Many of our customers approach us about transferring their registration plate from their old car to their new one online. Maybe you’re wondering about this very topic, too.

Allow us to help you. In this article, we’ll show you exactly how the online process of using your existing license plate for your next vehicle works. We’ll fill you in on the essentials and keep you from making costly mistakes.

As you will discover, online license plate transferral is easier than the traditional paper-based method. But it comes with its all-important details. So let’s start and get you prepared.

If you’re pressed for time and don’t want to to go through a lengthy article, we can totally relate. That’s why we’ll start off with a 7-point step-by-step-guide before going into the nitty gritty.

Step #1: Check eligibility

You may be surprised to hear this, but you can not transfer your license plate from and to all cars by default.

If you’re either driving an imported vehicle or intend to purchase one, you may have to go through additional checks. This is because every car on UK roads must fulfill very specific requirements. This may not be the case with an imported model.

The same goes for modified vehicles. Although it has to be said that these checks are not just part of the license transfer process – they are part of a wider check for road safety, emission standards etc.

What does this mean for you? Simple: Ensure that both vehicles involved in the transfer are eligible for registration plate transfers. Imported vehicles, vehicles with cherished registration plates, or those undergoing certain modifications may have additional requirements or restrictions.

Step #2: Gather documents

Once you’ve made sure that your car meets the eligibility criteria, you can initiate the online registration process.

Everything starts with putting together all the necessary documents for the transfer. These include:

• the V5C Registration Certificate (logbook) for both vehicles,
• a valid MOT certificate for the vehicle receiving the transferred registration plate,
  valid insurance for both vehicles, and
• a debit or credit card for online payment.

What if I can’t find my registration documents?

That’s an obvious and important question. Thankfully, losing one or more of your documents is not the end of the world.

• If you cannot find the V5C Registration Certificate for either the vehicle you are transferring the license plate from or the one you are transferring it to, you will need to apply for a replacement. You can request a replacement V5C document from the DVLA either online or by completing and sending a V62 form, along with the applicable fee.
• If you cannot locate the MOT certificate for the vehicle receiving the transferred license plate, you can not simply ask for a new copy. Instead, you will need to obtain a current valid MOT. Just follow the usual procedure: Schedule an MOT test at an authorised testing center for the vehicle. If the vehicle passes the test, you will receive a new MOT certificate.
• Contact your insurance provider to obtain the necessary documentation if you cannot find your insurance certificates. They can provide you with updated insurance documents or proof of coverage.

Do you have all the required documentation for your online car plate transfer? Great, then let’s continue.

Step #3: Visit the Online platform

To carry out the transfer, visit the official online platform designated for registration plate transfers in the UK.

There, simply follow the step-by-step instructions provided.

You will be guided through the process of submitting your documents electronically. Make sure to enter accurate and complete information to avoid any delays or complications.

Step #4: Pay

Transferring a registration plate from car to car in the UK will set you back £80. You can pay this transfer fee using a valid debit or credit card. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with processing your transfer request.

At the moment, these two types of payment are your only options. Paypal ist not yet possible, nor is a direct account withdrawal. If you don’t currently have either of these, apply for one at your bank or check out the various non-bank options at your disposal.

Step #5: Verification, processing and confirmation

Done? Now all you have to do is wait. Rest assured, car registration is usually a swift and efficient process. You can expect it to be complemented after around 5 working says. This is the time it takes to check on the documents you’ve provided as well as eligibility.

Once your transfer is approved, you will receive confirmation of the successful transfer.

This is also the moment that you should receive your updated documents, including a new V5C Registration Certificate for the vehicle receiving the transferred registration plate.

Still need help?

As you can see, the process is usually simple and intuitive.

That said, some drivers are still encountering issues. If you are, too, and would like your dealer to be involved every step of the way, we’re here to help. We really want to make sure you get it right. Give us a call at 0800 093 3385 if you’re looking to finance a car but would like to keep your registration plate.

Failure to perform the registration correctly or at all can have serious consequences.

What happens if I don’t transfer the registration?

If you fail to transfer the registration plates to the new vehicle, it can lead to legal complications.

The new owner of the vehicle you sold may continue using the plates registered under your name, which can result in issues such as traffic violations or incorrect liability for toll charges or parking fines. Essentially, you’d become responsible for the actions of another driver.

To avoid these problems, it is crucial to complete the transfer process in a timely manner.

So … do I absolutely need to transfer my registration plate?

That’s a great question. In fact, you do not need to transfer your license plate at all. If you prefer, simply apply for a new plate instead and leave your previous one behind.

So why all this talk about people going through all the abovementioned steps to make sure they can keep their current plate?

