You can part exchange your car with a private plate — but what you need to do depends on whether you want to keep the plate or not:
📅 If you DON'T want to keep your private plate:
There’s nothing you need to do. We may just get in touch to confirm before the handover.
📅 If you DO want to keep your private plate:
You’ll need to place the plate on retention with the DVLA before your handover.
Once processed, the DVLA will send you:
- A V778 retention certificate (proof the plate is yours)
- A new V5C log book showing the car’s original registration number
Before your handover, make sure:
✔️ The original number plates are fitted
✔️ The updated V5C is ready for handover
📌 Important: It can take up to 4 weeks to receive your new V5C, so allow plenty of time before your handover date.