Thinking about personalising your car? Private number plates are a great way to add a unique touch to your car, but the process and eligibility concerns can be confusing. We’ll walk you through how to put a private number plate on a car and go over the appropriate paperwork, DVLA rules and fitting options.
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What is a Private Number Plate?
Unlike standard registration plates, private number plates include a customised registration number to help the vehicle stand out on the roads. Private plates have a specific combination of letters and numbers, which often reflect the driver’s name, initials or a personal message to express their individuality.
Why Get a Private Number Plate?
People may want a made-up plate simply to make a statement out on the roads and add a touch of individuality to their car. If the driver changes it to something meaningful, it’s also easier to remember, especially when the car is new.
Personalised number plates also hide how old the car is, as the numbers showing the year it was manufactured are hidden. Many people aren’t aware of this, but private number plates can also be an investment opportunity; short, dateless plates or those with popular words can actually gain in value over time. With private plates becoming more popular, more people are asking how do I put a private plate on my car?
What You Need Before Transferring a Private Plate: 3 Considerations
1. Eligibility Requirements
Before transferring a private plate, you need to be aware of the rules and regulations. For example, you can’t use a private number plate that makes the vehicle look newer than it is. You also can’t put a private plate on a ‘Q’ registered vehicle.
2. Required Documents
To put a private number plate on your car, you’ll need to provide either a V750 certificate of entitlement, a V778 retention document or online reference number.
3. DVLA Rules and Regulations
You must be registered with DVLA in the UK and be available for inspection. The vehicle must be able to move under its own power and be of a type that needs an MOT or HGV test certificate.
How Do I Put a Private Plate on My Car? 4 Steps
1. Get Your New Number Plates Made
When considering how to put a private number plate on a car, it’s important to ensure everything is done in line with DVLA regulations. Your company must be properly registered with the DVLA, then you can print your plates using a registered supplier who meets compliance standards.
2. Assign Your Private Plate Online Or by Post
You can apply for your new private plate online or by post. Applying online is much easier as all you have to do is put your details into an online form and wait for your new logbook to be sent. This takes a few minutes online, but can take several weeks via post.
3. Change Your Physical Number Plates
How to Put a Number Plate on a Car: DIY Installation vs. Professional Fitting
Most number plates can be fit with screws or adhesives and can easily be secured yourself – just make sure you have all the right components. Plenty of companies can fit number plates for you, but it tends to be a straightforward process to complete yourself.
Ensure Legal Spacing and Font Compliance
You must ensure proper compliance when setting up a new plate; you can’t alter the font, spacing or background of the plate and must ensure you avoid distorted letters.
4. Update Your Vehicle Records
As soon as you set up a personalised number plate, you must update your vehicle records to reflect the changes, as well as inform the DVLA and update any relevant finance or leasing companies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Transferring to Private Plates
It goes without saying that any reflective material or colours that make the number plate hard to read are not accepted. You must also avoid illegal characters and modifications such as emojis or offensive content. Background patterns and coloured screws are also not advised.
If your number plates comply with the law, there should also be a small British Standard watermark printed at the bottom, as well as the name or logo of the number plate supplier.
Explore Number Plates, Printing Machines and Software Solutions with Uniplate
Now we’ve gone through how to put a private number plate on a car, the next step is to work with a number plate printer service with all the equipment required to create your perfect plate. Find out more about Uniplate and contact our team to start the process.
How To Put a Number Plate on a Car: FAQs
Can I put a private plate on a financed or leased car?
As long as you’re the registered keeper on the V5C document for the car, you can put a private registration plate on a financed or leased car. However, if you’re financing a car through hire purchase (HP), personal contract purchase (PCP) or are leasing the car, you won’t be able to use a private plate unless the finance company gives permission.
What happens to my old number plate?
You can recycle old plates at local recycling centres, or you may be able to give them back to the DVLA and potentially get a refund. It could also be useful to keep for if you come to sell the vehicle and you want to return it to its original registration.
How do I remove a private plate in the future?
Depending on how your private plate is attached, you can remove it with screwdrivers or by removing the adhesive. You can also organise a professional number plate removal via the DVLA’s website.