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Transferring a registration mark and how to apply

Registration numbers are assigned to vehicles. Only as the vehicle keeper do you have entitlement to apply to transfer or retain its number. You should be aware that not all vehicles are eligible to participate in the transfer and retention of registration numbers and not all numbers are transferable.

Where a number is transferable, the vehicle to which it is assigned must meet certain criteria. The V317 and V778/1 transfer and retention application forms respectively, outline the requirements of the schemes and offer further advice in question and answer form.

The leaflet, Registration Numbers and You INF46, also offers further advice on the schemes and is available for download. It is also included when you order the cherished transfer or retention pack from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) form ordering service.

Where can I obtain forms V317 and V778/1?

You can download the forms on the link below or get them from your nearest DVLA local office.

Who can apply?

Only the registered keeper of a vehicle is entitled to apply to transfer its registration number.

What are the requirements for participating vehicles?

Vehicles taking part in the Cherished Transfer scheme must be currently licensed, subject to annual testing (MoT/HGV) and available for inspection. However, to help individuals whose vehicles, for unexpected reasons are unable to be re-licence, DVLA will still consider applications where:

  • the tax disc for the donor vehicle has expired no more that 12 months previously. (Prior to 1 December 2005 the concession was six months). Please note that to qualify for this concession, there must be no break between the natural expiry date of the licence (tax) and the commencement of SORN. This concession does not apply if you have submitted your licence (tax) for a refund
  • the donor vehicle is not old enough to be tested, ie less than three years old for cars, motorcycles, etc or less than one year old in the case of HGVs
In both the above circumstances, all other requirements of the number transfer facility must be met in order for applications to be considered. Recipient vehicles (vehicle the number is to be assigned to) must be currently taxed in order to take part in the cherished transfer scheme.

Are there any special rules for motorcycles?

No, motorcycles and mopeds can participate fully in the number transfer arrangements, providing they meet all the normal transfer requirements.

Is there any type of vehicle that is not eligible to participate in the transfer scheme?

Non-testable vehicles eg tractors, electrically propelled vehicles etc, cannot participate in the scheme.

Can a registration number be transferred between vehicles if one of the vehicles is registered in Northern Ireland?

Yes, provided that both vehicles meet the requirements of the transfer scheme. You should contact your DVLA local office for more information.

How to apply

Any application to transfer a registration number must be made on a V317 transfer application form which is available from your nearest DVLA local office or from the DVLA, Swansea.

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