Whether you’re planning to pick up a new registration for yourself or as a present for a friend or family member, you might be asking yourself ‘what do I need to buy a number plate?’ Purchasing a number plate with us here at New Reg is simple and quick, with an expert team on hand to answer all your questions.
Put simply, to buy a number plate all you really require is an idea of the kind of registration you’re seeking and the funds needed to buy the one you want.
What documents do I need to buy a number plate?
You won’t need a valid driver’s licence to buy a number plate. In fact, you don’t even need to know how to drive a car. This can be welcome news if you’re looking to purchase a plate for a friend or family member as a one-of-a-kind gift. Private number plates, when purchased, can be issued on a certificate of entitlement. The document will list the person who purchased the plate and the nominee by whom the registration will be used.
If you’re buying number plates as a gift, at New Reg, we’ll get your plates made up for you and even gift wrap them.
Do you need a V5 to get number plates?
You won’t need to be in possession of a V5C vehicle registration document, sometimes called a logbook, to buy new number plates. However, when it comes time to assign the registration you purchase to a car, you will.
You can assign a number plate to a vehicle of your choosing either online or by post through the DVLA, or if you purchase your plate with us here at New Reg, we can handle this task for you.
When you’re ready to assign your number plate, you’ll need to include the V5C registration document in your postal application. If you apply online, you’ll simply need details found in the document, so get prepared and keep them handy before you start the process.
After your plate has been assigned, you’ll be sent a new vehicle logbook by post to reflect your change in registration. There’s no charge for assigning a number plate to a car, however if you want to keep the old plate previously used by the vehicle, you’ll need to pay the DVLA a fee of £80. The old registration will then be placed on a certificate of retention. You can choose to keep it for use later, or if you no longer need it, why not find out what it’s worth and sell it on? At New Reg, we offer free valuations and can help you sell your plate at the best possible price.
Does a car need an MOT to transfer a number plate?
In most cases, a car that is three years of age or older will require an up-to-date MOT certificate if it’s involved in transferring a registration. If the vehicle the plate is being taken off and the recipient vehicle that will be now using the plate are three years old or more, you’ll need a valid MOT certificate for both. If you’re removing and assigning a plate by post, these certificates must be included in the documents you send, along with other relevant documentation such as V5C logbooks.
If you’re making your application online, you’ll need to make sure both vehicles have valid MOTs before you begin. At New Reg, we can assist you with transferring and assigning number plates – offering a smooth transition to your new personalised registration.