Putting your private plate on retention allows you to store it for future use or transfer it to a new car later. Here’s how the DVLA retention process works.
What Is a Retention Certificate?
A V778 certificate holds your private registration for up to 10 years, and you can renew it for free before it expires.
When Should You Put a Plate on Retention?
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Selling your vehicle
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Switching to a new car soon
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Not ready to assign the plate yet
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Want to protect your plate’s value
How to Put Your Private Plate on Retention (Online)
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Visit DVLA’s “Take a Private Plate Off” service
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Enter your plate details
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Enter your V5C reference number
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Pay the £80 DVLA fee
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Download and save your digital V778 certificate
Postal Method
Send:
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V317 form
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V5C logbook
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£80 fee
Processing takes 1–2 weeks.
How Long Is a V778 Certificate Valid?
10 years — and renewable indefinitely for free.
Important Notes
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The plate must not make another vehicle look newer than it is
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Your insurance must reflect the updated registration