How do I transfer a vehicle registration?

Use the online DVLA service with the 11-digit reference number from your V5C logbook. For private plates, use the DVLA personalised registration service or form V317. You can also transfer by post.

Can I transfer a registration online?

Yes. Most registration transfers can be completed online through the DVLA website. This includes change of keeper, private plate transfers, and retention applications.

How long does a registration transfer take?

Online transfers are immediate. The new V5C arrives within 3 to 5 working days. Postal transfers take 2 to 4 weeks. V62 replacements can take up to 6 weeks.

Can I transfer a private number plate to another car?

Yes. You can transfer a private plate online or by post using form V317. You need the V5C for both vehicles. The fee is £80.

What documents are needed for registration transfer?

You need the V5C logbook. For private plates, you need the V5C for both vehicles and form V317. If you are retaining a plate, form V317 is also required. Proof of ownership is also recommended.

Can I keep my registration when selling a car?

Yes. You must transfer the private plate off the vehicle before selling it. You can assign it to another vehicle or retain it using form V317. The fee is £80.

Does changing the registered keeper change ownership?

No. The V5C records the registered keeper, not legal ownership. Ownership is usually proven through receipts, invoices, finance agreements, or other supporting documents.

How much does a registration transfer cost?

Change of keeper is free. Private plate transfers cost £80. Retention costs £80. Replacement V5C costs £25.

Change Vehicle Registration: UK Transfer Guide

Change vehicle registration when you buy or sell a car, transfer a private plate, or update DVLA records. Here is how to do each process correctly

Changing vehicle registration can mean different things to different drivers. Most people searching for this topic mean updating DVLA records after buying, selling, or transferring a vehicle. Others mean transferring a private number plate or correcting vehicle details on the V5C. Each process has different rules, fees, and timescales.

Failure to update vehicle registration correctly can result in fines up to £1,000, missed correspondence, and problems when selling the vehicle. According to the DVLA, you can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell them when your details change.

This guide covers everything you need to know about changing vehicle registration in the United Kingdom.

Vehicle registration changes include updating the registered keeper, transferring private number plates, and correcting V5C details. Each process is different and requires specific documentation.

What Does Changing Vehicle Registration Mean

Vehicle registration refers to the record held by the DVLA for each vehicle. This includes the vehicle identification number, make, model, colour, and most importantly, the registered keeper details. The registered keeper is responsible for keeping DVLA records up to date and is usually responsible for taxing the vehicle.

There are three main types of registration changes:

Changing the registered keeper when a vehicle is sold or transferred
Transferring a private number plate between vehicles
Updating vehicle details on the V5C (colour, engine, address, etc.)

The V5C logbook is the official document that records the registered keeper of a vehicle. It is not proof of ownership. The front cover of the V5C states: "This document is not proof of ownership. It shows who is responsible for registering and taxing the vehicle."

Our registered keeper guide explains keeper responsibilities in detail.

Vehicle registration is the DVLA record of a vehicle and its registered keeper. The V5C logbook is not proof of ownership. It records the registered keeper responsible for maintaining DVLA vehicle records.

Reasons for Changing Vehicle Registration

There are several reasons why you might need to change a vehicle registration. The most common reasons are:

Selling a vehicle requires the change of keeper. When you sell a car, you must notify the DVLA of the change of registered keeper. The new keeper must be registered on the V5C. Failure to update the DVLA can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and you could remain liable for fines and penalties incurred by the new keeper.

Buying a used car means the seller must transfer the registration to you. You will receive a new V5C in your name. If the seller does not provide the V5C, you will need to apply for a replacement logbook using form V62, which costs £25.

Personalised number plates are another common reason. You can transfer a private registration number from one vehicle to another, or retain it for future use. The process involves a registration transfer application to the DVLA using form V317.

Registration corrections may be needed if the details on the V5C are incorrect. This can include the registered keeper name, address, or vehicle details such as colour, engine size, or body type.

Our automobile transfer of ownership guide covers the full process of buying and selling a vehicle.

Common reasons for changing registration include selling a vehicle, buying a used car, transferring private number plates, and correcting V5C details. Each reason has different rules.

