Registration numbers can only be assigned to vehicles registered, licenced and used on the British mainland.

They also cannot be used to make a vehicle appear newer than it actually is.

Retention Document (V778)
A registration can be transferred from a previous vehicle onto a retention document for the sum of £105 (£ 80 of this is the advance payment for when the number is assigned to a vehicle). The keeper of the donor vehicle will be shown on the grantee and a nominee name may be added. The number can be assigned to a vehicle in either of the names. Certificates are valid for 12 months, but can be extended for a further 12 months at a cost of £25. Only the grantee has the right to renew a certificate or change the nominee details. Title passes to the nominee when the registration is assigned to the vehicle.

You can apply by post, or the DVLA's local offices offer an over the counter service although during busy times you may have to collect your paperwork later. DVLA has a network of local offices in main cities and towns throughout Great Britain. Click here to view list of DVLA local offices

DVLA Fees
£25 change/add nominee name or extend certificate.
£80 transfer of registration from vehicle to vehicle.
£105 transfer of registration from certificate to vehicle.
£105 retain registration number from a vehicle.

Transfers do take a few weeks to be processed and can take up to a month so please be patient.