If you’re turning in your old car for scrap, you may be wondering whether you can keep the number plate for your new vehicle. Maybe the number plate was personalised, has sentimental value or just has a nice ring to it – whatever your reasoning is, it IS possible to transfer a number plate from a scrapped car, but timing is crucial. Keep reading to find out more!
When Should I Transfer My Number Plate?
You can only transfer a number plate from a scrapped car if you applied to retain it before the car was officially scrapped with the DVLA. Once a vehicle is scrapped and a Certificate of Destruction is issued, its standard registration number is retired permanently and cannot be recovered or transferred.
How to Transfer Your Number Plate
You can apply for the right to retain and transfer your number plate on the DVLA website or by post.
Before you fill out this application, you need to ensure that your car adheres to the following eligibility criteria:
Your car must be…
- Registered with the DVLA.
- Eligible for a MOT certificate (you don't need to have a MOT at the time of application).
- Consistently taxed or declared SORN for the last 5 years.
When filling out your V317 document, if you want to transfer your plate directly to another vehicle, you need to fill out Section A, include the vehicle’s V5C logbook, pay the £80 transfer fee and send it to the DVLA. This can be done online and by post.
If you want to keep your plate but you don’t have another car to transfer it to immediately, leave Section A of the V317 form blank, and complete Section B to apply for a retention certificate. Include the vehicle’s V5C logbook and pay the £80 retention fee, and your V778 retention form should be sent to you shortly. This certificate is valid for 10 years and can be renewed.
What Happens After I Transfer My Number Plate?
Once the transfer is complete, you will receive a new V5C logbook. You should then…
- Fit New Plates: You must fit the new, replacement number plates to the car before it can be driven or scrapped.
- Inform Your Insurance Company: Make sure that you inform your insurance company so that your policy is linked to the correct car and plate.
- Proceed with Scrapping: Once you have the new documentation and plates fitted, you can safely scrap the car.
At A&L Vehicle Recycling, we aim to make the car scrapping process as easy as possible. If you want to find out how much you can get for your scrap car, use the button below to get an instant, no-obligation quote for your vehicle.
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If you have any questions about our scrap car process, please get in touch with us today and a member of our team will be happy to help!
