Frequently Asked Questions
Can I purchase now and use it for a future occasion like a birthday or Christmas?
Yes, you can! During checkout, provide the “Nominee Name” for the person who will use the plate. Registrations are typically valid for 10 years from the purchase date and can be assigned to a vehicle anytime during that period. The £80 transfer fee is paid upfront and won’t need to be paid again when assigning it to a vehicle.
Can I get the registration on a retention certificate?
In most cases, yes. Retention certificates are valid for 10 years, allowing you to assign the registration to a vehicle at any point during that time. Please get in touch to confirm availability for your specific registration: info@reg-now.co.uk.
What happens to the current plate on my vehicle?
If it’s the original plate, the DVLA reassigns it when the private plate is removed. For an existing private plate, you must transfer or retain it using a V317 form and an £80 DVLA fee.
Does transferring a plate affect tax and MOT?
Tax and MOT are updated to reflect the new registration during the transfer.
Do I need to inform my insurer about a registration change?
Yes, notify your insurer to update their records. This won’t affect your premium.
Can I assign a private plate to a leased or Motability vehicle?
Yes, we provide all necessary documents for transferring the plate to these vehicles.
Can registrations be an investment?
They can! if you’re lucky enough to find a registration that becomes highly in-demand you could see the plate dramatically increase in value.
Can the transfer be completed on a specific date?
Typically, transfers take 1-15 working days once we receive your documents, so we can’t guarantee an exact date. However, for Christmas, please contact us with your date requirement for a guarantee of delivery timeinfo@reg-now.co.uk
Can Northern Ireland plates be used on UK vehicles?
Yes, NI plates are dateless and can be used on any UK vehicle, regardless of age.
Can UK plates be used on Northern Irish vehicles?
Yes, UK plates can be transferred to NI vehicles without additional costs.
Can I buy a private number plate without having a vehicle?
Yes, all registrations can be supplied on a retention certificate valid for 10 years. You have until the certificate’s expiry to assign the plate to a vehicle.
How long does it take to transfer a registration?
Private number plates can be supplied within 7 working days. Once received, the included instructions guide you through transferring the registration with the DVLA at no extra cost.
Are there restrictions on transferring a registration mark?
Yes, you cannot transfer plates to:
- Vehicles with a ‘Q’ registration.
- Vehicles exempt from annual roadworthiness tests (e.g., agricultural vehicles, steamrollers, or milk floats).
- A vehicle to make it appear newer than its manufacture date.
Can I transfer a plate to a motorcycle or moped?
Yes, you can transfer plates to motorcycles and mopeds.
Can I buy a registration in someone else’s name?
Yes, you can purchase it under the recipient’s name (the “Nominee”), making it an ideal gift.
Can I pay the DVLA fee later?
No, the £80 transfer fee is paid upfront at purchase and covers the future transfer.
Do I need the vehicle’s current registration to buy a plate?
No, we only need the name of the person or business to whom the plate will be issued.
Can you help me sell a registration?
We can! We can include it in search results. Please get in touch info@reg-now.co.uk
What documents are needed to transfer a registration?
You’ll need your vehicle’s latest V5C document reference number (the 11-digit number on the V5C) or a DVLA certificate number, plus the postcode of the registered keeper. If you select our Paperwork Service we’ll be in touch shortly after your purchase to request these details.
If you’re not transferring immediately, no documents are needed.
How will my physical plates be delivered?
Plates are dispatched via Royal Mail 1st Class Tracked and typically arrive the next business day.
Do you provide physical number plates?
Yes, if selected at checkout, we’ll print and supply plates and send them fast-track. Options include Acrylic, 3D-Gel resin, squared 3D 3mm and 4mm lettering (4D) and 4D gel finish. To do so select the plate printing option at checkout.
What happens to my registration if I sell my vehicle?
You have three options:
- Sell the vehicle with the registration.
- Transfer the registration to another vehicle (£80 DVLA fee).
- Place it on a retention certificate for up to 10 years (£80 DVLA fee).
Do I need to transfer the registration immediately if I choose the Fully Managed Transfer Service?
No, our Fully Managed Transfer Service lets you transfer the registration to a vehicle whenever you’re ready.
What happens to my old registration after I buy a new one?
When you assign a new registration to your vehicle, the old one typically reverts to the DVLA’s pool of available numbers. To keep your old registration, you’ll need to request a retention certificate from the DVLA. RegNow can assist with this for a small fee, contact us here info@reg-now.co.uk
Are there restrictions on assigning age-related registrations?
Yes, you cannot assign a registration mark that makes a vehicle appear newer than its actual age. For example, a 2020 registration cannot be applied to a 2015 vehicle. However, dateless registrations can be assigned to vehicles of any age.