How To Put A Private Number Plate On A Car

28.11.2023

Private plates are great for giving your vehicle a unique touch or can be an excellent investment. But you may be wondering how to put a private plate onto your car to replace your old one. It can be a bit of a hassle if you do not know how to do it or haven't changed one before.

However, there’s no need to worry as we have you covered. Throughout this blog, we will break down all the steps on how to put a private plate on your car. This includes how to purchase and assign your new cherished number plates, and how to easily fit both plates onto your vehicle as a replacement for the old ones.

See all the steps below and follow our simple guide to fit your number plate perfectly every time.

How To Assign A Number Plate To Your Car

There are many steps to assigning a number plate to your car so that you can attach it to your vehicle. You will need to complete these steps in order to replace your old number plate with your new one. This is important as you do not want to change your number plate without the relevant legal paperwork.

Purchasing A Number Plate

The first and most obvious step in getting a private number plate onto your car is to purchase one. You can purchase them at auctions, online or straight from the DVLA. The option which gives you the most freedom in your number plate however is from online sellers such as Absolute Reg.

You can also view our blog on how to select the perfect number plate if you need further guidance. In addition, if you are stuck for ideas on your number plate, our best number plate ideas blog can help you there too. Once you have purchased your number plate and decided on the style you would like, you will then need to assign it to your current vehicle.

Assigning a number plate to your car

There are a couple of ways you can assign and transfer your number plate, which you need to be aware of. You can assign your number plate via the DVLA website online or by post, but there are a few things which you will need to be successful in your application.

The first thing you require is a V750 certificate, which you receive whenever you buy a new number plate. You will also need a V778 certificate as well if you have bought a number plate second-hand. The DVLA will also send you a new log book or V5C form putting your cherished number plate in your name.

Checking your eligibility

Before you can apply to have your number plate assigned, you will need to check your eligibility to change your number plate. Here are a few things you should consider to make your application successful.

Have a number plate that does not start with Q or NIQ.
Do not put your cherished number plate on a Q-registered vehicle.
Don’t use a number plate that hides the vehicle's age.
Your vehicle must be registered with the DVLA in the UK.
Your vehicle must be able to move on its own power.
Your vehicle must be able to have an MOT.
Your vehicle must be able to be inspected by the DVLA.
Your vehicle must have been taxed or had a SORN.

Applying Online

The first thing you can do is apply to assign your number plate online via the DVLA. It is a simple process where all you have to do is pop your details into an online form, apply and wait for your new log book to be sent before you can put your number plate on your car. It doesn't take long to assign it and, as long as your car doesn't need inspecting, you should be ready to replace your old number plates in no time.

Applying By Post

Applying by post is a little more complicated than applying online and will require a few forms. The first thing you will need is a completed V750 form or your V778 form. You can also use a V778 form to put your number plate on retention. The V50 form is essential to transferring your new number plate to your car. The next thing you will need is your V5C log book for your vehicle, with a completed V62 form. Once you have these documents ready, you can send your form straight to the DVLA. This process takes longer than the online form and can take up to 2 weeks to assign your number plate.

Transferring Your Number Plate

There are a few ways you can transfer your number plate and remove your old one instead of reassigning it. Firstly, you will need to take the number plate off your current vehicle and assign it to your new vehicle. Once you have done that, you will need a V317 form to transfer your plate. To learn more about transferring your number plate, please visit our blog on how to transfer your number plate.

How To Fit Your Private Number Plate To Your Car

Now that you have a number plate assigned to your vehicle, you will be able to fit it onto your car. Number plates can be secured in a variety of ways. The most popular way is to use screws to secure your number plate and most number plates come with this option. Another way is to use adhesives to stick your number plate onto your car instead of using screws.

These are the two safest ways to attach your number plate to ensure it stays on your car and most importantly doesn’t get stolen. The worst thing would be investing in a personalised number plate just to have it stolen straight from your car. Below, we will give you a step-by-step guide on how to put your number plate onto a car in the safest, most secure way.

Removing The Old Number Plates With Screws

Here is a step-by-step guide to remove your old number plate that has been attached using screws.

