How Long Does a Private Number Plate Registration Transfer Take?

The DVLA estimate roughly 6 weeks to finalise your prized number transfer once all the official papers have been obtained by them, even though most people have said it usually takes no more than 7 to 10 working days, contingent on whether the registration is on a retention document or on a car itself.

Some months of the year are more obviously more demanding than others as you can picture. The 3 weeks prior to Christmas are generally so hectic that the finished papers are not distributed until the beginning of the new year, plus brand new car sales during the months of March and September can delay handovers by an extra week or two on occasion.

Another aspect which put a hold on things is when the donor vehicle was registered before 1960 came about, as all vehicles listed before this time are subject to a thorough examination which is undertaken by an inspector who is approved by the DVLA. Transfers with inspections involved take at least 6 weeks in nearly all cases.

Can I Keep My Current Car Registration Plate?

Why yes, yes you can. If you have any number plate on a car that you’re either trading or scrapping, then you must apply to keep the registration by transferring it to a Retention Document (also known as a V778). The certificate is delivered by the DVLA so that the registration is protected for use at a later date of your choosing. It’s vital to keep in mind that the application must be carried out whilst the vehicle is still listed as being in your name. Once the vehicle changes hands or is scrapped, then the number plate is lost forever.

The DVLA will then stick the certificate in the post to you which will be legally binding for 10 years. It’s vital that you keep this certificate in a secure place and under no situations should a copy of the certificate be handed to anyone as it could then be reassigned without you knowing about it. Never make anyone else aware of the document reference number that is displayed on the certificate either as this is yet another way you can lose the rights to your precious set of characters.

If you choose to scrap your vehicle because it’s failed an MOT or as it’s just outside of repair anymore, you can take away the registration by making a submission to retain it via the DVLA. The DVLA will permit a request up to 12 months after either the MOT or Road Tax has run out, or within the 12 months of applying for a SORN.