Reg Plate Transfers: How to Change Your Car’s Reg Plate

In the UK, many car owners consider changing their vehicle’s registration plates for various reasons. Whether it’s to personalise their car, restore a cherished plate, or update the look, reg plate transfers offer a way to switch registration plates legally and hassle-free. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of changing your car’s registration plate in the UK. Let’s get started!

Understand the Requirements

Before proceeding with a reg plate transfer, it’s important to understand the legal requirements and restrictions in the UK. Here are a few key points to consider:

1.     DVLA Approval: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) must approve all reg plate transfers. They have guidelines in place to ensure compliance with regulations and prevent fraudulent activity.

2.     Age Restrictions: You can only transfer a registration plate to a vehicle of equal or newer age. For example, you cannot transfer an “03” plate to a vehicle registered as “04” or later.

3.     Eligibility of Vehicles: The reg plate transfer process applies to vehicles registered in the UK, including cars, motorcycles, and certain types of agricultural vehicles. Make sure your vehicle is eligible for a transfer before proceeding.

Choose Your New Registration Plate

Decide on the new registration plate you wish to transfer to your vehicle. You have a few options:

·       Personalised Plates: Personalised plates allow you to create a unique combination of letters and numbers. These plates can reflect your name, initials, or a meaningful word. Keep in mind that personalised plates must adhere to DVLA guidelines and not be deemed offensive or misleading.

·       Cherished Plates: Cherished plates are registration marks that represent specific years or dates. They hold sentimental value and can be transferred to eligible vehicles. These plates often carry a premium due to their desirability. Depending on how you purchase the plates, you might receive the physical plates or simply just the right to it, in which case you’ll need to then purchase the physical plate, which you can do via UK Reg Plates.

Check Availability and Purchase

Once you have chosen your desired registration plate, check its availability through various plate dealers or the DVLA’s online search tool. If the plate is available, you can purchase it directly from a reputable dealer or through the DVLA’s online platform. Ensure that the dealer is registered with the DVLA and provides the necessary documentation for the transfer process.

Complete the Reg Plate Transfer

To complete the reg plate transfer, you will likely need to check with the DVLA website. You will probably need to submit a few forms alongside some supporting evidence and pay a fee. Once you have submitted the application and paid the fee, the DVLA will review your request. This process can take several weeks, so it’s important to be patient. You will receive a new V5C registration certificate reflecting the updated registration mark if the transfer is approved.

Once the reg plate transfer is approved, it’s time to fit the new registration plate to your vehicle. Ensure that the new plate adheres to DVLA guidelines in terms of font, size, spacing, and colour. You can either fit the new plates yourself or have them fitted by a professional to ensure proper alignment and attachment.

The Bottom Line

By following these steps, you can change your car’s registration plate legally and enjoy a fresh new look or personalised touch. Remember to always comply with DVLA guidelines and seek assistance from reputable plate dealers if needed.