First, you will need to identify the correct size for your screwdriver/electric drill. Most number plate screws are between 18 and 24 mm.
Once you have identified the correct screw size for your vehicle, slowly unscrew your number plates on the front and back of the car. Carefully unscrew both the front and back number plates from your vehicle as you do not want to scratch or damage your car.
When the screws are completely removed, you can detach both number plates from your vehicle.
Before you do anything with your old number plates, place them over your new number plates and carefully mark where the old holes were. This allows you to accurately mark where you need to place the screws for your new number plates.

How To Fit Screw-In Number Plates

Now you have removed your old number plates, you can screw in your new number plates and secure them onto your vehicle. See our guide below on how to accurately screw your number plates onto your vehicle.

Once you have measured the points on your new number plates for the screws to be fitted by using the old plates as a guide, drill the correct-sized holes into both plates. Make sure you use an electric or power drill for this part so you can be as accurate as possible.
Match the screw holes on your number plate to the holes in your car to make sure that they match and line up accurately.
Then, using the correct-sized screws and a screwdriver/drill, tightly secure your number plates in place.
If you wish to make your fixing more secure, you can use tape or sticky pads on the back of your plates before screwing them in place.

Removing The Adhesive From Your Old Number Plate

If your previous number plates have been secured using some form of adhesive alone (tape or sticky pads) you should be able to pry them off on the front and back of your car. Be careful not to use too much force and damage your car. If they are particularly tricky to remove, try using a scraper to help you.

How To Fit Adhesive Number Plates

If you want to use an adhesive to secure your number plate to your car, you can follow the steps below to ensure you will fit it perfectly each time.

The first step you need to take is to prepare the surface of your car for the adhesive. You need to ensure that the surface is dry, clean and most importantly, flat. It is best to use a scraper or razor to remove any old residue.
Secondly, you need to prepare your adhesive. If you are using tape, remove the covers and place them around the edge of each number plate. Make sure they are accurately placed to avoid a messy finish. You can apply this method when using adhesive pads as well.
Next, carefully remove the other side of the tape/adhesive pad covers. Then, line the number plates with the back and front of your car. Ensure you are as accurate as possible while doing this, as you won’t want a wonky number plate.
When you are happy with the alignment of your number plates, apply pressure to each area of the number plate. Add pressure to each section of the number plate for over 10 seconds until it is firmly in place.
Check the number plates are firmly secured and you are good to go!

If you have a motorcycle and plan on replacing your number plate with a private one, see our guide to removing and replacing your motorcycle number plate.

Buying Private Number Plates From Absolute Reg

At Absolute Reg, we've got a vast selection of number plates—more than the DVLA, in fact. This means you can easily discover almost any plate and give it your unique touch. You can rely on us to deliver your number plate on time and without hassle. In fact, in 2020, Reviews.co.uk gave Absolute Reg the top rating for on-time delivery. So, you can be confident that your plate will arrive when expected.

Private reg plates allow you to add a personal touch to your car, deter theft, and, given some time, could even turn a profit. Elevate your driving experience with Absolute Reg's private number plates for a more luxurious feel.

Ready to get your perfect registration plate? Simply use our number plate search to find your perfect number plate and place your order today.

FAQs

Can I Put My Private Plate On A Car Right Away?

As long as your vehicle doesn’t need inspecting by the DVLA, you’ll be able to assign your vehicle right away. It’s best that as soon as you apply for your number plate to be assigned, you attach your number plates to your vehicle.

Can I Put A Private Plate On A Brand New Car?

If you have just purchased a new car and want to assign your private number plate to it, you will need to give your dealer your V778 and V750 forms and they can apply for you. If you have purchased a second-hand car, you will need to wait for the DVLA to send your new V5C form so that you can apply to have your number plate assigned in your name. You can do this by applying online or by post.

Do You Need A V5 Form To Put Your Private Plate On Your Car?

You will not need to wait for your V5C document to assign your private plate to your car if you have bought it recently. You can apply to transfer your number plate with a V5C/2 green slip.

DVLA V778 Retention Form Explained

How To Put A Number Plate On Retention

How To Transfer A Number Plate To Another Car

Sources

SORN Document

DVLA online form

V62 form