Why do I need to keep my private number plate safe?
Your private number plate is a valuable asset, often holding sentimental or financial value. However, without the right precautions, you could lose ownership due to theft, fraudulent activity, or administrative errors. This guide explains how to protect your vehicle registration mark (VRM), whether it's assigned to a vehicle or held on retention.
A registration mark is held in one of two ways:
- Assigned to a Vehicle - The registration is linked to a specific vehicle and recorded on the V5C (Vehicle Registration Certificate/Logbook).
- Held on a government certificate - The registration is not assigned to a vehicle but instead held on either:
- A V750 Certificate of Entitlement (for marks which have never been assigned to a vehicle).
- A V778 Retention Certificate (for previously assigned marks).
Regardless of how you hold your private number plate, it's crucial to safeguard your rights. This guide explains how to protect your vehicle registration mark (VRM), whether it's assigned to a vehicle or held on retention.
How do I do it?
- How do I keep my private number plate safe on my vehicle?
Tips to keep your vehicle documentation, number plates and registration mark safe and compliant.
- How do move my private reg off my vehicle and safely onto a government certificate?
How to keep or 'retain' your registration mark from a vehicle onto a certificate
- How do I keep my private registration safe whilst it's on a government certificate?
Useful information on how to verify and protect your rights to a registration mark that is held on a Retention Certificate
- What can I do to prevent my valuable DVLA number plate certificate expiring and leaving me with nothing?
How to renew the rights to your registration so you do not lose it!
- I don't want to keep my private registration number any more, what's the safest thing to do with it?
Information about surrendering or passing your registration mark to someone else.
- FAQs - Why is my private number plate at risk and what can I do about it?
Find the most frequently asked questions (and their answers!) related to safeguarding your private number plate
