How to transfer a private number plate before selling
Keep your cherished plate when you sell your car: retention, transfer, costs and timings.
Written by the SellMyPremiumCar valuation team · Reviewed against live UK market data · Updated October 2026
To keep a private number plate when you sell your car, apply to the DVLA online to take it off the vehicle and put it on retention (an £80 fee). You'll get a V778 retention document and a new V5C showing the car's original registration. Do this before you sell.
- £80
- DVLA retention fee
- V778
- Retention document
- 10 yrs
- Length of a retention certificate
- Before sale
- Must be done before the car is sold
Retention
Apply online with the V5C. The car is reissued with its original age-related registration.
Transferring to another car
Use the V778 to assign the plate to a new car once it's registered in your name.
Timing
Online changes are often instant, but allow time for the new V5C to arrive before completing the sale.
Step by step
- 1
Apply for retention
Do it on GOV.UK using your V5C.
- 2
Fit the new plates
Use the original registration.
- 3
Sell the car
Hand over the updated V5C.
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Sources & methodology
Figures are indicative and based on UK market data and official guidance, reviewed by our valuation team. Prices vary with specification, condition and market conditions.