Plates4Less

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Government Transfer Fee (also known as the Assignment Fee)

Whenever you purchase or retain a registration mark, the Government charges an £80 fee, which must always be paid straight away (by law), regardless of when your transfer to a vehicle is completed. Paying It is NOT optional and cannot be delayed.

This fee has nothing to do with the 'First registration fee' for a brand new or imported vehicle, which if required, is paid separately.

This fee covers the cost of producing a new V5 Registration Document, updating Government databases and notifying all government departments such as VOSA and the Police.

The Government Transfer Fee is zero-rated for VAT purposes, so no VAT is added to it.

We offer the most comprehensive range of options in the industry to make the process as straightforward as possible. Once you find a plate you like you can view guidance and choose the best purchase option for you!

You cannot make a vehicle look newer than it actually is. This is the most important rule regarding personalised registrations! Most registration marks have an 'age identifier' letter or number which dictates whether or not they can legally go onto your vehicle. Use our search filter to grey-out registrations which are too new and if you've found a plate you like, make sure to use our age-check tool on the Purchase Options page or in the checkout.

Understanding that price is a major factor, we remain price-conscious, checking daily to ensure you get more at the lowest possible price. Super-fussy and ruthlessly efficient, we are always cutting costs and raising quality to give you the best value in the marketplace!

When you view a plate you'll be able to see if you are able to make an offer.

  • Exceptional Service: Don't just take our word for it—see what others are saying about us on Trustpilot. We are proud to be the highest-rated number plate agent in the UK.
  • Discreet Fulfillment: All orders are fulfilled by VRM Swansea Ltd, so there's no mention of Plates4Less on government documentation or your replacement number plates.
  • Comprehensive Range of Options: We offer the most extensive range of order options, making the process quick, smooth, and easy.
  • Proximity to DVLA HQ: Based in Swansea, we have the advantage of being close to the DVLA headquarters. We personally deliver applications every day to ensure a fast and efficient service.

Registration marks make perfect gifts and we offer a number of services designed to help you surprise that special person. Place your order in the details of the person who is paying for the registration mark and give us the lucky recipient's name later in the checkout stage. The keeper of the vehicle will become the owner of the plate once the transfer is complete. All correspondence from ourselves will be sent in plain packaging. Number plates and presentation certificates can be easily wrapped to give as a gift on the special day!

We've put together a quick guide to help you through the process. Check out our Plates4Gifts hub.

We offer the fullest range of payment options. Pay with credit or debit card, 0% deposit finance, bank transfer or cheque. Note: we do not take Amex.

Note: paying by finance will not delay your transfer. Simply select 'Pay By Finance' during the checkout or you can view the finance illustration by clicking the 'Learn More About My Order Options' button on the Purchase Options page.

Yes, we can help you purchase more than one registration mark in a single transaction. No need to complete separate forms or make multiple payments.

While our website currently processes one registration per checkout, our team can assist you with multi-plate purchases directly. Simply contact us using this special multi-plate form and let us know the registrations you're interested in. We'll take care of the rest!

We don't offer exchange or part-exchange services. However, we do provide a free seller's service. We have a list of buyers waiting and tens of thousands of new searchers each week. For more information on selling, please visit our sellers area. Love this registration? Secure it now and delay the transfer until you're ready. Remember, there's only one of each registration available.

Once your new plate is on, the DVLA will hold onto your old registration number until you're ready to switch back. However, if you already have a private plate on your vehicle, you need to retain it before transferring the new one if you plan to use it on another vehicle.

There are strict rules about the layout of the characters on number plates. We only supply road legal plates, therefore we cannot alter the spacing. You can make your number plates unique in other ways by choosing our "4D Standout" font or by adding a flag.

Private number plates are good for advertising, and they can disguise the age of your vehicle(s). They're distinctive, memorable, and when chosen wisely can make good investments. We will send you a VAT invoice/receipt for your purchase. In some legitimate circumstances, business related number plates can be a company asset that's a tax deductible expense. If you are unsure, please discuss your plan with your accountant. Check out our Plates4Business Hub for more information.

Save for later? You can save or share the link and return to complete your purchase when you are ready.

Remember, each registration is unique and thousands change hands daily. Availability cannot be guaranteed until after your payment is made.