DVLA Number Plate Retention: How to Keep Your Private Reg (2026)

If you are selling a vehicle but want to keep the private registration number on it, you need to retain the plate with DVLA before the vehicle changes hands. This process puts the registration “on retention” — held in your name on a V778 document — so you can transfer it to a new vehicle at any time. This guide explains exactly how plate retention works.

What Is Number Plate Retention?

Number plate retention is the process of removing a private registration from a vehicle and placing it onto a DVLA V778 Retention Document, which you hold in your name. The registration is no longer tied to the vehicle — it is “in your possession” and can be assigned to another vehicle within 10 years.

You would retain a plate if you are:

• Selling the vehicle but keeping the registration
• Scrapping or writing off a vehicle that carries a valuable plate
• Temporarily removing the registration while between vehicles
• Holding a recently purchased plate before assigning it

How to Retain a Number Plate: Step by Step

1. Apply online via GOV.UK — visit gov.uk/retain-number-plate
2. Provide your V5C — you’ll need the vehicle logbook showing you as the registered keeper
3. Pay the DVLA fee — currently £80 for retention
4. Receive your V778 — DVLA issues the V778 Retention Document by post (allow 2–4 weeks)
5. Vehicle reverts to age-related plate — the vehicle will be assigned its original registration or an age-appropriate replacement

The V778 Retention Document

The V778 is the official DVLA document confirming your entitlement to a registration held on retention. Key facts:

• Valid for 10 years from issue date
• Can be renewed for a further 10 years by paying another fee
• Can be assigned to another person (transferred/sold)
• Must be quoted when assigning the plate to a vehicle

Keep your V778 safe — losing it requires a DVLA replacement application and fee.

How to Assign a Retained Plate to a New Vehicle

1. Visit gov.uk/assign-number-plate
2. Provide the V778 document reference and the V5C of the receiving vehicle
3. Pay the £80 assignment fee
4. Receive updated V5C for the receiving vehicle
5. Order new physical plates from a DVLA-registered supplier

Once assigned, order your physical plates at Car Plates Pro — standard from £6.99, 3D Gel from £9.99, 4D Gel from £13.99. Next working day delivery across the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to retain a number plate with DVLA?

The DVLA retention fee is currently £80. There is also an £80 assignment fee when you later assign the plate to a vehicle. These fees apply separately to each transaction.

How long can I keep a plate on retention?

A V778 Retention Document is valid for 10 years. You can renew it before expiry by paying the renewal fee. If the retention lapses, the registration may be returned to DVLA and reallocated.

Can I sell a number plate held on a V778?

Yes. You can transfer the V778 to another person as part of a private plate sale. The buyer then holds the entitlement and can assign it to their own vehicle.

Do I need to notify DVLA when I sell a vehicle with a retained plate?

Yes. When you retain the plate, the vehicle is reassigned a different registration by DVLA. You then complete the V5C transfer for the vehicle sale as normal, showing the vehicle’s new registration.

Related Reading

• DVLA Private Plate Auctions: Complete Guide
• What Are Cherished Number Plates?
• Replacement Number Plates UK
• All Number Plate Guides