Quick Summary: Registration Transfer Methods

Change Type	How to Do It	Time to Complete	Cost
Change of registered keeper	Online or by post using V5C	Instant online, 2-4 weeks by post	Free
Private plate transfer	Online or V317 form by post	Often completed instantly online, up to 2 weeks by post	£80
Registration correction	Post V5C to DVLA	Up to 6 weeks	Free (for errors)
Replacement V5C	Online, phone, or V62 form	5 days online, 6 weeks by post	£25

The quickest way to update vehicle registration is online through the DVLA website. Most changes can be completed immediately with confirmation emails sent to both parties.

Quick summary: Keeper changes are free and instant online. Private plate transfers cost £80. Replacement V5C costs £25. Post takes longer than online.

Registration Transfer Explained

A registration transfer occurs when a registration number is moved from one vehicle to another or retained by the keeper. This is most common with private or personalised number plates.

Registration numbers remain assigned to a vehicle unless transferred or retained through DVLA procedures. When you sell a vehicle with a private plate, you must transfer the plate off the vehicle first, or the new keeper will get the plate. The standard registration number assigned to the vehicle will be restored.

To transfer a private plate, you need the V5C logbook for both the vehicle the plate is currently assigned to and the vehicle you want to assign it to. Both vehicles must be taxed and MOT'd (if required).

If you want to keep a private plate without assigning it to a vehicle, you can retain it. This process is called assignment and retention. You will receive a V778 retention document which proves your rights to the registration number and is valid for 10 years.

Our where is the 16 digit reference number on V11 guide helps with tax-related reference numbers.

A registration transfer moves a number plate from one vehicle to another. Private plates must be transferred before selling a vehicle. Retention allows you to keep a plate without a vehicle for up to 10 years.

How to Transfer Car Registration

Transferring a car registration depends on what type of transfer you need. The process is different for changing the registered keeper versus transferring a private number plate.

For changing the registered keeper, the seller must notify the DVLA. The quickest method is online through the official DVLA website at www.gov.uk/vehicle-log-book. The seller needs the 11-digit document reference number from the V5C logbook. The buyer full name and address is required. The DVLA records are updated immediately. The new keeper receives the new V5C within 3 to 5 working days.

By post, the seller must complete Section 2 of the V5C (or Section 6 on older style blue V5C documents) with the new keeper details. The seller must sign the declaration. The V5C is sent to DVLA Swansea SA99 1BA. The green new keeper slip (V5C/2) is given to the buyer. The new logbook takes 2 to 4 weeks to arrive.

For private number plate transfers, the process requires form V317. You can apply online or by post. You need the V5C for both vehicles. The transfer fee is £80. The DVLA processes transfers immediately online, and you will receive confirmation via email. Postal applications take up to two weeks.

Our automobile transfer of ownership guide explains the full process in detail.

Change keeper online using the 11-digit V5C reference number. Private plate transfers cost £80 and can be done online or by post using form V317. Postal keeper changes take 2 to 4 weeks.

Transfer Registration Online

The DVLA online services make registration transfers quick and convenient. Most changes can be completed without posting any documents.

To transfer registration online, visit the official DVLA website at www.gov.uk/vehicle-log-book. The online service is available 24 hours a day. You will need your vehicle registration number and the 11-digit document reference number from your V5C logbook.

For private number plate transfers, you can use the DVLA personalised registration service. You need the V5C for the vehicle the plate is currently on, and the V5C for the vehicle you are transferring it to. The £80 fee can be paid by credit or debit card.

Online transfers are confirmed immediately. The new keeper or plate assignment is recorded instantly, and a new V5C is posted to the registered keeper address within 3 to 5 working days.

You can also tax your vehicle at the same time as transferring registration online. The DVLA checks MOT status automatically for tax renewal.

Our does car tax automatically renew guide explains tax renewal rules.

Online registration transfers are instant and available 24/7. You need the V5C reference number. Private plate transfers cost £80. often completed instantly online.

Documents Required for Registration Transfer

Having the correct documents is essential for a smooth registration transfer. Missing or incorrect documents can cause significant delays.

