🔤 Removing a personal registration plate

If you’ve got a private number plate on your car and you’d like to keep it — no problem! But it’s really important that you remove (or ‘retain’) the plate before we collect your car. After collection, especially if the car is scrapped, we can’t guarantee it’ll be possible to transfer the plate.

Here’s how to remove your personal plate:

• You’ll need to apply to the DVLA to remove the plate from your car. You can do this quickly online or by post.
• Once approved, your plate will be placed on a retention certificate (V778), so you can transfer it to another vehicle in the future.
• The DVLA will update your car’s registration to a new standard number plate.

👉 Remove or retain your private plate online here

💡 Top tip: Do this as soon as possible before collection day. DVLA processing can take a few days — and once we’ve collected your car, especially for scrap, it’s too late to retain your plate.

⚠️ Important: We won’t be able to assist with number plate transfers after collection. If you’re planning to keep your plate, please complete the retention process in advance.

If you’ve got questions or need advice, just give us a call on 01772 900000 or email help@car.co.uk.

We’re here to help make it simple! ✅