V778 Retention Document

How long does a V778 (Retention Document) last?

According to the DVLA, you must renew your right to use your private number plate every 10 years if it’s not being used on a vehicle. Check your V750 or V778 document for details.

You will permanently lose the right to use the number if you do not renew it before the expiry date. DVLA will not accept applications made after that date.

How do I renew a V778 (Retention Document)?

The registration held on retention must be assigned to a suitable vehicle before the expiry date on the V778 (Retention Document). As the "Grantee" (person who owns the rights to the registration number shown at the top left of the V778), if you are not ready to assign, the retention document may be extended. To do this, send your V778 filling in section 5 and signing section 6 to DVLA Personalised Registrations, DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1DS. As the owner of the mark it is your responsibility to ensure this is done before it expires.

How do I update the information on a V778 (Retention Document)?

Only the "Grantee" (the the person who owns the rights to the registration number shown at the top of the V778) can sign to apply for any amendment to the certificate.

• The "Grantee" can add or change a "Nominee" at any time. While the registration is on a V778 the right to the registration or owner is the "Grantee". The "Nominee" will get the right to the registration when the "Grantee" applies for the registration to be assigned to a vehicle in the "Nominee's" name. To do this the "Grantee" completes section 2 and signs section 6.
• The "Grantee" can add or change their address by filling in the new address details in section 3 and signing section 6.

How do I assign a registration on a V778 (Retention Document) to an unregistered vehicle?

If you wish to assign your registration to a new car, your car dealer will need your V778. They should be able to handle the process on your behalf.

How do I assign a registration on a V778 (Retention Document) to a registered vehicle?

Before you start

• The vehicle that you wish to assign the registration to, must have been taxed for the last 5 years with no gaps or have been declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification)
• Your vehicle will need a valid MOT (if applicable)

You can assign a registration on a V778 to a registered vehicle online at the DVLA website (this service is available from 7am to 7pm) or you can apply by post to the DVLA.

If you are applying by post you will need to complete Section 1. This section must be completed by the "Grantee" (the person who owns the rights to the registration number) shown at the top of the V778. The "Grantee" can add or change a nominee stated at the top of the document by completing section 2 and signing section 6. Use this facility if you want to assign the registration to a vehicle owner who is not the "Grantee".

Send the following to the DVLA, Swansea. SA99 1DS

• The completed V778 (Retention Document)
• The V5C (log book) for the vehicle

What happens after I have sent my V778 (Retention Document) and V5C (log book) to the DVLA?

The DVLA may contact you to arrange to inspect your vehicle. Otherwise your application should be approved within 2 weeks and you will be sent a new V5C (this can take between 4 and 6 weeks).

Remember to tell your insurance company that you have a new registration number for your vehicle.

What do I do if I have decided not to use a registration that I have on a V778 (Retention Document)?

The "Grantee" (person who owns the rights to the registration number stated at the top of the V778) can apply for a refund of the £80 fee shown on the certificate. They will need to check the conditions for a refund application on the reverse of the V778.

• Put an X in section 5 and sign section 6. The "grantee" has to sign the document and is the only person entitled to receive the refund.
• Send the signed V778 to DVLA Personalised Registrations, DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1DS.

Please note that any price paid for the personalised registration will not be refunded and the right to the registration will be lost.