The key documentation and other requirements to obtain a personal number

If you buy your personal plates straight from DVLA it’s all the easier, as you can be rest assured you get all the necessary paperwork straight after buying the right to own that particular code. There is a list of certificates which can be provided along with the registration number, but make sure you get at least one, especially if you buy from a dealer.
The most often used certificates include the following:

• V778- a retention document
• V750 - the certificate of entitlement
• Online referential number

You can also assign a private registration number online and via post

The key conditions of assignment include the following:

• The vehicle must be a registered vehicle in the territory of the UK
• The vehicle must be available for any inspection if necessary
• The vehicle must be able to move, it should be absolutely driveable
• The vehicle has to have its official, up to date MOT ( the key mechanical exam confirming the vehicle works as intended and it’s safe to be driven on the road) in case it’s a truck then it must hold a valid HGV that equals MOT for trucks.
• The vehicle has to be taxed continuously in the past 5 years. Any interruption of this must be confirmed with a stamped SORN (certificate that shows if a vehicle is taken off the road). Don’t forget, that even with a SORN you can only get away from paying taxes for a maximum amount of 5 years.
• The 11 digit reference number that’s shown on the V5C logbook that’s the primary document for all vehicles which are on the road in the UK.

You cannot put your newly bought personal plates to one of the following types of vehicles:

• If a vehicle is registered as a „Q” which equals the John Doe classification used by FBI.
• If the registration number makes the actual vehicle appear younger than it is. Registration numbers released after 2001 all contain a number that references the year of issuing. This should be older than the age of the vehicle.

The good news is however that you can buy a private registration number even if you do not yet have the vehicle. You will get a certificate of retention, all you need to do is to contact DVLA as soon as you purchase a vehicle, to let them know of your intent to put the personal number on, instead of its original number plate. The certificate can even be enlarged for up to ten years. So, if you want a personal number, before you can pass it to its vehicle, you are free to do so.

You can also swap registration plate in-between vehicles, if you duly inform DVLA about it, the moment it happens. Check out DVLA’s official website or call them freely if you need more information. It’s much better to be informed well before, than getting a number which you wouldn’t be able to use in the future.