Since the passage of the Motor Car Act of 1903, all motor vehicles operated within the United Kingdom have been required to carry both a registration number and to display a registration mark of that number. Today that display is typically achieved via the registration plate affixed to the vehicle. Specifics regarding the font and size of the type are in place as well, to ensure that the registration number is visible from a distance.
UK number plates began with small numbers, as in 1904 there were very few automobiles on the road. Of course today, with literally millions of vehicles moving about, the numbering scheme has had to change from the original ‘A 1’ registered to Earl Russell in 1903. The first plates had a one or two-letter code followed by a series of numbers which started at 1 and ran to 9999. As cars became more popular, the registration numbers were quickly eclipsed by the number of registration plates required.
Between 1932 and 1963 this was solved—temporarily, it turned out—by adding a letter to the beginning code. A plate issued during this period might read ‘ULO 253’. However, the numbers were restricted to three digits under this scheme, and as a result, the available numbers began to run out by the early 60s.
Between 1960 and 1982 a letter suffix was added to the existing scheme. The extra letter created many more available plate numbers, but the pace of car ownership was picking up as well, and this scheme lasted only just over 20 years.
In 1983 the same scheme was kept, except the letter suffix became a prefix, and preceded the numbers and letters of the registration. This is the scheme currently in practice, and will continue until the number of cars once again eclipses the number of car number plates available.
The DVLA Retention Scheme offers a way for car owners to retain numbers plates when they sell their car, without having to transfer the plates on to a new vehicle. When you remove the plate it is kept on a V778 Retention Document (or Retention Certificate) and you can choose how long you want to keep the plate on retention for, up to 3 years in yearly increments. There is a £25 fee for number plate retention.
You don’t need to purchase or own a vehicle in order to own a private number plate, as you can retain the number plate for as long as permitted, renewing the retention certificate when the retention period expires. Most sellers of private number plates will give you a copy of the V778 Retention Document, but you can also find these at your local Post Office, or get a copy directly from the DVLA.
Assigning car registration plates that are currently on retention is also a simple procedure; full instructions are on the back of the retention certificate. Applications can also be made in person or by posting to your local DVLA office. When sending off the application, you need to include the V5 log book, and a valid MOT certificate for the vehicle you are assigning the number plate to. There is an £80 fee and the grantee or nominee name on the V778 certificate must match the name which appears in the V5 log book of the vehicle.
Any vehicles that are first registered and taxed by the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) will attract the £55 Vehicle First Registration Fee. This particular fee was originally established to cover any and all costs associated with the vehicle’s registration throughout the life of that particular vehicle. However, you should know that there are certain vehicles which are normally exempt from such fees.
For the most part, Vehicle First Registration Fees typically apply to all vehicle and car registrations with the following exceptions:
- vehicles that are first licensed and registered in the disabled exempt taxation classification
- any historical vehicles that have been registered previously with older vehicle registration authorities such as later conversions
- vehicles which have been registered previously through the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) of Northern Ireland
- imported vehicles that have been registered under the new “means of transport scheme” or the “personal export scheme”
- vehicles registered to visiting military forces
- those vehicles that were registered through the “direct export scheme”
- vehicles designated exclusively for use off road
- any vehicles that are “crown exempt
Where making the Vehicle First Registration Fee payment is concerned it must be taken care of in a single transaction, along with the applicable taxes, no matter if it is first licensed and registered at a local office of the DVLA or under the guidelines of the AFRL (Automated First Registration and Licensing) system. Whenever you are purchasing a new vehicle, this is normally included in the purchase price by the vehicle dealer.
Once you’ve had a few lessons with your driving school in Norwich or local area and passed your driving theory test, it’s time to focus on your practical driving test. Your driving instructor will want you to pass first time, so during every lesson they will keep a record book with your progress in and will use it to teach you the skills you need to brush up on.
