What happens to the existing registration number?
When you assign a new personalised number to a vehicle, the previous number is no longer associated with it and DVLA keep this aside for future use on that vehicle if and when it is required to revert to the original. However, you may want to keep the previous number. Reasons for this could include:
- The previous number is personalised (has a value) and you wish to use on another vehicle or perhaps sell it.
To keep the previous number you need to apply to the DVLA to retain it using either a V317 application form to transfer or retain a vehicle registration number along with appropriate fee and V5C document. This can also be done online.
