How To Buy A Personal Number Plate

By Thomas Standing | Comments (11) | Trackbacks (22)

Use your head to get the identity you want, there is a personal numberplate out there for you. Buying one is not, however a simple process. You have to bear in mind that you cannot put a personal numberplate on a car if it makes it look younger – for instance, you cannot put a ‘Y’ numberplate on an S-registered car. Also be aware you are not allowed to alter the size or spacing of characters, or use fixing screws to alter the appearance of the plate. Doing so can result in a large fine and your losing the right to keep the plate.

The same registrations are often advertised for sale by different companies for different prices. Check that the company you you use is a member of CNDA, the Cherished Numbers Dealers Association, who have a very strict code of conduct. Better sellers tend to join this association.

Once you have found a plate that you like, you need to obtain the legal right to use it. Get a V750 Certificate of Entitlement form from the DVLA and fill it in. If the V750 expires before you assign the numberplate to a car, apply to extend it, which costs 25 per year. To register your new numberplate for a new car, write to or go to your local DVLA office with the car’s registration document and the V750 form.

To register your plate for an existing car go to your local DVLA office with, proof of valid road tax, an insurance certificate, and the completed V750 form. You will also need a MOT certificate as well, if your car you are transferring the plate to is 3 years old or more. Registering a car with a new personal numberplate takes about four working days. It is illegal to use the car on public roads until the re-registration process is complete.

If you want to keep your current numberplate when you sell your car, use a V778/1 retention certificate to keep your rights to the plate. Do this before you advertise the car or approach a dealer to trade it in. It costs 105 for the first 12 months and 25 a year after that. If you do not do this, you automatically lose the right to use that numberplate in the future. It is important to have the retention rights to the plate before you sell the car, do not even agree to sell it until the process is finalised.

Do not be worried if you find your current numberplate advertised for sale. Many companies advertise plates and, once they have a buyer they approach the current owner and offer to buy your plate. If you are asked to do this get plenty of valuations from several reputable companies.

Be patient in your search and look at all possible variations to find a numberplate that tells the world who you are.

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Tags: automobiles, car finance, car sales, Cars and Trucks, new cars, personal numberplates, used cars, vehicles
Topics: Cars and Trucks