Keep your plate
If your registration is on a car and you want to take it off, without losing it, you retain it.
Retaining simply separates the plate from the vehicle while keeping it yours. The DVLA issues a document called a V778, which confirms you still control the registration.
When would you do this?
Usually because you're selling the car but want to keep the plate. Or you're moving it to another vehicle. Or just holding onto it for later.
What is a V778?
Think of it as proof that the plate has been taken off the vehicle and is safely in your name. Once retained, it's no longer on the car, but it can go on another vehicle whenever you're ready, or just sit safely on the certificate. It's valid for 10 years, and you can renew it before it expires if you need more time.
What needs to be in place
For retention to go through cleanly, the vehicle usually needs to be registered with the DVLA, have valid tax, a valid MOT if required, or be correctly declared SORN. If something isn't in order, we'll flag it early.
How it works
Retention is done through a DVLA application. You can handle it yourself online, or if you’d like we'll take care of it, making sure the plate is removed properly, the replacement registration is issued and everything lines up before we submit.
No missed steps. No delays from small errors.
What happens next
Once retained, the plate can go on a different vehicle whenever you're ready. Or keep it safely on the certificate until you need it.
It's yours. No rush.