Guide - How do I put a number plate onto retention?

Under the DVLA Retention Scheme, the DVLA allows you to remove a registration number from a vehicle, and retain it, without assigning it to another vehicle. The registration number is kept on a document called the V778 'Retention Document' (or Retention Certificate). This is often referred to as putting a registration number on retention. You can choose to hold a registration number on retention for one, two, or three years. Before you apply, lets look at if you can actually retain your number plate...

Can I retain my registration?

*You must be the Registered Keeper - the person named on the V5 log book of the vehicle
*The registration should be transferable - the words ‘non-transferable’ should not appear anywhere on your documents
*The vehicle should be licensed - the number plate you want to retain should be on a vehicle that is taxed. If your tax disc has expired, contact your local DVLA Office for advice.
*The vehicle should be MOT’d - Before applying for a DVLA Retention Document, make sure the vehicle has an MOT as the DVLA may decide to inspect your vehicle before approving the transfer. If your vehicle does not have a current MOT, contact your local DVLA Office for advice.

How to apply for a number plate V778 Retention Document

You can apply to retain a registration number using the DVLA form V317 'Application to Transfer or Retain a Vehicle Registration Number'. You can pick up a V317 form from your local DVLA office, or you can download the V317 form here.

Complete the V317 form. Then either take it or post it to your local DVLA office, with the following documents:
*Original Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5 / V5C). If you’ve just acquired the vehicle, see instructions on the V778/1 form for alternative documentation
*Original MOT certificate (if the vehicle requires one).
*Photocopy of vehicle licence disc (tax disc).
The DVLA requests the tax disc expiry date and serial number. However, we would advise that you enclose photocopy to be on the safe side, but don’t include the original tax disc as you will need this while your retention is being processed.

Will I get a Retention Certificate straight away?

No, the V778 Retention Document will be posted to you. Before approval, the DVLA office may decide to inspect your vehicle. This will be to confirm the vehicle’s entitlement to the registration number. In particular, they will check the VIN number and chassis plate. The DVLA office will inform you if they wish to inspect the vehicle. If you are asked to produce the vehicle for inspection and the MOT / tax has expired, you will need to have it transported to the DVLA office, also note that you may not get all of your fee back if your application to retain the registration number is turned down.

How do I get a new registration?

When your application to retain the registration number is approved, the DVLA will allocate a replacement registration number that reflects the age of the vehicle. If possible, the DVLA will try to reissue the vehicle's previous registration number, however, this is not guaranteed. Replacement registration numbers are issued on a non-transferable basis. That means you will not be able to sell the replacement registration. You can, however, replace it with another private registration number at a later date.

What happens when the retention is approved?

When your application has been approved by the DVLA, you will receive a V778 Retention Document. Don’t sell or scrap your vehicle till you receive this document! The DVLA will also issue a replacement V5 registration document, and MOT certificate and tax disc (if applicable), reflecting the replacement registration number. Your Retention Certificate can be valid for one, two, or three years. If you haven’t assigned the registration number to a vehicle before the expiry date, you will need to apply to extend the certificate, you will find instructions on how to do this on the back of the V778 Retention Document.

DVLA number plate retention fees

Application to retain a registration number: DVLA fee £105 for one year, £130 for two years, £155 for three years.
Application to make an amendment to a retention certificate: DVLA fee £25
Application to extend a retention certificate: DVLA fee £25.