TRANSFERRING REGISTRATION NUMBERS: You must also follow a similar process if you have a Northern Ireland registration number.
You can transfer a registration between vehicles if they are registered at the Driver Vehicle and Licensing Agency.
Note: Both of the vehicles must meet the requirements and conditions for transferring registration numbers.
You can transfer a registration onto a vehicle from a different one that is also in your name, onto a car or motorbike that you are buying, or to a vehicle that someone else has. But there are certain conditions you must follow when you are transferring a registration number.
Transfer a Vehicle Registration Number
The three main conditions for transferring registration numbers are that both vehicles:
- Should be registered with the DVLA.
- Are available for inspection.
- Are of a type that requires an MOT check or heavy goods vehicle test certificate (HGV).
Even though both vehicles should have and display current vehicle road tax, in some cases you can still apply for the transfer if the one that currently has the registration number is not taxed, providing:
- The vehicle tax expired within the last 12 months.
- There is no break between the date the vehicle tax runs out and the start of the SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification).
Note: You cannot transfer a registration number which starts with ‘Q’ or ‘NIQ’ (for Northern Ireland registered vehicles) or if doing so will make it appear younger than the vehicle really is.
Transfer a Registration Number Online
If you are registering a vehicle or brand new vehicles at the same time, you need documentation that confirms your identity along with your application form (if you are registering a vehicle yourself).
If you are buying a brand new vehicle, you will need to provide identity documentation to the dealer.
Note: As a rule your name and address checks will not be required if the transfer application is supported by a registration certificate (V5C).
Required Documents
You must include either your photocard driving licence or 1 original document from each of the lists below along with your application.
Documents used to confirm your name can include your:
- Current paper driving licence or passport.
- Marriage certificate or birth certificate.
- Decree nisi or absolute.
Documents used to confirm your address can be your:
- Utility bill from the last 3 months.
- Council tax bill for the current year.
- Bank or building society statement from the last 3 months.
- Medical card.
Having Your Identity Document Returned
Your identity documents are usually returned with your vehicle tax confirmation but you should include a prepaid name and address, self-addressed, special-delivery envelope if you want them returned by special delivery.
Even though DVLA do not guarantee returning your identity documents by any specific date, you should contact them if you have not received the documents within one month of sending your application.
DVLA Vehicle Inspection
The DVLA will contact you to arrange an appointment if they want to inspect the vehicles. Applications are normally approved within two weeks (longer of they make vehicle inspections).
The registration certificates should arrive within four weeks of the confirmation letter and both vehicle certificates should show the new and replacement registration numbers. It may take up to six weeks if a V62 application was used to support the application.
Note: You must not sell or get rid of your vehicle until you receive a new registration certificate. One reason for this is that the new keeper will be entitled to keep the registration number if they want to.
DVLA Personalised Registrations
Read more in a step by step guide explaining how to get a private (personalised) number plate and then assign it or transfer it (e.g. to a car or motorcycle)