but expect markups.
3. Bid in an auction – The DVLA holds regular auctions for plates like “1 O,” “500 BHP,” or “FA5T CAR.” These can go for thousands—yes, people actually pay more for a number plate than a second-hand car.

If you want to check if a current plate is assigned to a vehicle, you can do this for free using a number plate check service. Simply enter the registration into the search field, and it will reveal whether the plate is registered to a car or not.

Step 3: Make It Yours 

When you buy a private number plate, you don’t immediately stick it to your bumper. First, you’ll receive a certificate—either a V750 or Certificate of Entitlement if it’s a new plate, or a V778 or Retention Document if someone else owned it before.

These certificates are basically proof that you own the plate.

And no, you don’t have to assign it to a car right away. You can hold onto the plate for up to 10 years. Think of it as an investment.

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Step 4: Assign the Plate to Your Car 

Here’s where it gets real.

1. Go to the DVLA’s Assign a Number Plate page.
2. You’ll need:
   • Your certificate (V750 or V778)
   • The V5C (logbook) of the vehicle you’re assigning the plate to
3. Hit submit and wait. Sometimes it’s instant. Sometimes it takes a few days.

Once it’s approved, you’ll get a new V5C showing your car now proudly wears “B055 MAN” or “MUM 1.”

Step 5: Swap the Plates 

Once you’ve been given the green light, you can swap the plates on your vehicle. Order physical plates from a registered plate supplier where you’ll need ID and proof of ownership. Then, swap your new plates.

Don’t forget to:

• Inform your insurance company.
• Keep your original plates in case you want to switch back later.

One Last Tip Before You Drive Off

Assigning your dream plate is a satisfying moment. But remember: the plate follows the car. If you sell the car and haven’t transferred the plate back to your name, it goes with the vehicle.

In Conclusion

Buying and assigning a private plate in the UK is easier than you think, not to mention that it’s fun. Whether you’re going subtle with initials or bold with “QUEEN B,” it’s your chance to give your vehicle a bit of flair.