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How do I transfer a cherised registration?
Three years ago my wife gave up driving through illness and I sold her car, which had a cherished number plate. I kept the number on a Retention Certificate but it was, of course, in her name as the owner of the car. Sadly, she died last December and I am now buying a brand new and unregistered car in May/June and want to fit it with the cherished plate. Her will leaves everything to me, but I am not sure if the bequest can include an item such a Retention Certificate. Will I first have to transfer the reg into my own name before I can get the number assigned to the new car which will be owned by me? Is there a fee for this? And what documentation am I likely to need? I can clearly no longer obtain her permission to 'release' the plate to me.
Asked on 6 April 2023 by Robin Hendy
Answered by
David Ross
You will first need to transfer the cherished number plate into your name before assigning it to the new car you are buying. This process is called a transfer of retention and can be done online or by post through the DVLA, the fee is currently £80.
To transfer the cherished number plate, you will need to provide certain documents to the DVLA, such as the original V778 Retention Certificate, proof of your identity (such as a passport or driving licence), and proof of your entitlement to the registration number (such as a copy of your wife's Will or the Grant of Probate if one has been obtained). You will also need to complete a V317 Transfer Application form. If you are unsure about the documentation required, you can contact the DVLA for further guidance.
Once the transfer of retention has been completed and the cherished number plate is in your name, you can then assign it to your new car when you receive it.
To transfer the cherished number plate, you will need to provide certain documents to the DVLA, such as the original V778 Retention Certificate, proof of your identity (such as a passport or driving licence), and proof of your entitlement to the registration number (such as a copy of your wife's Will or the Grant of Probate if one has been obtained). You will also need to complete a V317 Transfer Application form. If you are unsure about the documentation required, you can contact the DVLA for further guidance.
Once the transfer of retention has been completed and the cherished number plate is in your name, you can then assign it to your new car when you receive it.
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