Private Plates FAQ
Everything you need to know. Plain English. No jargon. Not sure about something?
Ask
us before you buy. We'd rather check it with you than fix it later.
Buying basics
The right to display a registration on a vehicle. Not the letters as intellectual property. Just the DVLA entitlement to use them.
Yes. As long as it's transferred properly through the DVLA.
If it's on our site, it's available. If anything changes before your purchase completes, you won't be left out of pocket.
What you see is what you pay. Optional extras like Priority Transfer or physical plates are shown separately at checkout. Nothing hidden.
Yes. Put it in their name, or buy a voucher and let them choose.
Some are fixed. Others allow offers. If offers are possible, we'll tell you.
Will it work on my vehicle?
A plate can't make a vehicle look newer than it is. The earliest vehicle age it can go on is shown on the product page.
No. The DVLA won't allow it.
Yes. That's fine.
In most cases yes. It needs to be tax and MOT eligible. If you're unsure, ask us.
Often fine. It depends on the situation. We'll guide you.
Vehicles with a Q registration have restrictions on transfers, so in most cases no. If you're not sure whether this applies to you, ask us before buying.
Both are possible. There are format and sizing differences. We'll make sure it's done properly.
Yes. Very common. Hold it on a certificate and put it on a vehicle later.
Certificates
A certificate from the DVLA confirming you have the right to use a brand-new registration. You might see it called a Certificate of Entitlement. That's what it is.
A certificate confirming a registration has been taken off a vehicle and is being held for later use. You might see it called a Retention Certificate. You don't need to memorise either name. We'll tell you what you're receiving.
Up to 10 years. The expiry date is printed on it.
The registration can be lost. Keep an eye on the date. If you're not ready to use it, just let us know and we'll help.
Often yes, within DVLA rules.
There's a DVLA replacement process, but it takes time. Keep it somewhere safe.
The purchaser holds the entitlement. The nominee is the person who'll actually use it. Simple version: nominee is who it's going on.
Transfers
Yes. Select Priority Transfer at checkout and we'll deal with the DVLA.
Usually a few details from your logbook and some confirmations. We'll tell you exactly what's needed.
Yes. Secure the plate first. Send the details when you're ready.
Yes. We'll supply the certificate and you can put it on a vehicle when you're ready.
Certificates often arrive within 7 to 10 days. Transfers can be quick once everything is in place, but DVLA timings can vary. If timing matters, tell us early.
Sometimes. It depends on DVLA rules and your vehicle situation. Let us know early and we'll do what we can.
Timelines and delivery
If it's on a certificate, it's posted to you. The DVLA typically takes 7 to 10 days. If we're managing the transfer, we'll confirm when it's complete.
Only once the transfer is officially complete. We'll tell you when you're good to go.
The DVLA can take longer than expected. We'll keep you updated and explain what\'s happening.
What if something goes wrong?
It depends why. Vehicle eligibility issues or incorrect details can delay or stop the process. That's why we check everything before we submit anything.
Yes. It's rare, but if a registration is deemed offensive, they do have that power.
If a third-party plate becomes unavailable, you won't be stuck. We'll refund you or help you find an alternative.
It depends on the stage and type of plate. The process starts quickly and plates are personalised rights. If flexibility matters to you, a gift voucher is usually the safest option.
Keeping your existing plate
Yes, but tell us before we submit the new transfer. We'll make sure it's retained properly and nothing gets lost.
It usually goes back to the DVLA automatically unless you retain it first.
Yes. You take it off one vehicle and put it on another.
Physical plates
No. But if you do, they'll be printed legally and correctly.
Yes, if made to current standards. We only supply compliant options.
No. We won't print illegal spacing or misrepresented characters.
Once your entitlement is confirmed and, if relevant, the transfer is complete.
Let us know. We'll sort it.
Payments and finance
Yes, if finance is available at checkout. It's subject to eligibility and the provider's checks. Just check you qualify when you get there.
Klarna, not GoReg. They handle the lending. We handle the plate.
Fraud prevention. It protects you and keeps the transfer secure.
Edge cases
Yes. Businesses do it all the time.
You may need approval from the lease company first, but in most cases it's fine. Worth checking before you buy.
It can still work. Gifts, company cars and similar situations are common. It just needs to follow DVLA rules. Tell us early.
Usually yes. You're buying the entitlement, not a licence.
There are extra nuances. If NI is involved, speak to us before you buy.
The DVLA can refuse or withdraw it. If you're unsure, ask before buying.
Special situations
If it still exists and hasn't been scrapped, the registration can often be retained before disposal. If it's already been scrapped, it gets much harder, sometimes impossible. Speak to us before taking any action.
If it's recovered and still registered correctly, transfers can usually go ahead. If it's not recovered and has been removed from DVLA records, recovering the plate may not be possible. Tell us the situation and we'll explain your options.
Once a vehicle is scrapped and removed from DVLA records, the registration is usually lost. If it still exists, even if it's not roadworthy, there may still be options. Timing matters here.
Some vehicles, often imports, kit cars or special registrations, are marked as non-transferable by the DVLA. If that's the case, the registration can't be sold or retained separately. Send us a copy of the logbook and we'll check.
Agricultural and specialist vehicles are usually excluded from the standard transfer scheme. Not sure where yours fits? We'll confirm.
NI plates can usually go on mainland vehicles, but the format rules are different. If NI is involved, we'll make sure it's done correctly.
Isle of Man registrations follow a different system. It's more nuanced than a standard transfer. Speak to us before buying or selling if this applies to you.
MOT exemption doesn't automatically mean you can transfer. DVLA rules still apply around vehicle status and eligibility. We'll check it with you before anything is submitted.
Usually no. Once a vehicle is permanently removed from DVLA records, the registration goes with it. If you think there might be an exception, talk to us before assuming it's gone.
Not safely. If you scrap it before the plate is retained or transferred, the registration may be lost. If you're selling or disposing of a vehicle, tell us first so we can protect the plate.
It can usually be transferred, but additional documentation is needed. If probate is involved, let us know early and we'll guide you through what the DVLA needs.
Yes, in some cases. We can help with valuation and structure. Every situation is slightly different.