What To Do After Buying a Private Registration from the DVLA

What To Do After Buying a Private Registration from the DVLA

So, you've just bought a private registration from the DVLA—congratulations! Whether it's your initials, a lucky number, or something meaningful, a private plate is a great way to personalise your vehicle. But what happens next?

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do once you’ve purchased your private registration, including how to assign it to your vehicle, update your insurance, and order replacement number plates.

Step 1: Receive Your V750 Certificate of Entitlement

After purchasing your private registration directly from the DVLA, you’ll receive a V750 Certificate of Entitlement. This proves that you own the right to use the registration. Keep this document safe, as you’ll need it to assign the plate to your vehicle.

Step 2: Assign the Registration to Your Vehicle

You can assign your new registration number to your vehicle online via the DVLA. Here’s how:

1. Visit the official DVLA assignment page:
   https://www.gov.uk/assign-private-number-plate

2. You’ll need:

   • Your V750 Certificate of Entitlement

   • The log book (V5C) for the vehicle you want to assign the number to

   • The vehicle must be registered in your name (or you must be the keeper)

3. The DVLA will update your vehicle’s registration number immediately in most cases.

Once assigned, you’ll receive a new V5C (log book) in the post showing the new registration. This can take up to 5 working days.

Step 3: Order Replacement Number Plates

After assigning the private registration to your vehicle, you’ll need to fit physical number plates showing your new registration.

You can order replacement number plates from:

• Registered number plate suppliers

• Car accessory shops

• Some garages or dealerships

To buy legal UK plates, you’ll need to show:

• Proof of ID (e.g., driving licence)

• Proof of entitlement to the registration (e.g., V750 or V5C showing the new number)

Make sure the plates you order follow DVLA legal standards in terms of font, spacing, and reflective materials.

Step 4: Update Your Insurance

Once your new registration is officially assigned to your vehicle, it’s important to update your insurance company immediately.

Provide them with the updated registration number. If you don’t update your insurance, it could cause confusion in the event of a claim or during automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) checks.

Optional: Keep or Transfer the Old Plate

If your vehicle previously had a registration number you want to keep (e.g., to use on another vehicle or sell later), you can retain it by applying through the DVLA before assigning the new plate.

To retain a registration number:

• Apply online or via post

• Pay the DVLA retention fee (usually £80)

• You’ll receive a V778 Retention Document for your old plate

Summary

✅ You’ve bought a registration – now what?

1. Receive your V750 Certificate of Entitlement

2. Assign it to your vehicle online with the DVLA

3. Order new number plates from a registered supplier

4. Update your vehicle insurance with the new reg

5. (Optional) Retain your old plate if needed

Buying and assigning a private registration is simpler than it might seem, but each step is important to make sure your vehicle is road-legal and everything is in order.

If you’re ever unsure, the DVLA website has up-to-date guidance and support.

Got questions or looking for a private plate? Leave a comment or contact us — we’re happy to help!