Rules for Customising & Adding Anything to Private Number Plates

The true individuality of a vehicle is defined when you choose to customize it with your own private number plates. When you add a private number plate to your vehicle you make it completely unique whilst increasing the value of your vehicle. The most valuable private number plates are also called cherished number plates.

There are four ways to source private registrations for your vehicle and to secure your ideal number. You can source a private number from the DVLA, by visiting their website or by purchasing at one of their auctions. However, you will be restricted in your choice and you will lose some of the opportunities available elsewhere for sourcing already issued private number plates.

You therefore need to look for personalized registrations available from private sellers or from a trustworthy broker where you can access already issued private registrations. Registration Brokers can help you to find your ideal registration and provide advice on the rules and regulations that apply to the assignment and display of your new personalized number. You need to bear in mind that there are a multitude of people who are also looking to secure the same personalized number or similar numbers. So, you need to be flexible in terms of what you are looking to achieve for the budget you have available and the timescales to which you are working.

In this article, you will get an insight into the rules that apply to private registration plates and the restrictions that apply to their display. You will also learn how to recognize the types and formats of private registration plates.

Rules for Customising a Private Number Plate

You can look at the combinations of letters and numbers available by visiting the website of a recognized private registration broker. The search facilities available will provide you with all available combinations and you will find advice on the different type and format of car registrations available. You will also see advice on the age restrictions associated with the assignment of the available numbers to your vehicle. However, there are some fundamentals you need to be aware of before you decide on your ideal number.

1. You need to ensure that all elements, of your chosen letters and numbers are compliant. You cannot create a personalized number and letter combination that are not compliant with the formats that are available. If the number is already assigned to another vehicle and owner, then you will have to consider an alternative combination or buy the existing registration from its current owner providing it is on the market and you are able to purchase it from the owner directly or through a 3^rd party. In most cases, when individuals choose their ideal combination to personalize their vehicle with private number plates the combination of letters and numbers they choose don’t actually exist in the form of a regulatory compliant registration plate. You will always have to consider alternative formats that are available and that are regulatory compliant!
2. You need to follow the road transportation authority regulations for your country when considering the letters and numbers and combinations available. For example, in the UK, there is a rule that you cannot use the letter ‘Q’ on your license plate unless the vehicle has been manufactured as a kit car. Further to this rule there is a rule that the letter ‘I’ will only be used in an Irish registration issued to vehicles registered in Northern Ireland.
3. You also need to ensure that your idea for the personalization of your private number plate is not offensive in any way. Moreover, it shouldn’t be misrepresented on your vehicle to the extent that the number should always be recognizable in the event of emergencies or for the purposes of tracing your vehicle.
4. You need to be aware that you cannot make your vehicle appear younger than it is through the assignment of a private number plate. For example, if the vehicle was manufactured in 2011, you will be unable to assign a registration relevant to any year beyond 2011.
5. In addition to these rules, there are additional regulations set by the respective road transportation authorities for different countries. Every country has its own formatting for the display of private number plates, which have to be followed. These rules are applied strictly, and violating them is likely to incur a financial and legal penalty. Consult with a reputable broker if you are unsure or unfamiliar with the regulations. By consulting with the experts, you can create customized private number plates without the worry or concern of legal and financial penalties.

Transferring the Custom Number Plates to a Second Vehicle

If you have purchased a customized private number plate and you need to transfer it to another vehicle then this can be achieved without too much concern. The process can be done manually using a V317 transfer form or alternatively it can be achieved by processing the transfer online and removing the registration from the first vehicle and placing it on to a retention document. On completion of the transfer process the DVLA will issue replacement V5C documents for the respective vehicles. By placing the registration on to a V778 retention document you can sell the donor vehicle before purchasing the recipient vehicle. There is currently a DOT fee of £80 for the transfer of the registration from the donor vehicle on to retention. There is no additional fee for assigning the registration to the recipient vehicle.

Conclusion: If you own a vehicle and you want to source a private number plate with a unique customization then look for a reputable broker with decades of experience. Make sure you are familiar with the formats available but reach out to those with regulatory experience for guidance before securing your ideal number.