Many people choose to have a private number plate on their vehicles for different reasons. Some people do it for fun, while others do it for easier identification. If you are interested in buying private plates for your car, you may find these tips on buying something like this quite helpful.
Be Flexible, But Set A Budget
Private number plates are expensive, so you need to think about how much you plan to spend and stick to your budget when you start your search to buy a private plate. Look at the personalised plate options that are in your budget, but also be flexible which may mean a bit of compromise. For example, a dateless registration plate will always cost a lot more than the plates with dates. This may mean you should be rethinking the plate that you want to remain in your budget.
If you have different options that you are interested in when you start your search, you increase your chances of getting the plate that you want. You could also wait for a plate that you really want when the person that currently owns it finally sells it.
Paperwork
All private number plates have to either be held on the vehicles that have a V5 registration document or held on a V778 valid retention certificate. The DVLA requires this type of documentation to transfer this registration number to your car.
If your plate is “still in use”, it then comes on a V5 registration document. If your plate is “not in use”, but is still on a retainer, it will then need to come with the V778 retention document. Both types of documents must have the signature of the individual whose name will appear on the document before the application can be made for transfer to a new vehicle. The person that sells the plate is also required to send a V317 transfer form directly to the DVLA when the registration is transferred from a car or vehicle.
As a buyer, you have a responsibility to collect the necessary documents and send them to the DVLA along with an MOT certificate. Transferring number plates are not difficult, yet the process can be somewhat time-consuming, especially when you are unfamiliar with these types of forms.
‘Q’ plates
If your vehicle features a ‘Q’ in it, then it was either imported (with insufficient paperwork) that determines its age, or it is a kit vehicle that contains parts from other vehicles. The idea behind Q registration numbers is that it distinguishes these vehicles clearly from others. If your car has ‘Q’ in it, you won’t be allowed to apply for personalised number plates.
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