For a change of keeper, you need the V5C logbook. The seller must have the logbook to transfer the keeper details. If the logbook is lost, you must apply for a replacement using form V62, which costs £25.

For private number plate transfers, you need the V5C for the vehicle the plate is currently assigned to, and the V5C for the vehicle you are moving it to. You also need form V317. The £80 fee applies. If either vehicle is over three years old, a valid MOT certificate is required.

If you are retaining a private plate, you need the V5C and the V317 form. The £80 fee applies. Once processed, you will receive a V778 retention certificate.

Proof of ownership is also important. A purchase receipt or invoice helps prove you are the legal owner. The V5C is not proof of ownership. The front cover of the V5C states this clearly.

Our registered keeper guide explains the difference between keeper and owner.

Documents required include the V5C logbook, proof of ownership, and vehicle registration number. For private plates, V5C for both vehicles and form V317 are needed. Lost logbooks require V62 form costing £25.

Private Number Plate Transfers

Private number plates, also known as personalised registrations, can be transferred between vehicles or retained for future use. The process is managed by the DVLA using form V317.

To transfer a private plate online, you need the V5C for both the donor vehicle (the vehicle the plate is currently on) and the recipient vehicle (the vehicle you want to move it to). Both vehicles must be taxed and MOT'd (if required). The transfer fee is £80.

If you want to keep a private plate without assigning it to a vehicle, you can retain it. The retention application costs £80. Once processed, you receive a V778 retention certificate. This document proves your rights to the registration number and is valid for 10 years.

When selling a vehicle with a private plate, you must transfer the plate off the vehicle before selling. If you do not, the new keeper will receive the private plate. You cannot transfer a private plate to a vehicle that would make it appear newer than it actually is. For example, a 17-plate registration cannot go on a car originally registered on an 05 plate. Dateless number plates can be assigned to a vehicle of any age.

Some registrations cannot be transferred at all. These include any beginning with Q or NIQ, and no plate can be transferred to a vehicle that itself carries a Q registration.

Our MOT due date guide helps you track MOT expiry.

Private plate transfers cost £80 and can be done online or by post using form V317. You need V5C for both vehicles. Retention costs £80 and is valid for 10 years. Transfer private plates before selling a vehicle.

How Long a Registration Transfer Takes

The time a registration transfer takes depends on the method used. Online transfers are the quickest option.

Online change of keeper: The DVLA records are updated immediately. Both parties receive confirmation emails. The new keeper receives the new V5C within 3 to 5 working days.

Online private plate transfer: The transfer is processed immediately. You will receive confirmation via email. The new V5C is posted within 3 to 5 working days.

Postal change of keeper: The new logbook takes 2 to 4 weeks to arrive. This can be longer during busy periods or if there are issues with the application.

Postal V62 replacement: The new logbook can take up to 6 weeks to arrive. If your replacement has not arrived after 4 weeks, contact the DVLA.

If you have not received your new V5C after the expected time, contact the DVLA. Delays can happen if the application has errors or if additional information is required.

Our car tax issuing post offices guide explains in-person renewal options.

Online transfers are immediate with confirmation emails. New V5C arrives in 3-5 days. Postal transfers take 2-4 weeks. V62 replacements can take up to 6 weeks.

Final Thoughts

Changing vehicle registration is a straightforward process when you have the correct documents. Online transfers are the quickest option, with immediate confirmation and new V5C arriving within 3 to 5 working days. Postal transfers take longer, typically 2 to 4 weeks.

Private number plates require a £80 transfer fee and can be moved between vehicles or retained for future use. Change of keeper is free and can be done online instantly. If you have lost your V5C, you must apply for a replacement using form V62, costing £25.

Failure to update vehicle registration correctly can result in fines up to £1,000, missed correspondence, and problems when selling the vehicle. Always keep your V5C up to date and notify the DVLA immediately when your details change.

All information in this guide is based on official DVLA and GOV.UK sources. Readers should verify current procedures directly with the DVLA before making decisions, as fees and processes may change after publication.

Change Vehicle Registration: The Complete UK Guide to Transfers and Updates