A private number plate does not permanently belong to a car. In the United Kingdom, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) records the registration mark against a vehicle, yet the right to keep or transfer that mark sits with the person named on the V5C log book as the registered keeper. The registered keeper manages the vehicle’s day-to-day responsibility, which differs from legal ownership. That distinction often causes confusion during sales, gifts, or company vehicle changes.
When a private plate sits on a vehicle, the DVLA links that mark to the vehicle record. This link controls what appears on the number plates and on official documents, such as the V5C. Once you sell the car, the registration mark stays with the vehicle unless you remove it or transfer it before the sale. A buyer may assume the plate forms part of the deal, so clear agreement matters. If you plan to keep the plate, you must arrange retention or transfer through the DVLA and ensure the vehicle returns to its original registration before handing it over. You should also allow time for confirmation, as processing can take several days.
When selling a car with a private plate, three routes exist: retain the registration, transfer it to another vehicle, or sell the car with the plate included. Retention suits sellers who want to keep the mark for future use. In practice, the seller removes the plate from the vehicle and the car reverts to its original registration (or receives an age-related mark), after which the sale proceeds on that standard registration.
A transfer works when another vehicle already exists and can accept the mark. The seller assigns the plate to that vehicle, subject to eligibility rules and timing. Both retention and transfer usually require an application to the DVLA, and the seller should wait for confirmation before fitting plates or completing handover.
Including the private plate in the sale means the buyer receives the car with that registration. That approach can increase appeal, yet it needs clear paperwork. The sale contract should state that the registration forms part of the transaction, since the seller may not be able to reclaim the mark once the vehicle changes keeper.
Use the DVLA personalised registrations service to either retain a private plate (place it on retention) or transfer it to another vehicle. Start the process before completing the sale, since the vehicle must normally stay taxed and available for inspection if the DVLA requests it.
Expect to pay a DVLA fee for retention or transfer. Online applications often complete quickly, while postal applications can take longer. Once the DVLA approves the change, the current vehicle reverts to its original registration or receives an age-related mark. The DVLA then issues an updated V5C log book, and the seller must fit the replacement number plates before handing the car over.
Do not cancel insurance or change keeper details until the DVLA confirms the update, as mismatched records can delay the sale. If timing matters, use the online route and allow time for the new V5C to arrive.
Many problems arise when sellers change the registration but forget to update related records. Inform the insurer as soon as the vehicle reverts to its original or age-related registration, since cover links to the registration mark. Ask the insurer to confirm the change in writing and check that any automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) checks will still match the policy.
Next, ensure the V5C log book reflects the correct registration at the point of sale. If the DVLA has not issued the updated V5C yet, explain the position to the buyer and provide evidence of the completed application, such as the DVLA confirmation email or reference number. Avoid handing over a V5C that shows the private plate if the car will not leave with that mark, as it can trigger delays with taxing, insuring, or registering keeper changes.
Clear buyer communication prevents disputes. State in writing which registration the buyer will receive, when replacement plates will be fitted, and whether any retention certificate remains with the seller. Align the advert, invoice, and handover documents to the same registration to reduce the risk of complaints after collection.
