How do I keep my private registration safe whilst it’s on a government certificate?

You may have had your vehicle registration mark (VRM) on retention since your purchase or since you took it off your vehicle. Use these tips to ensure it is safe.

1. Store Your Retention Certificate Securely
   • Keep your V750 or V778 certificate in a safe, locked location. Never share your certificate details with untrusted parties. If you think details may have been shared, order a new one ASAP. This can be done by getting in touch with the company you purchased the registration mark from. (If this was the DVLA, you would be able to log into your online account and request a duplicate certificate, please note this is not available for V778 holders).
2. Be Aware of Expiry Dates and create your diary reminders
   • Retention certificates are valid for 10 years. Set reminders on your phone or calendar to renew well before the certificate expires. The DVLA will only allow you to renew your registration within 28 days before the expiry date.
3. Check Your Contact Information & keep it up to date

Check your certificate today - Use our step by step guide

Step 1: Are you in possession of a certificate (V750/V778)?

✅ Yes

• Proceed to step 2

🛑 No

• If a number plate agent, like Plates4Less, is holding your transfer documentation
• If you have lost your certificate

Step 2: Is the Certificate in Your Details?

✅ Yes - Great! Now do the following

• Check the certificate number is valid

  You can check your certificate’s validity on the GOV website (This can only be used for V750W certificates) or by starting the online vehicle assignment process - you don’t need to complete the assignment to verify the document.

• Diarise the key date as a reminder (expiry for renewal). Ensure to store it safely.

🛑 No

• Proceed to Step 3

Step 3: Who Is the Registered Keeper (printed as Grantee/ Nominee on the certificate)?

🛑 It’s in My Name but at an Old Address

• Update your address with DVLA ASAP!
• The DVLA will only try and contact you using the old address, so you’ll not know about renewal or other changes. See here for how to update your address.

✅ It is in the Name and Address of someone I trust (e.g. a family member)

• Check the certificate number is valid

  You can check your certificate’s validity on the GOV website (This can only be used for V750W certificates) or by starting the online vehicle assignment process - you don’t need to complete the assignment to verify the document.

• Diarise the key date as a reminder (expiry for renewal). Ensure to store it safely.

✅ It is being held/ handled by a trusted number plate agent (like VRM Swansea, Plates4less)

• You have a contract with an established number plate dealer ensuring they’ll assign and renew the registration?
• Great! You are in safe hands. Read more here

🛑 I do not know the person printed on my certificate and/or do not trust them completely

• Proceed to step 4

Step 4: Someone I do not know or trust completely is listed on my certificate

If you’ve purchased a private registration mark from another seller - whether it’s another number plate dealer or through a marketplace like eBay - you may easily be at risk of losing the rights to the registration (and your money) if it’s still on a certificate in someone else’s name.

Many dealers and private sellers supply certificates directly to buyers without completing a proper transfer process. While this may seem convenient and is cheaper than fresh certification, it leaves you vulnerable because, under DVLA rules, the Grantee on the certificate still holds full legal control over the registration mark - even if you’ve paid for it.

The Risk

If you have received a certificate with someone else’s name on it, you do not yet have secure ownership of the registration.

The original Grantee (the previous owner) can:

• Cancel the certificate at any time by requesting a replacement from the DVLA, which would make your current document invalid.
• Sell the registration to someone else or complete the transfer themselves, leaving you with no rights to the mark.
• Refuse to assist with the transfer or renewals, meaning you cannot use the registration and may lose your money. This risk exists because DVLA rules do not allow ownership to be legally changed while a registration is retained on a certificate.

How to Secure The Ownership of Your Registration

To take full legal control and ensure you don’t lose your registration, you must complete a transfer onto a vehicle as soon as possible. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Assign the registration to a vehicle – The only way to properly transfer ownership is to apply the registration to a vehicle that you own or have permission from the registered keeper of another vehicle.
2. Once it’s on a vehicle, you can immediately transfer it back onto a retention certificate in your name if you wish (retain online if the vehicle is in your name or via a V317 postal application form if not).

Dealer-Held Registrations: Why You May Not Receive a Certificate Immediately

If you’ve purchased a registration mark from a trusted dealer like ourselves, there are significant benefits to having them hold and securely manage the rights to your registration. A reputable dealer ensures your registration is properly handled and protected, reducing the risks associated with private sales. If you have a contract with the dealer to supply the registration—whether immediately or at a later date—this provides legal assurance that they must fulfil the agreement.

Why You May Not Receive a Certificate Immediately

In some cases, a dealer like ourselves may hold a registration on your behalf rather than releasing the certificate to you. This is typically done for two reasons:

• To save you the cost of recertification – Instead of issuing a new certificate via a donor vehicle process, the dealer retains control and ensures the transfer is completed for you when needed.
• Data Protection: To safeguard the details of the previous owner – Some registrations are held under an investor’s details, with a separate contract in place between the investor and the dealer.

As long as you have a clear agreement with the dealer that they will assign the registration to you when required, there is no cause for concern. This approach provides a safeguard while keeping costs down, and it is only done in specific cases where it benefits the buyer.