How can you retain a private number plate?

If you need to retain a private number plate a set of conditions related to the vehicle apply.

You must contact DVLA and put the plate on retention, pay a retention fee and have a new plate place on the vehicle.

It must either have current road tax, or a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). If the SORN has existed for more than five years, the vehicle needs current tax. The vehicle also has to be capable of moving using its power.

This is because DVLA sometimes inspects vehicles. The organisation will get in touch as and when needed.

If you are planning to change or get rid of your car, van or motorbike, then you may need to remove and retain a personalised number plate from the vehicle.

In some cases, you might be purchasing a private number plate as an investment and not intending to use it on a car, motorcycle or van. The following guide will help you when either of these applies to you.

Why do it?

Putting a private number plate on retention gives you the right to assign or sell it in the future. Or maybe you sold your car and want to keep the plate until you get a new one.

A DVLA retention document would protect your rights to the private registration. This lasts for about a decade. Before it expires it can be renewed again extending your rights to the registration.

The alternative to retention is to surrender your right to the private plate. This is not advisable bearing in mind the often-high value of personalised registrations.

Usually people put the old set of plates back on. You can use the existing plates if you still have them or just buy a printed set to replace them.