Inside the world of number plate

Since 1907, in line with the law, number plates are mandatory for all the motor vehicle for official identification purposes. A number plate is a metal plate that, throughout a numeric or alphanumeric code, identifies the vehicle. In some countries the registration plate is unique within a state or province in others within the entire country.

To get new number plates for your vehicle you have to go to a registered supplier that will need proof that the registration number belongs to you as well as proof of your identity. You will have to show to the registered supplier a document, that must be original not a copy, (for example a driving license or a national identity card or a passport or a bill issued by your electricity, gas or water supplier or an armed forces identity card) that will allow the supplier to confirm your identity.

There is also the possibility to transfer the registration number from your vehicle to another vehicle in your name. You will need to complete a V317 application to transfer a vehicle registration number and enclose £80 transfer fee.

You can also put your number plate on retention, removing it from a vehicle, without assigning it to another vehicle. You will have a Retention Certificate or V778 Retention Document that will keep your registration number for one, two, or three years. There is also the possibility to extend the certificate V778 if , before the expiry date, you have not assigned the registration number to a vehicle. You will have to pay retain fee : £105 for one year, £130 for two years, £155 for three years, and to extend retention certificate you will have to pay £25.

In some countries there is also the possibility to pay extra and get a “vanity plate”! Also these plates have to be unique but they are also not allowed to have offensive, obscene or profane message on them. For example on a vanity license plate you can read “BAD GIRL”.

You can have you own private number plate with prices starting from only 199 pounds!