Q1: What happens to my old number plates?

If you have the space, then put these into storage because you may be able to re-instate your old registration to your vehicle when you come to change it, although there are no guarantees (and you may just get a registration mark which relates to the age of your vehicle). ...Top

Q2: Do I need to inform my insurers that I have a new registration mark?

Yes, remember to tell them in writing that 'In the event of a total loss claim...' whereby they effectively buy your vehicle (or what's left of it) off you due to theft, or as a 'right off', '...the registration mark will remain your property'.
Get them to acknowledge this request in writing.
They do not normally make a charge for issuing a new cover note in these circumstances or for complying with this request. ...Top

Q3: Getting your new number plates made up

New laws
Legislation started on 1 January 2003 requires all number plate suppliers in England and Wales to register their details with DVLA *. From that date a business not registered will be unable to trade as a number plate supplier. It is expected that Scotland and Northern Ireland will follow shortly but at the time of writing they are not required by law to be registered. Why the need for these new laws?
To control the supply of number plates so that there is less chance of a vehicle driver avoiding the law by the use and fitting of false number plates.

How am I affected?
This will affect you if you have bought a personalised registration number or have entitlement to a registration mark and want to have the plates made up. They should only be made up with a registered supplier for your own safety as these manufacturers are known to the government and the likelihood that they will pass your personal details onto any unscrupulous third parties is lower than if they were not registered. If you would like to check if your supplier is registered then the register can be found online at www.dvla.gov.uk/vehicles/rnps.htm . This also applies if you have to replace your number plate after the 1 January 2003 for other reasons eg accidental damage.

What will I have to do?
To have your number plate made up you will need to go to a registered supplier taking with you proof of entitlement to the mark which could be one of the following:

• Vehicle Registration Document (V5).
  
• Certificate of Entitlement to a mark (V750).
  
• Cherished Transfer Retention Document (V778).
  
• Vehicle Licence Renewal (V11).
  
• Authorisation slip from DVLA local office with official DVLA stamp. This will apply when DVLA authorises a customer to buy plates bearing a particular registration mark, e.g. when applying to assign the mark to a vehicle but before you have had the plates made up. If you are applying by post the authorisation slip will be sent to you. This will also apply in the case of a cherished transfer.
  
• Certificate of Vehicle Registration (V379).
  
• Vehicle Export Certificate.
  
• A letter of authority from fleet operators on company headed notepaper with contact details.
  
  

  You will also need to provide proof of your personal details which could be :

• A current photocard driving licence (preferred) or
  
• Bank/building society statement or a recent utility bill with one of the following :
  
• Current paper driving licence.
  Passport.
  
• Credit/debit card with photograph.
  
• Travel pass card with photograph.
  

• Foreign national identity card.
  
  Bought as a gift
  If you have bought a number as a gift or are having the plates made up for someone else and have no entitlement to the mark then the proof of personal details should be yours. Proof of personal details should be the actual person who is going to have the plates made up. If you have ordered a new vehicle Simply provide your motor dealer with the appropriate proof of entitlement and they will make up the plates for you as they already hold your vehicle details. ...Top

Q4: Once I own a private number plate can I transfer it when I change my vehicle?

Yes, provided your next vehicle is the same age or younger than the one you have now. The transfer fee is presently £80 and this includes putting an age-related number plate on the vehicle you are selling, although you will also be required to buy a new set of plates to match, before you sell it. ...Top

Q5: What is the Government retention scheme?

Once you have a number plate on a vehicle you are the registered keeper of, you have the sole right to transfer it to another vehicle or to a holding (retention) certificate which is valid for 12 months and can be renewed annually. The fees for certification and renewal are presently £25.00 each but you will also be required to pay one £80 future transfer fee in advance, in the first instance.
Once it is on a retention certificate you can nominate another person to use it as in the answer above. ...Top

Q6: What if my vehicle is stolen and not recovered or ‘written off’?

Your right to your personal registration mark remains your property provided that you have informed your insurers (above).

The Government will allow your personal registration mark to be assigned to a new vehicle you are the keeper of, 12 months after the incident was reported to them. This is to allow time for the vehicle to be recovered and properly written off by them. ...Top

NB: If you follow these instructions you do not need to insure your number plate, (although there are agents who will try to sell you an insurance policy).