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)
• 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 process to:
• take the plate off their vehicle (if it’s currently on a car), or
• transfer / nominate the buyer on the retention certificate
• Sending original documents (never fake or altered documents)
• Acting within a reasonable time once the auction is complete and payment is confirmed

Buyer responsibilities

The buyer is normally responsible for:

• Providing correct vehicle details (if they want it assigned straight onto a vehicle)
• Having a vehicle that:
• is taxed or SORN
• has an MOT if required
• meets DVLA age rules (you can’t make the vehicle look newer)
• Completing their part of the 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 a very common scenario.

Step 1 – seller removes the plate from their vehicle

The seller uses DVLA’s online service to remove the private plate from their current vehicle.

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

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

DVLA will:

• Put the original registration 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), and/or
• a V778 retention certificate / 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 common ways this happens:

Via retention certificate

• Seller sends the original V778 to the buyer (or nominates the buyer on the certificate)
• Buyer uses the V778 to assign the plate online or by post

Direct transfer (online)

• Seller uses DVLA online to put the plate straight onto the buyer’s vehicle using the buyer’s vehicle details
• Buyer receives DVLA confirmation when complete

Step 4 – buyer fits the physical plates

Only after DVLA confirms 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 can be simpler.

Step 1 – seller checks certificate details

The seller should check:

• the plate details on the V778
• the expiry date
• whether a nominee is already 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 to assign the plate to their vehicle, they may need to be added as a nominee.

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

Alternatively, the buyer may be able to use the certificate directly depending on the document type and DVLA rules at the time.

Step 3 – seller sends the original certificate

The seller must send the original V778 to the buyer (not a photocopy).

AuctionMyPlate may ask for proof this has been done before marking a transaction 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?

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 workload.

If both parties have done the correct steps using the official DVLA process, it’s usually just a case of waiting.

6. Common mistakes that delay transfers

Here are the big ones that cause headaches:

Wrong vehicle details

Entering the wrong registration, VIN, or vehicle details 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. Altered or fake documents can cause serious trouble.

Fitting plates too early

Fitting the private plate before DVLA confirms the assignment. The car would be displaying an illegal registration.

Certificate expired

Retention certificate left to expire without renewal.

7. FAQs for AuctionMyPlate buyers and sellers

Do I pay DVLA or AuctionMyPlate the £80 fee?

The £80 is a DVLA charge, not profit for AuctionMyPlate.

Who pays it (buyer or seller) depends on the specific sale terms and should be clear in the listing/auction details.

Can I drive my car with the new private plate while waiting on DVLA?

No. You must not display the new plate until DVLA confirms the assignment.

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

Sellers are expected to act 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 processes the transfer, you’ll have DVLA confirmation:

• an updated V5C showing the private registration, and/or
• confirmation of assignment through DVLA online

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

8. Final tips

• Keep copies of DVLA emails and letters.
• Agree clearly on:
• who is paying DVLA fees
• whether the plate is coming off a vehicle or from a certificate
• the expected timeline
• Never rush just to fit plates early — 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.