What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
Private plate faff - NAthan smith
Looking at selling car soon I’ve read recently it’s now easier online to change the plate back to the original plate. Is it as easy as applying to put the plate on retention online (I have the original plates) and then stick the originals back on for the new buyer to drive away? Or is this too simple?
Private plate faff - RT
Looking at selling car soon I’ve read recently it’s now easier online to change the plate back to the original plate. Is it as easy as applying to put the plate on retention online (I have the original plates) and then stick the originals back on for the new buyer to drive away? Or is this too simple?

Re-use of the original number isn't guaranteed - but is almost always the case - but you need to wait for DVLA to inform you of its "new" registration

Private plate faff - NAthan smith
So basically online you get an instant message to refit original plates (almost all the time)? I assume when I have my new car I can do the same process and get the private plate fitted onto new car?
Private plate faff - Bromptonaut
Looking at selling car soon I’ve read recently it’s now easier online to change the plate back to the original plate. Is it as easy as applying to put the plate on retention online (I have the original plates) and then stick the originals back on for the new buyer to drive away? Or is this too simple?

We were slightly different last time as cherished plate was on a car we were keeping so just transferred it after new one was sorted and delivered. Bit if we traded in the Berlingo now above routine would be my approach.

Get the cherished plate on retention and (presumably) original number on car before starting to go through the test drive/trade in hoops. Transfer it from retention once you've done deal on new car. ISTR that even if we'd had cherished number on retention supplying dealer was reluctant to register it using that number rather than KY63 ABC they'd use otherwise.

Private plate faff - RobJP

How it 'normally' works.

You do the online application, and get a virtually immediate confirmation. You swap plates over (I think you must do it within 5 days, but not certain).

Do note that the DVLA 'may' require to inspect the vehicle before they will grant the transfer.

So basically, the sooner start the process the better.

Private plate faff - NAthan smith
Great much easier than the gaff with all the paperwork that haunted me last time!
Private plate faff - RT
Great much easier than the gaff with all the paperwork that haunted me last time!

Remember to notify your insurer and break-down companies of the change in registration - as well as any parking permits, etc

Private plate faff - John F

No faff at all if the vanity plate glorifies the car rather than the owner (e.g. my W12 AYE, obtained from the DVLA for a very modest sum).