What is a V5C vehicle registration certificate?

The V5C (commonly called the log book) is the official UK vehicle registration certificate. It records the registered keeper’s name and address along with vehicle details such as make, model, colour and engine number. Any inaccuracies should be reported to the DVLA for amendment.

What is a V750 Certificate of Entitlement?

A V750 is issued by the DVLA when you purchase a previously un-issued registration mark. It confirms your entitlement to that specific registration. The V750 is valid for 10 years and the mark must be assigned to a vehicle before the expiry date.

What is a V778 Retention Document?

A V778 is issued when a personalised number plate is removed from a vehicle and held on retention — not currently assigned to any vehicle. It is valid for 10 years and the mark must be assigned to a vehicle before the expiry date.

What is the difference between a V750 and a V778?

A V750 is issued for a previously un-issued registration mark bought for the first time. A V778 is issued when an existing registration is removed from a vehicle and placed on retention. Both are valid for 10 years.

How long are V750 and V778 certificates valid?

Both V750 and V778 certificates are valid for 10 years from the date of issue. The registration mark must be assigned to a vehicle before the certificate expires, otherwise the entitlement may be lost.

What documents do I need to transfer a personalised number plate?

To transfer a personalised plate you will typically need the vehicle’s V5C log book, a valid MOT certificate (if applicable), and either a V750 or V778 document. New Reg handles the entire DVLA transfer process on your behalf when you buy or sell a plate through us.

Vehicle Registration Documents: V5C, V750 & V778 Guide

Vehicle Documents

V5C UK Registration Certificate

This V5C contains the name and address of the registered keeper and vehicle details (commonly called the Log Book). From 1 July 2005, all existing old-style V5s will no longer be valid. You may well have been issued with a new V5C UK Registration Certificate already. The new V5C can be recognised by its prominent red front page showing the words "Registration Certificate".

Registered keepers are asked to ensure that their personal details are correct and that the easily identifiable characteristics such as Make, Model, Colour, VIN/Chassis and Engine Numbers on their V5C are correct. If there are any inaccuracies, the V5C must be returned to the DVLA for an amendment.

Where do I find the:
Validation Character | Date Of First Registration | Registered Vehicle Keeper

V750 Certificate of Entitlement

The V750 refers to a mark previously un-issued document issued by the DVLA confirming a purchaser’s entitlement to the registration mark specified on the certificate. The certificate is valid for a period of 10 years and must be assigned to a vehicle prior to the expiry date as shown on the V750. There may also be a name in the nominee section.

Where do I find the:
Validation Character | Nominee | Certificate Expiry

V778 Retention Document

The V778 refers to a mark previously issued by the DVLA confirming a grantee's entitlement to the registration mark specified on the certificate. The certificate is valid for a period of 10 years and must be assigned to a vehicle prior to the expiry date as shown on the V778. There may also be a name in the nominee section.

Where do I find the:
Validation Character | Nominee | Certificate Expiry

Vehicle Registration Documents — Frequently Asked Questions

What is a V5C vehicle registration certificate?

The V5C (commonly called the log book) is the official UK vehicle registration certificate. It records the registered keeper’s name and address along with vehicle details such as make, model, colour and engine number. The V5C must be kept up to date — any inaccuracies should be reported to the DVLA for amendment.
What is a V750 Certificate of Entitlement?

A V750 is issued by the DVLA when you purchase a previously un-issued registration mark (for example, a brand-new personalised plate bought from the DVLA or a dealer). It confirms your entitlement to that specific registration. The V750 is valid for 10 years and the mark must be assigned to a vehicle before the expiry date.
What is a V778 Retention Document?

A V778 is issued when a personalised number plate is taken off a vehicle and held on retention — i.e. not currently assigned to any vehicle. Like the V750, it is valid for 10 years and the mark must be assigned to a vehicle before the expiry date shown on the document.

What is the difference between a V750 and a V778?

Both documents confirm entitlement to a specific number plate, but they differ in origin. A V750 is issued for a previously un-issued registration mark — one bought directly from the DVLA or a dealer for the first time. A V778 is issued when an existing registration is removed from a vehicle and placed on retention for future use.
How long are V750 and V778 certificates valid?

Both V750 and V778 certificates are valid for 10 years from the date of issue. The registration mark must be assigned to a vehicle before the certificate expires, otherwise the entitlement may be lost. Renewal may be possible in certain circumstances — contact the DVLA for details.
What documents do I need to transfer a personalised number plate?

To transfer a personalised plate you will typically need: the vehicle’s V5C log book, a valid MOT certificate (if applicable), and either a V750 or V778 document for the personalised registration. New Reg handles the entire DVLA transfer process on your behalf when you buy or sell a plate through us.

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