Frequently asked questions

Q. Are registration numbers a good investment?
A. In our opinion this is most certainly clearly endorsed by the substantial investment we have personally made. Values on personalised registrations have increased substantially over the past two decades and still seem to be increasing in popularity. This, of course, creates a buoyant market place. But, as with all investment markets, whether it be property, stocks and shares. etc., investments can fall as well as rise. (More details)

Q. If I decide to buy a registration from Posh Plates, are there any hidden costs?
A. Certainly no hidden costs, and none from which we make a profit. The only additional costs are the mandatory administration fees levied by the government. These are £25 for the change of nominee, £80 for the number to be assigned to a vehicle. and VAT at the current rate.

Q. OK, so I’ve decided to buy. How do I pay Posh Plates?
A. Credit Card / Bank Transfer / Personal Crossed cheque.

Q. I Have purchased a personal registration from Posh Plates. What happens next?
A. Firstly, congratulations on securing the number of your choice!
Upon receipt of payment, the V750 certificate of entitlement or V778 retention document, (depending on which form the registration mark is currently being held on) will be sent by our office to the DVLA, to add the name you have specified as *nominee (see footnote). Once we have received the certificate back, with the nominee in place, we will despatch the form to you the same day, (by recorded delivery), to enable you to complete the transfer procedure. This, in our experience is by far the quickest and simplest way to ensure the registration is on the vehicle of your choice in the quickest possible time.
In the case of a brand new vehicle, hand the certificate to the car dealer and he/she will arrange the assignment for you. Or otherwise upon receipt of your V750 or V778 certificate, you may transfer the number plate to your vehicle the same day via your local vehicle registration office, or alternatively it can be done by post. You will need to take with you, or send, the following documents:

• The V5 Registration Document.
• The current MOT certificate if applicable. Once the local Vehicle Registrations Office has completed the documentation you may display your new cherished number plates on your vehicle.

* Nominee details

• It is important that the nominee details you supply contains the name of the person on the V5 registration document for the vehicle you intend to put the registration mark on.
• The DVLA Office will provide you with a tax disc with the new registration number. Make sure that you put this on the vehicle simultaneously with changing the number plates. You must surrender your old tax disc in a self-addressed envelope that the DVLA will provide.
• It is important that you inform your insurance company that you have changed the registration of you vehicle.
• In the case of a brand new vehicle hand the certificate to the car dealer and he/she will arrange the assignment for you.
• If you do proceed to purchase a registration number from Posh Plates, step by step instructions will be sent to you at the same time as your V750 / V778 certificate.
• And do remember we are only a phone call away for any advice or assistance you may need.

It is an offence to put a number on the vehicle that is newer than the vehicle itself with the intention of misrepresenting the age of the vehicle.

Q. What is a vehicle registration number?
A. The Main purpose of a number plate is to act as a unique identifier for a vehicle. It is an aid for the police in thier duties, and acts as a reference for taxation purposes and is assigned to your vehicle as part of the registration process.It remains with the vehicle when you sell it and is automatically transferred as part of the sale. (Unless you apply to either transfer or retain the number.)

Q. V750 Certificate Of Entitlement Document issued by DVLA/DVLC Swansea confirming a purchaser´ s right to the registration mark specified on the certificate.
A. Along with your newly acquired registration number you may receive a Certificate of Entitlement (V750). You need to re-register this document using your own name and details. Simply add the nominee details to section 1 of the certificate and sign (purchaser only) section. You should then send your application together with a cheque made payable to DVLA/DVLC for £25 to

DVLA/DVLC Personalised Registrations, SV2, Swansea, SA99 1DN

Q. Can I put my new registration number straight on my vehicle?
A. Once the DVLA/DVLC has returned your amended Certificate of Entitlement (V750)(this has an expiry date on it and the mark must be on your vehicle before the expiry date) and you are ready to put your registration number on your vehicle you need to apply to you local DVLA/DVLC office. Click here for a list of local DVLA/DVLC Offices The reverse of your certificate has a list of the documents you will need to accompany your application, and you should remember to sign section 4 of your V750 form. NB* You can post or take your documents in person to your local office. (The DVLA/DVLC add a rider that during busy times you may have to collect your documentation later and request you make a phone call before turning up to do so.)

Q.V778 Retention Certificate
A. If you would like to purchase a vehicle number for yourself and have not yet purchased the vehicle to display the mark,or as a gift for someone else, or you are going to sell your vehicle but wish to keep your number, you may retain the registration number on what is known as a ´ Retention Certificate´ .

The Retention Certificate enables you to retain the mark for up to twelve months prior to being assigned and costs only £25.00. Incidentally, you must pre-pay the £80.00 transfer fee when retaining a mark. There are strict rules governing the use of retention certificates of which you must make yourself fully aware prior to using the service. If you have bought the plate for someone else your details will be on the form as purchaser and the person you have bought the plate for will appear as the nominee. The plate can only be assigned to a vehicle by the purchaser and only on a vehicle beloging to the purchaser/nominee. It is then assigned to that vehicle as part of the registration process, and stays with that vehicle when sold, unless you apply for retention or transfer of the number.

If you do not wish to assign the number within the 12 month period, you can apply to extend your assignment rights annually. There will be a charge of £25 for each extension.

Be aware, however, if you do not renew at the end of the year, the number will revert back to DVLA/DVLC. Also DVLA/DVLC should send you a reminder, but are under no obligation to do so. If you then sell or buy the number it will retain the original purchaser´ s details until you register it to a vehicle. (The original purchaser is the only person who can renew the retention certificate.)