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How to apply for a cherished transfer

The transfer scheme enables a registration number to be moved directly from one vehicle to another. Only the registered keeper of a vehicle is entitled to apply to transfer its registration number. The application is processed at a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) local office.

What application form do I need?

The V317 cherished transfer application form. It has a tear-off sheet containing notes for guidance in question and answer form. You should read these very carefully and retain them for future reference. The completed application and associated documents should be sent to your nearest DVLA local office.

What do I take or send to the DVLA local office?

  • the completed V317 application form (minus the notes for guidance)
  • most recently issued V5/V5C registration documents/certificates for both vehicles
  • a test certificate for each vehicle that requires one (although either vehicle may not be old enough to need one, they must belong to a class of vehicle that normally requires MOT or HGV testing)
  • the current fee of £80
  • if you need vehicle tax for either vehicle at the same time, you will need to complete a V10 tax application form or the V11 tax reminder form and provide the relevant certificate of insurance or valid cover note, and appropriate rate of vehicle tax. Please ensure that you have your vehicle tax disc details (expiry date and serial number) and vehicle identification number (VIN) or chassis number to hand if you intend visiting the DVLA local office

For brand new vehicles

  • if the recipient vehicle is new and has never been registered, send instead your application for first registration (form V55)

Please note cherished transfer applications involving V55/4 and V55/5 forms will be subject to identity checking.

What happens once I have taken or sent my transfer application to the DVLA local office?

The DVLA local office may wish to inspect the donor and or recipient vehicle(s). If everything is in order, the donor vehicle (the vehicle giving up the cherished number) will be allocated a replacement age-related registration number*, the tax disc(s) will be replaced and the MOT certificate(s) (where appropriate) will be amended to show the replacement registration number. You will then be instructed to replace the number plates on the vehicles and to return any old tax disc(s) for cancellation.

*If the donor vehicle was first registered before 1963 it will be allocated a replacement number that does not contain a year identifier and it may not reflect the exact date the vehicle was first registered.

The papers will be sent to DVLA, Swansea for the records to be amended and replacement V5C registration certificates will normally follow within four weeks of receiving your confirmation letter from the Local Office.  However, if a V62 was used to support your application it could take up to eight weeks.

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