How to Transfer a Private Number Plate with DVLA (Buyer & Seller Guide)

A private number plate is a brilliant way to personalise a car – but the DVLA transfer process can feel like a headache if you’ve never done it before.

If you’re buying or selling a plate through AuctionMyPlate, the good news is: the DVLA process is actually pretty straightforward once you understand the steps and who does what.

This guide walks you through:

What happens when a plate is on a vehicle vs on a retention certificate

Who is responsible for each step (buyer vs seller)

The typical DVLA timelines

Common mistakes that delay transfers

Important: This guide is for general information only. Always check the latest information directly with DVLA before you submit anything.

1. Two types of private plate you’ll see

Almost every private plate you’ll encounter will be in one of two states:

On a vehicle
The private plate is already assigned to a car, van or bike. The seller is currently using it on the road.

On a retention certificate (V778)
The private plate is not currently on a vehicle. DVLA has issued a V778 Retention Document for it.

The seller holds the certificate.

The buyer will use this to put the plate onto their own vehicle later.

On AuctionMyPlate, listings should clearly say whether the plate is on a vehicle or on a retention certificate, because the process is slightly different.

2. Who does what? (Responsibility split)
Seller responsibilities

Generally, the seller is responsible for:

Providing correct legal ownership details

Supplying clear, accurate information about the plate

Completing the DVLA paperwork or online application to:

Take the plate off their vehicle (if it’s currently on a car), or

Transfer / nominate the buyer on the retention certificate

Sending any original documents (never fake or altered documents)

Doing everything within a reasonable time once the auction is complete and payment is confirmed

Buyer responsibilities

The buyer is normally responsible for:

Providing the correct vehicle details for assignment (if they want it put straight onto a vehicle)

Having a vehicle that:

Is taxed or SORN

Has an MOT if required

Meets DVLA’s rules for age-related plates (you can’t make the vehicle look newer)

Completing their part of the online DVLA process when needed

Not fitting physical plates to the vehicle until DVLA has formally confirmed the transfer

AuctionMyPlate’s job is to sit in the middle, record the deal, and make it very clear who needs to do what and when.

3. If the plate is currently on a vehicle

This is the most common scenario.

Step 1 – Seller removes the plate from their vehicle

The seller logs into DVLA’s online service to take the private plate off their current vehicle.

They will need the V5C (logbook) for the vehicle.

They’ll normally pay £80 DVLA fee if it hasn’t already been paid for a retention/assignment.

DVLA will:

Put the original registration number back onto the seller’s vehicle.

Issue either:

A new retention certificate (V778), or

Transfer the plate directly to the buyer’s vehicle (if doing a direct transfer and the buyer’s details are provided).

Until DVLA confirms this, the plate is still legally on the seller’s vehicle.

Step 2 – Seller receives DVLA confirmation

DVLA usually sends:

An email confirmation (if done online)

A V778 retention certificate or updated documentation by post

The seller must not hand over fake or edited documents. Only genuine DVLA documents count.

Step 3 – Plate is assigned to the buyer

There are two ways this usually happens:

Via retention certificate:

Seller sends the original V778 to the buyer (or nominates the buyer on the certificate).

The buyer then uses the V778 to assign the plate to their vehicle online or by post.

Directly from seller’s vehicle to buyer’s vehicle (online):

Seller uses DVLA’s online service to put the plate straight onto the buyer’s vehicle, using the buyer’s vehicle details.

Buyer gets DVLA confirmation when this is complete.

Step 4 – Buyer fits the physical plates

Only after DVLA has confirmed the assignment should the buyer:

Get physical plates made by a registered number plate supplier

Fit them to the vehicle

Until then, the buyer must keep the existing legal registration on the car.

4. If the plate is on a retention certificate (V778)

This is often easier.

Step 1 – Seller confirms certificate details

The seller should check:

The plate details on the V778

The expiry date of the certificate

Whether there is a nominee currently listed

If the certificate is close to expiry, the seller may need to renew or clarify what they intend to do before the sale goes through.

Step 2 – Seller nominates the buyer (if needed)

If the buyer wants the plate on their vehicle, they may need to be added as a nominee on the V778.

The seller can do this via DVLA (online or by post).

Alternatively, the buyer can use the certificate directly if DVLA still allows assignment without nomination (depends on the specific document and current DVLA rules).

Step 3 – Seller sends the original certificate

The seller must send the original V778 to the buyer (never just a photocopy).

AuctionMyPlate may ask for proof that this has been done before marking a transaction as complete.

Step 4 – Buyer assigns the plate to their vehicle

The buyer then:

Uses DVLA’s online service or posts the V778 and V5C to DVLA

Waits for confirmation that the plate has been assigned

Only once DVLA confirms should the buyer fit the new physical plates.

5. How long does the DVLA process take?

DVLA processing times can vary, but typically:

Online transfers/assignments:
Often same day or within a few days, with email confirmation.

Postal applications:
Can take a couple of weeks or longer, depending on DVLA’s workload.

When you’re buying or selling through AuctionMyPlate, don’t panic if it’s not instant. As long as:

You’ve both done your part correctly, and

You’ve used the official DVLA process

…it’s usually just a case of waiting out their internal timescales.

6. Common mistakes that delay transfers

Here are the big ones that cause headaches:

Wrong vehicle details
Putting the wrong registration or VIN number on DVLA forms.

Vehicle not eligible

Not taxed or SORN

No valid MOT (where required)

Trying to put a newer-looking plate on an older car (DVLA will reject it).

Using photocopies or fake documents
DVLA needs genuine, original documents. Anything altered or fake can cause serious trouble.

Fitting plates too early
Fitting the private plate on the vehicle before DVLA has confirmed the assignment.

The car is technically displaying an illegal registration at that point.

Certificate expired
Retention certificate left to expire without renewal before the transfer.

Stay on top of these and the process is usually smooth.

7. FAQs for AuctionMyPlate buyers and sellers
Do I pay DVLA or AuctionMyPlate for the £80 fee?

The £80 DVLA fee is a DVLA charge, not a profit for AuctionMyPlate.
Who actually pays it (buyer or seller) will depend on the terms of your specific sale, which should be clear in the listing and auction details.

Can I drive my car with the new private plate while I’m “waiting on DVLA”?

No.
You must not display the new plate on the vehicle until DVLA has confirmed the assignment. Until then, the legal registration is still the old one.

What if the seller doesn’t complete the DVLA part?

AuctionMyPlate expects sellers to carry out the DVLA process promptly once the auction is complete and payment is arranged. If a seller does nothing, that’s a breach of their obligation and should be reported through the site so it can be investigated.

How do I prove I’m the new owner?

Once DVLA has processed the transfer, you’ll have DVLA confirmation:

Updated V5C for your vehicle showing the private registration, or

Confirmation of assignment through DVLA online

That, not just the auction result, is what legally matters.

8. Final tips

Always keep copies of emails and letters from DVLA.

Make sure the buyer and seller agree clearly on:

Who is paying any DVLA fees

Whether the plate is coming off a vehicle or from a certificate

The expected timeline

Never rush the process just to get the plates on the car a day sooner – it’s not worth risking an illegal registration.

If you’re using AuctionMyPlate, the aim is simple:
you get a fair auction, clear instructions, and a safe route through the DVLA process – without the guesswork.