Transferring and retaining (keep the use of) registration numbers

Transferring a registration number

A transfer allows a registration number to be moved from one vehicle to another. Only the registered keeper of a vehicle can apply to transfer its registration number. When a vehicle is registered with another registration number, that vehicle will have its existing registration number withdrawn unless you apply to transfer or retain it at the same time.

Retaining a registration number

A retention allows a registration number to be removed from a vehicle and held on a document.

You can choose to retain a registration number for either one year, two years or three years, paying the correct fee as shown on the Application to transfer or retain a vehicle registration number (V317). The retention fee is not refundable.

Only the registered keeper of a vehicle can apply to retain a registration number and choose to become the Grantee or give the details of someone else.

The Grantee is the one who has the right to the registration number. The Grantee has the right to assign (put on) the registration number to a vehicle registered in someone else’s name. This person is known as a Nominee.

We will issue a ‘retention Document’ (V778) to the Grantee. This will include details of:

The Nominee has no right to the registration number until it is assigned to their vehicle.

Once the Grantee has assigned the registration number to their or their Nominee’s vehicle, the right to the registration number goes to the registered keeper of that vehicle.

How to apply to transfer or retain a registration number

You, as the registered keeper, will need to fill in form V317. This form contains more information about transferring or retaining a registration number. You can get the form from www.direct.gov.uk/motoringforms or from your nearest DVLA local office.

You can find the address of your nearest local office:

DVLA local offices are open between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, and between 9.30am and 5pm on the second Wednesday of each month.

Registration numbers that cannot be transferred

Check your Registration Certificate (V5C) before you apply, to make sure that the registration number can be transferred. If the V5C states that the registration number is non-transferable, you cannot transfer or retain it.

Registration numbers starting with ‘Q’

If a vehicle has a registration number starting with ‘Q’ or Northern Ireland (NI) ‘Q’ prefix, that registration number cannot be transferred and must stay on the vehicle unless evidence of its age is found. In this case, you should send the evidence to your nearest DVLA local office who can then provide a replacement registration number appropriate to the age of the vehicle.