In the United Kingdom, if you own a vehicle with a personalised registration number (i.e. a personalised number plate), you may decide to retain the registration number on a Retention Document.
This document is issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and allows you to keep the registration number without having it assigned to a vehicle. There are several reasons why you may want to retain a number plate, including:
- Personalisation: Some people like to keep a cherished registration number as a personal asset and to use it on future vehicles. By retaining the number plate, you can ensure that it’s yours to keep and won’t be lost if you decide to sell your current vehicle.
- Investment: Personalised number plates can be a valuable asset, and some people purchase them as an investment. By retaining the number plate, you can hold onto it until you find a buyer who is willing to pay a high price for it.
- Transfer: If you’re planning to sell your current vehicle and purchase a new one, you may want to retain the registration number to use on the new vehicle. This can be especially useful if the personalised number plate has sentimental value or is easily recognisable.
The number plate retention process
Now, let’s take a look at the process of putting a UK vehicle number plate on retention:
Step 1: Obtain a V317 form
To put a UK vehicle number plate on retention, you will need to fill out a V317 form. This form can be obtained online from the DVLA website, or you can request a paper form.
You may also simply use the DVLA website at the following link between the hours of 7am and 7pm: https://www.personalisedvehicleregistration.service.gov.uk/retain/en/vehicle-lookup
Step 2: Provide information about the vehicle and the registration number
You will need to provide information about the vehicle, including its make and model, as well as details about the personalised registration number you wish to retain.
Step 3: Pay the fee
There is a fee to put a UK vehicle number plate on retention, and you will need to pay this fee when you submit the V317 form. The current fee is £80, and it can be paid by credit or debit card, cheque, or postal order.
Step 4: Send the form to the DVLA
If you opted for a paper form, once you have filled out the V317 form and paid the fee, you will need to send the form to the DVLA. Online applications will be sent immediately upon completion.
Step 5: Receive your Retention Document
After the DVLA receives your V317 form and processes your payment, they will send you a Retention Document. This document will confirm that you have retained the personalised registration number and that it is yours to use in the future.
Your vehicle will then return to its original age-based number plate.
Retention prerequisites
To retain a UK vehicle number plate, there are a few prerequisites that you should be aware of. These include:
- Ownership: You must be the registered keeper of the vehicle that the personalised registration number is currently assigned to.
- Tax and MOT: The vehicle must have valid road tax (or SORN) and a current MOT certificate if it is over three years old. If the vehicle is not taxed or does not have a valid MOT, you will need to renew these before you can apply to retain the number plate.
- Outstanding fines: There should not be any outstanding fines or penalties associated with the registration number or the vehicle itself.
- No active transfer: You cannot retain a number plate if there is an active application for a transfer or if the registration number is currently assigned to another vehicle.
It is important to ensure that you meet all these prerequisites before applying to retain a UK vehicle number plate. Failure to meet these requirements may result in your application being rejected or delayed.
In conclusion, putting a UK vehicle number plate on retention can be a useful way to keep a cherished registration number and use it on future vehicles.
By following the above steps, you can retain your personalised number plate and receive a Retention Document from the DVLA.