Here are a few of the reasons:

• Personal relationship: As humans, we form attachments and bonds with the strangest things. And sometimes, you may even come to cherish your number plate. For sentimental reasons, because it reminds you of something or because you picked it out for a particular reason in the first place. We’ve written an article about the market for particularly desired plates before – and that trend will continue.
• Easy to remember: Maybe you have a special relationship with your registration plate, maybe you don’t. But even if you don’t, you may still want to retain your current one because it’s either easy to remember of because you’ve internalised it by now.
• Transferring your existing registration plate to a new car is cheaper than getting an all-new one. The difference isn’t huge. But it can still be a reason for opting for a transfer rather than a brand new application.

Whether it’s a matter of personalisation, cost efficiency, brand continuity, or personal preference, transferring your license plate offers you the opportunity to customise their vehicle your while adhering to legal requirements.

When it comes to license plate transfers between different car models?

The process of transferring registration plates online remains largely consistent across different car models. So whether you’re buying a Dacia or a Bentley, a 20-year old Toyota or a brand new Mercedes won’t affect the procedures as stipulated in our step-by-step-guide.

There’s one notable exception we already mentioned: Imported vehicles. Since authorities need to make sure that these meet all UK standards for road safety and other areas, you will have to check their eligibility first. Strictly speaking, however, this is not a license plate issue.

In case of doubt, it’s advisable to consult official sources or seek professional advice specific to your vehicle model to ensure compliance with the transfer process requirements.

How has the online license plate transfer process changed?

Some people will always complain that things were so much better in the past. We won’t try to change their mind. One thing’s for sure, though: When it comes to transferring your car plate, this is certainly not true.

If you’re a car driver in the UK looking to transfer your registration plates from one vehicle to another, you’ll be pleased to know that the process has become much simpler and more convenient.

The Internet allows you to complete all related administrative task from the comfort of your own home. In the traditional process, transferring registration plates meant visiting a local Vehicle Registration Office or post office, dealing with paperwork, and undergoing manual verification. This often involved long queues, potential mistakes on paperwork, and the hassle of physically submitting documents.

If you should notice that you’re missing one or more documents, applying for a replacement is far less of a hassle. And if all fails, getting help by email or looking for articles like this one will resolve the issue quickly.

Generally speaking, the online registration plate transfer process is designed to be user-friendly and straightforward. With clear instructions provided on the official online platform, you can navigate the process with ease.

How expensive is a license plate transfer in the UK?

Thankfully, transferring your registration plate isn’t one of the most expensive things in the world when it comes to buying a new car.

The transfer fee will set you back £80. This covers the administrative costs associated with processing your transfer request. Note that this fee is exactly the same if you opt to perform the process in the traditional way. The key advantage of the online process lies in its convenience and efficiency, allowing you to complete the transfer from the comfort of your own home.

The transfer fee does usually compare favourably against applying for an entirely different license plate. Especially if you would like a highly coveted letter or number combination, the costs can even rise to dizzying levels.

Of course, you may have to add Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) to this. If the vehicle receiving the transferred registration plate falls within a different VED band, you’ll need to pay the applicable rate.

Potential Issues and Problems

While the online registration plate transfer process is designed to be smooth and hassle-free, there are potential issues that may arise:

• Vehicle eligibility: Not all vehicles are eligible for registration plate transfers. If you have an imported vehicle, a vehicle with cherished registration plates, or a vehicle undergoing certain changes, additional checks and verifications may be required. This could complicate the transfer process. The best way to avoid these issues is to either not buy an imported vehicle as a general rule – or to check on eligibility prior to committing to the purchase.
• Outstanding finance or other restrictions: If the vehicle involved in the transfer has outstanding finance or other restrictions, the transfer may be delayed or even denied until these issues are resolved.
• Incorrect documentation: We’ve spoken about missing documents before in this article. But there’s more to this. Make sure that all information on the V5C Registration Certificate and other required documents is accurate and complete as well. Mistakes or missing details can cause delays or rejection of your transfer request. Take the time to double-check all the provided information before initiating the transfer process.
• Technical glitches: While online platforms strive to provide a seamless experience, technical issues such as website crashes or system failures can occur. These glitches may disrupt the transfer process. To safeguard yourself, it’s advisable to keep digital copies of all the documents you submit.

What to do if you’re unsure?

Still not entirely comfortable about transferring your registration plate? Then we’ve got good news.

First of all, you can contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if you have questions or need assistance regarding the transfer of your license plate. The DVLA is responsible for vehicle registration and licensing in the UK and can provide you with guidance on the registration plate transfer process.

You can do this by calling the DVLA helpline, sending them a message through their DVLA Online Contact Form … or even sending them a letter. (of course, it would be slightly ironic to do this concerning an issue with their online process.)

But you don’t need to go through these official channels. Instead, for our customers, we love to assist in the process. If you would like to keep the plate on your current car for your next one, just tell us. We can make sure you take the right steps, check eligibility and help you prevent from making mistakes.