The transferring of a private registration plate from a certificate (V750/V778) to a vehicle is commonly known as 'assignment' or assigning a number plate to a car.

You will need to send the full V5C (log book) for the vehicle, and the certificate, to the DVLA who will arrange to assign the number plate, and you will receive a replacement V5C back in the post showing the new registration. At this point you can inform your insurer of the assignment of a private number plate and display the acrylic plates on the vehicle. Any applicable tax and MOT records will be automatically updated to reflect the newly assigned registration.

Checklist before Assigning a Number Plate To a Car

Before contacting the DVLA about assigning a number plate to a car, there are some criteria that must be met to assign a registration to a vehicle:

The vehicle must either hold both current MOT and tax; be taxed and MOT expired; or MOT expired and tax expired less than six months.
The vehicle must be subject to MOT testing at some time during it's life.
You can't use a number plate to make a vehicle look newer than it is e.g. you can't assign a 68 series registration to an 51 registration car. You are allowed to use an older registration.
You can't perform a number plate transfer onto a Q registered vehicle.
Be registered with DVLA in the UK
Be able to move under its own power
Have been taxed or had a SORN in place continuously for the past 5 years
Be available for inspection

DVLA will check your number plate assignment application and contact you if your vehicle needs an inspection.

How To Apply Assignment To A Registration Plate

If the vehicle is registered to you, you can apply online or by post.

If it is a used vehicle that you have just bought, you will need to wait for the DVLA to send you a new V5C in your name before you apply to assign the private registration plate online or by post.

If your vehicle is brand new, give the dealer your V750 or V778 document and ask them to apply.

If registered to someone else and you want the private number to be transferred to them, you can apply online or by post.

If you already have a private number on your vehicle, apply to take it off first. You could lose the right to use the number if you do not.

Assign a Number Plate Online

When you assign a number plate online, the new registration number will be assigned immediately if your vehicle does not need an inspection. Be ready to put new number plates on the vehicle as soon as you've applied to assign a number plate online.

DVLA Online Registration Transfers Service

This service is open from 7am to 7pm. It's also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Assign a Number Plate By Post

You will need to send all of the following documents to DVLA:

The completed V750 or V778 - the address is on the form
The vehicle’s log book (V5C) or green ‘new keeper’ slip with a completed V62 ‘Application For A Vehicle Registration Certificate V5C’
If you’re assigning the number to someone else’s vehicle, add them as a ‘nominee’ - complete section 2 of the V750 or V778.

To tax your vehicle at the same time, include the following:

A V10 ‘application for vehicle tax’ form
The right amount of vehicle tax

After you assign a private number plate by post you’ll be sent a new log book (V5C).

You must then:

Put new number plates on the vehicle before you drive it
Tell your insurance company your new registration number

You can keep the original plates - the registration will likely be reassigned to the vehicle should you take off the private number.

You must not sell or get rid of a vehicle until you get the new log book (V5C).

Assigning A Number Plate To A Vehicle That Is Not Yours

If the registration plate is to be assigned to a vehicle that is not registered in your name - for example, the private plate is for a gift - you will need to add them as a ‘nominee’ and complete section 2 of the V750 or V778.

How Much Does it Cost to Assign a Number Plate?

As the transfer fee is paid upfront when acquiring a certificate, there is no further charge to assign the registration to a vehicle i.e it's 'free' to apply online or by post.

How Long Will It Take To Assign My Private Number Plate And Receive My Documents?

The time it takes to assign your registration plate will vary depending on how you assign it.

Online - The car registration will be assigned immediately if your vehicle does not need an inspection.
By Post - This can take up to 2 weeks if your vehicle does not need an inspection.

It may take between 4 to 6 weeks to receive your new log book (V5C) from the DVLA.