Personalised Plate Ownership Guide

Your Practical Guide to Personalised Plate Ownership

Buying a personalised number plate involves a short paperwork process managed by the DVLA. This guide covers the documents you'll need, how assignment works, and what to expect with timing. It is provided for general information only — always refer to GOV.UK and the DVLA for the most up-to-date official requirements.

Documents Required to Order a Personalised Plate

Before a number plate supplier can make a road-legal plate for you, you must provide proof of entitlement to the registration. This is one of the following official DVLA documents:

  • V750 Certificate of Entitlement — issued when you purchase a personalised registration directly from the DVLA or an authorised dealer. It confirms you are entitled to use the registration but have not yet assigned it to a vehicle.
  • V778 Retention Document — issued when a personalised registration has been retained (taken off a vehicle) for future use.
  • V5C (Vehicle Registration Certificate / logbook) — if the registration is already assigned to your vehicle, your V5C showing that registration serves as proof.

You will also need to show a valid form of identity. Plate suppliers are required by law to record this information before making a road-legal plate.

The V750 Certificate of Entitlement: What It Is and When You Need It

If you have purchased a personalised registration from the DVLA but not yet put it on a vehicle, the DVLA will send you a V750 Certificate of Entitlement. This document:

  • Confirms you are entitled to use the registration number.
  • Is valid for a set period (check the expiry date printed on the certificate — typically 12 months, renewable).
  • Must be presented to a plate supplier when ordering a road-legal plate before the registration has been assigned to a vehicle.
  • Must be surrendered to the DVLA (or presented at a DVLA Local Office) when you assign the registration to your vehicle.

Once the registration has been successfully assigned and appears on your V5C, you no longer need the V750 — your logbook is your proof.

Assigning the Registration to Your Vehicle

You can assign a personalised registration to your vehicle online via the DVLA's online service or by post using the relevant DVLA forms. The general process is:

  1. Ensure the vehicle is taxed and has a valid MOT (if applicable).
  2. Complete the assignment online or send your V750/V778 and V5C to the DVLA.
  3. Once approved, the DVLA will update the vehicle record and issue a new V5C showing the personalised registration.
  4. Only once the registration is officially assigned should you display the new plates on your vehicle on a public road.

Important: You must not display personalised plates on your vehicle until the DVLA has confirmed the assignment. Displaying unassigned plates is an offence.

V5C Timing: When Will My Logbook Be Updated?

After a successful assignment, the DVLA will post an updated V5C to the registered keeper's address. Allow up to 6 weeks for the updated logbook to arrive, though it often comes sooner. Processing times can vary depending on DVLA workload.

During this waiting period:

  • The assignment is recorded on the DVLA's database and can be verified by authorities if required.
  • You may drive the vehicle with the new plates displayed, as the DVLA record will reflect the change.
  • Your MOT certificate will still show the old registration number — this is normal and does not invalidate your MOT.

MOT and the New Registration

Your MOT certificate is linked to the vehicle, not the registration number. When you assign a new personalised registration, your existing MOT remains valid. The MOT certificate will continue to show the old registration, but DVLA records and the MOT database are updated over time. If you have any concerns, the DVLA MOT check service allows you to verify MOT status using your registration or vehicle identification number (VIN/chassis number).

What to Do If Your Documents Are Delayed

If your V750, V778, or updated V5C has not arrived within the expected timeframe:

  • V750 / V778 not received: Contact the DVLA directly. If you purchased through an authorised dealer, contact them first — they can liaise with the DVLA on your behalf.
  • Updated V5C not received after 6 weeks: Contact the DVLA to chase the update. You can also apply for a replacement V5C (form V62) if required.
  • Lost V750 or V778: You can apply to the DVLA for a replacement, though a fee may apply. Contact the DVLA or visit GOV.UK: Contact DVLA.

Do not display new plates on public roads until the assignment is confirmed, even if documents are delayed.

Useful DVLA Links

This guide is provided for general information purposes only. OFFLICENCE PLATES LTD is a number plate manufacturer and is not affiliated with the DVLA. For official and legally binding guidance, always refer to GOV.UK and contact the DVLA directly. Requirements may change — check GOV.UK for the latest information.