Personalised Registration Numbers

Treat yourself: A new (or even not so new) car looks even better with a personalised registration number. Now you can search online and find the number you're looking for in just a few moments. Personal number plates are no longer an accessory reserved just for the rich and famous - you can probably get your own initials on a number plate for as little as a few hundred Pounds.

Use the form below to see if the personalised registration number you want is available now: 

Requirements For Transferring A Personalise Registration Number

Registration numbers are assigned to vehicles. In order to transfer a number from one vehicle to another, both vehicles have to be licenced and, if appropriate, MOT'd and be available for inspection.

However, in certain circumstances, it may be possible for the donor vehicle to be unlicenced  if the licence for it expired no more than 6 months pror to the date of application, OR if the donor is not old enough to be MOT tested (less than 3 years for cars, motorcycles etc, 1 year for an HGV).

In all cases, recipient vehicles must be licenced in order for a transfer to be arranged.

Non testable vehicles such as electric vehicles, tractors and other agricultural machinery cannot participate in a number transfer.

To Apply For a Cherished Transfer

The transfer of a personal registration number is called a "Cherished Transfer".

In order to apply for a transfer you need to complete a form V317, available from the local DVLA office. The V317 has a tear-off sheet containing notes for guidance in question and answer form.

When you go to do the transfer, you'll need  a completed V317 form, the V5/V5C registration document/certificate for both vehicles (or a form V55 if the recipient vehicle is new and not previously registered) and a valid, current test certificate for each vehicle that needs one.

You'll also need the currect transfer fee, which at the time of writing, is £80.

If either of the vehicles needs licensing at the same time, you'll also need to complete a V10 licence application form or the V11 licence reminder form, together with an up to dat certificate of insurance or original cover note.

If visiting the local licensing office, you will need any current vehicle licence from both vehicles and the VIN/Chassis number.

The local vehicle licensing office might wish to inspect either or both of the vehicles involved in the transfer. (They check the engine and chassis numbers to ensure they match the information on the registration documents).

Assuming that everything is in order, the donor vehicle will be allocated a replacement registration number appropriate to the age of the vehicle and the tax disc(s) and MOT (where appropriate) will be amended to show the new registration number.

The original tax disc must be surrendered for cancellation.

Once done, all papers are sent to DVLA in Swansea and new regsitration documents will be issued and posted out in approximately 4 weeks time.

Since January 2003, the DVLA has held a regsiter of number plate suppliers in England and Wales. Your new numbers should only be made up by a registered supplier.

To have your number plate made up you will need to go to a registered supplier taking with you proof of entitlement to purchase the plates, which could be one of the following:

• A current photocard driving licence (this is the preferred form of identity), or
  
• Bank/Building society statement or a recent utility bill with one of the following;
  
• Current paper driving licence
  
• Passport
  
• Credit/debit card with photograph
  
• Travel pass card with photograph
  
• Foreign national identity card.