How to put a private plate on your car

What you need

Before you start, have these to hand:

• The V750 (or V778) certificate with its document reference number
• The V5C logbook for the vehicle
• A vehicle registered with the DVLA in the UK that can move under its own power and is available for inspection
• A vehicle that needs an MOT or HGV test (historic vehicles need a current MOT even if they're normally exempt)
• A vehicle that has been taxed or SORN continuously for the past 5 years (if it's been SORN for longer, it must be taxed and have an MOT)

Assigning the registration

Use the DVLA's online service on GOV.UK to assign the number. If the vehicle doesn't need an inspection, an online application is assigned straight away, so have your new plates ready: you must fit them before you next drive the vehicle. You can also apply by post.

The DVLA then sends a new V5C logbook showing the new registration. The vehicle's original registration is kept on record and goes back on the vehicle if you ever take the private number off. If the vehicle already has a private number, take that off first or you could lose the right to it.

After assigning

Once the new registration is on the vehicle:

• Order physical plates from a registered number plate supplier that follow the number plate rules
• Tell your insurer about the change
• Update any parking permits, toll accounts or breakdown cover that use the registration

Can't assign it yet?

That's fine. The registration stays safely on the certificate until you're ready, as long as the certificate is in date. You can't put a private number on a Q-registered vehicle.