How to Retain a Number Plate (UK Guide)
Retaining a private number plate lets you keep the registration without assigning it to a vehicle straight away. In the UK, this is normally done through the DVLA and the standard fee to retain is £80.
This guide explains how to retain a private number plate, when you should do it, what documents are involved, how long it takes and what happens once the plate is placed on retention.
What Does Retaining a Number Plate Mean?
Retaining a number plate means removing the registration from a vehicle and keeping the right to use it later.
Once retained, the registration is usually held on a V778 retention document. This allows the plate to be assigned to another eligible vehicle in the future. Once a mark is on retention there is no further cost to assign it to another vehicle.
Step-by-Step: How to Retain a Number Plate
- Check the vehicle is eligible for retention
- Make sure the vehicle is registered with the DVLA
- Ensure the vehicle is taxed or declared SORN
- Check the MOT is valid if required
- Apply online through the DVLA or by post using the correct form
- Pay the £80 DVLA retention fee
- Wait for confirmation and receive the V778 retention document
- Fit replacement plates showing the vehicle’s new or original registration
When Should You Retain a Number Plate?
You should normally retain a number plate before selling, scrapping, part-exchanging or transferring ownership of the vehicle it is currently assigned to. You are best to do this at least one week before selling your vehicle. If the vehicle is leased then allow 3-4 weeks as often an administration company will handle it on behalf of the leasing company.
If you sell the vehicle before retaining the plate, you may lose the right to the registration.
Requirements for Retaining a Number Plate
To retain a registration number, the vehicle must normally:
- Be registered with the DVLA
- Be available for inspection if required
- Be taxed or declared SORN
- Have a valid MOT if applicable
- Be able to move under its own power
You cannot retain every registration. Some registrations are non-transferable and must remain with the vehicle.
How Much Does It Cost to Retain a Number Plate?
The standard DVLA fee to retain a number plate is £80.
This fee usually includes the right to keep the registration on retention and assign it to another eligible vehicle later.
How Long Does Number Plate Retention Take?
Many online retention applications are completed immediately or within a few working days. Postal applications can take longer.
Once the application is approved, the DVLA will normally issue a V778 retention document showing who has the right to use the registration.
What Is a V778 Retention Document?
A V778 is the DVLA retention document used when a private registration has been removed from a vehicle and kept for future use.
The document shows the registration number, the grantee, nominee details if applicable, and the expiry date of the retention period.
Common Problems When Retaining a Registration
- The vehicle does not have a valid MOT where required
- The vehicle is not taxed or properly declared SORN
- The registration is marked as non-transferable
- The V5C logbook details do not match DVLA records
- The vehicle has recently changed keeper
- The vehicle is not available for inspection if requested
Can I Assign the Plate Later?
Yes. Once the number plate is on retention, it can usually be assigned to another eligible vehicle later using the V778 document.
The registration must not make the receiving vehicle appear newer than it is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I retain a number plate online?
Yes, many number plate retention applications can be completed online through the DVLA.
Can I retain a plate before selling my car?
Yes. This is usually the safest option if you want to keep the registration before selling or part-exchanging the vehicle.
Can I retain a number plate from a SORN vehicle?
Yes, provided the vehicle meets DVLA eligibility requirements.
Can I retain a non-transferable registration?
No. If a registration is marked as non-transferable, it cannot normally be retained or moved to another vehicle.
Do I need the V5C logbook?
Yes, the V5C logbook is normally required to apply for retention.
How long can I keep a number plate on retention?
DVLA retention documents are usually valid for a set period and can normally be renewed if required.
Why Trust CarReg?
CarReg has been helping customers retain, transfer, buy and sell personalised number plates since 1988.
Our team deals with DVLA registration transfers, retention documents and private number plate sales for customers across the UK.
We are a DVLA registered supplier and provide expert support whether you are keeping a cherished registration, moving a plate to another vehicle or selling a private number plate.
Last updated: May 2026