Searching on the internet will also give you some great information and guides to the practical driving test. These guides cover all of the manoeuvres you will be tested on so that you can practice them, as well as expert tuition from experienced driving instructors. Before you practice with a friend or family member ensure that you are on their insurance policy and that the car is fully taxed and tested, and display your learner plates on the front and back or the vehicle.
Some driving schools in Norwich also offer mock practical tests which can be used as a trial run and you driving instructor will be your mock examiner, giving you information about your progress. Using a qualified driving instructor is the easiest way to pass your test and get onto the open road.
One thing that you need to be aware of is that it is entirely possible to lose the legal rights to number plates or personalised number plates. One careless mistake could cause an individual to lose their rights to the plate if they are scrapping or selling the vehicle. One of the primary ways to prevent losing your rights is to transfer the number plate to a retention certificate, or to another vehicle before you scrap or sell it.
When you are at the showroom and are part exchanging your vehicle, it is your responsibility to transfer that plate number before any sale can be conducted. Another issue is if you decide to export your vehicle you could lose the rights to your number plate. So it is wise to consult the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) regarding this matter so that the proper procedure is followed prior to the exporting of the vehicle.
Finally, if your number plate is displayed illegally, you might be fined up to £1,000 (the maximum fine) should you be convicted of this. In addition to the fine, the Department of Transport has the right to strip you of your rights to the registration mark if the offence is serious enough and they choose to penalise you in such a fashion. Worst of all, no matter what you paid for the purchase of the registration mark, you will not be due any reimbursement for the costs you incurred with that purchase.
The Driver and Vehicle and Licensing Agency, or the DVLA, is responsible for registration of both vehicles on the roads as well as those who drive them. When a new car is originally purchased, a form is filled out by both buyer and seller giving the details of the transaction, including the specifics of the vehicle. That form is mailed to the DVLA, and a registration number is assigned. That number will generally remain with the vehicle throughout its lifetime.
Proper upkeep of your car registration is mandatory, and penalties and fees are applied if registrations are not kept current. However, the DVLA has made it much easier to do this, as many of the activities that used to require a trip to a local office or dealing by mail can now be done via the DVLA’s website.
People often see adverts from companies offering to assist with the registration process, however keep in mind that DVLA employees will do this for free—in fact, that is one of the services that your taxes pay for. Where these other companies can provide a service which the DVLA does not offer is in the search for personalised or “cherished” plate numbers. These are often sought after by people wishing to add that extra special “something” to their vehicle. Collector cars are often seen with cherished plates.
Your vehicle registration should be completed with the DVLA as soon as possible after you purchase the car. Some people erroneously believe (or are told) that they can wait until the tax is next due. Penalties for late registration may be involved in this case, making your fee even higher. However, in the case of a new car purchase, the dealer will almost always include the initial registration fee in the purchase price and take care of the bulk of the paperwork for you.
The transferring of private number plates is a fairly simple and straightforward process, and is no more complicated than the transferring of vehicle ownership using a VSC document. It seems that this is a mystery for numerous individuals who want to transfer their number plates but it is really not that complicated. The following is a list of the most commonly asked questions regarding this.
How do I transfer a number plate?
This is done in much the same manner as when you purchase or sell a vehicle and completing the V5 logbook.
How do I transfer my number plates from one vehicle to another?
You can do this by filling out DVLA Form V317.
How do I transfer my number plates from a vehicle to retention?
If your UK number plates are currently on a vehicle and you want to retain them, use DVLA Form V778/1.
How do I transfer my number plates from retention to a vehicle?
If the number plate you want assigned to a vehicle is currently on retention, use DVLA Forms V750 or V778 (retention documents).
What will it cost me if I transfer number plates?
There are three different transfer fees involved in the transferring of number plates:
Assigning a number plate – £80
Retaining a number plate – £105
Transferring a number plate – £80
Just keep in mind that the DVLA clearly explains the procedure for transferring plate registration on the reverse side of their documents to help you. You can also contact them at their website or telephone them.
