First of all, we need to establish what sort of certificate the number plate is on. There are two different types of 'certificates' which personalised number plates are stored upon.

• V750 Certificate (a PINK coloured form called a 'Certificate of Entitlement')
• V778 Certificate (a GREEN coloured form called a 'Retention Document')

If you don't have a certificate yet and your plate is still on a vehicle, you will need to put it on retention first.

Where do I start?

Whether your registration is stored upon a V750 or a V778, the procedure to get the registration mark assigned to the vehicle will go down a similar route.

The easiest and quickest way to assign a registration to a vehicle, is now to use the DVLA's online service. It's free, and as long as your vehicle doesn't need an inspection, the number is assigned immediately. The service is available 7am to 9pm Monday to Friday, and 7am to 8pm at weekends.

This is really easy to follow, so we won't cover the step-by-step process here. Just be ready to put new number plates on the vehicle as soon as you've applied.

Can my vehicle have the number plate?

Before you apply, it's worth checking that the vehicle can legally take the registration. The DVLA's rules are that you cannot...

• assign a number starting with 'Q' or 'QNI'
• put a private number on a 'Q' registered vehicle
• use a number that makes a vehicle look newer than it is - for example, an '07' registration on a vehicle that was first registered in 2003

The vehicle also needs to be registered with the DVLA in the UK, be able to move under its own power, be a type of vehicle that needs an MOT, and be available for inspection if the DVLA ask. It must have been taxed or had a SORN in place continuously for the past 5 years, and be taxed or have a SORN in place now. If you have a classic car, you'll need a current MOT certificate even if the vehicle is usually exempt.

If you have just bought the vehicle, wait for the DVLA to send you a new V5C in your name before you apply. If the vehicle is brand new, give your V750 or V778 to the dealer and ask them to apply for you.

V750 Certificate of Entitlement

The V750 certificate will show the details of the 'purchaser' along with the 'nominee' details.

You will first of all need to check that the registered keeper named on the V5C or V5C/2 of the vehicle to receive the registration mark, matches exactly with either, the purchaser on the V750 or the nominee on the V750.

You also need to check that the expiry date on the V750 has not expired. This will be worded on the V750 as "this registration mark must be assigned to a vehicle before DD/MM/YYYY".

V778 Retention Document

The V778 document will show the details of the 'grantee' along with the 'nominee' details.

You will first of all need to check that the registered keeper named on the V5C of the vehicle to receive the registration mark, matches exactly with either, the grantee or the nominee on the V778.

You also need to check that the expiry date on the V778 has not passed. This will be worded on the V778 as "this registration mark must be assigned to a vehicle before DD/MM/YYYY"

If the date is getting close, don't panic. Both documents can be renewed for free for another 10 years, but you can only apply up to 28 days before the expiry date, and if you miss it you lose the right to the number for good.

Once you have checked the certificate details above you are ready to submit the application as follows:

If applying by paper, you will need to find the section on either the V750 or V778 titled 'Assigning your registration mark to a vehicle'. Here you will need the signature of the purchaser if it is a V750, or the signature of the grantee if it is a V778.

In this section you will also be required to print the current registration mark of the vehicle that is going to receive the cherished number plate, along with the validation character which is to be found on either the V5C or V5C2 next to where the registration mark is printed.

Now that you have filled out the V750 or V778 you need to send it into the DVLA in Swansea, along with the receiving vehicle documentation listed below.

Vehicle documentation required:

• The original Vehicle Registration Certificate coded as a V5C (If you have just acquired the vehicle, you may submit the green 'new keeper' slip along with a completed V62 application form)

What happens when the DVLA has completed the assignment?

DVLA will contact you if your vehicle needs to be inspected. Otherwise, if you applied online, the number is assigned straight away.

You’ll be sent:

• A new V5C registration certificate - this usually arrives after about 4 weeks
• Your original MOT back (if you sent it to tax the vehicle)

Don't sell or get rid of the vehicle until the new V5C arrives. If it hasn't turned up after 4 weeks, contact the DVLA, because if you haven't received it after 6 weeks and haven't notified them, you'll have to pay £25 for a replacement. Your application may take longer if the DVLA needs to inspect your vehicle.

You must put new number plates on the vehicle before you drive it, and tell your insurance company the new registration number. If you pay for the Congestion Charge, ULEZ, Dart Charge or Clean Air Zone charges by account, remember to update your registration there too, or you could end up with a penalty charge.

Selling your plate rather than using it?

If you're assigning a plate to someone else's vehicle because you've sold it, you simply add the buyer as the 'nominee' by completing section 2 of the V750 or V778, or you can do it online using details from their V5C. Do bear in mind that the DVLA advise against sharing a photograph or scan of your V750 or V778 while you are selling, so wait until you have a buyer.

If you haven't yet found one, you can advertise your number plate on Plate-Trader and deal directly with buyers with no commission, and you can find out what it's worth first with our £9.99 number plate valuation.

Further reading

If you need any clarification on the above guide, we recommend visiting the DVLA's official guide.