A 10-year deadline could result in you losing your registration number (Image: Getty Images)
Motorists could face the loss of their personalised licence plates if they overlook a crucial 10-year deadline. Many drivers opt to buy private or customised registrations from the DVLA or private dealers but may be unaware of the ticking clock on renewing these unique identifiers.
The DVLA stipulates that all private numbers must be renewed every decade, or the owner forfeits the right to use it permanently. Moreover, any applications submitted post-expiry will be rejected by the DVLA.
It’s vital to remember that this renewal process is mandatory, even if the registration number isn’t in active use.
How to renew a private number plate
To renew a private number plate, an application must be sent to the DVLA – a service which is free of charge. This involves updating your V750 certificate or V778 retention document, proving you are the holder of the private number.
The DVLA typically sends out reminders via letter or email about the impending expiry of the private number, but these can easily be overlooked. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep track of your deadline.
This is particularly important as applications can take up to 28 days to process and must be submitted on or before the expiry date, not after.
Applications for personalised registration can be submitted online via the used to purchase the number, or by completing and posting the V750 or V778 form to the address provided on the form.
What if I don’t want to keep the private registration number?
If the private number is no longer in use or simply unwanted, it can be sold or gifted. However, it’s crucial to remember that the number must be assigned to the recipient’s vehicle before it can be utilised.
The DVLA advises that private numbers can be sold independently or through a dealer. Motorists are cautioned against sharing photos or scans of the V750 or V778 document, as this could enable someone other than the intended buyer to assign the private number to a different vehicle.
You can change the number registration for someone else’s vehicle as long as you have the vehicle’s logbook (V5C) and your V778 or V750 form on hand.