It’s no secret that we become more attached to our cars as we get older. Whether it’s a new-found appreciation for the vehicle you have owned for the last decade, or a recent love affair with a new car bought to enjoy in your retirement, motors are a huge part of life. One way to indulge in this appreciation and make your vehicle stand out on the road is to invest in a personalised registration plate. Below is our quick guide to purchasing your very own private reg.
What are the different kinds of personalised plates?
Registration plates can most generally be split into two different groups: cherished number plates and DVLA plates. While cherished plates were standardly issued before 1963, they are now recognised as those which do not include a date indicator in the registration. These are often much more expensive to purchase, and can consist of as little as two digits altogether.
Alternatively, DVLA plates are those which have been issued directly from the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency. They are therefore in the typical registration format that we recognise today, including the date of issue. Many people purchase existing versions of these plates that include personal letter combinations, such as initials. It is not uncommon to purchase these plates for around £200.
Where to buy your plates?
There are a huge number of companies who specialise in buying and selling plates, such as The Private Plate Company. Sites such as these are able to source particulate plates that you might want and organise any registration transfers for your private reg. Alternatively, if you know that the plates you’re looking for are available and are DVLA ones, they might be available for purchase through the DVLA site directly.
What happens if I get a new car?
If you happen to buy a new car after investing in your own plates, you’ll obviously want to be able to transfer this onto your new vehicle. Luckily, you’re well within your rights to do so. As previously mentioned, many companies will sort this out for you, but if not it is important to ensure that you follow the process properly if doing it yourself. DVLA offer services to change the registered car directly; you will need your 11-digit reference from your vehicle’s V5C logbook, and the process will cost £80 altogether.
It is also important to always remember that it is your job to inform your insurance provider if you change the registration plate on a car that you already own. This has no effect on the cost of your policy, but you could incur some hefty fines if you don’t let them know about the change.
Private registration plates can be a great investment. They can serve as a personable and thoughtful gift for a loved one, or a great way to vamp up your vehicle. This guide has highlighted some of the key things to remember when purchasing plates, and the best way to go about doing so.