Can I Put a Private Number Plate on a Used Car?

Yes, you can put a private number plate on a used car in the UK. It doesn’t need to be a new car -- any vehicle with a previous owner can be fitted with a personalised plate. In fact, this is increasingly common, as road users are looking for new ways to personalise their vehicles and make an investment. 

However, if your car was manufactured before a certain date, then different rules and regulations may apply. 

Regulations for Historic Vehicles

There are traditional number plate options for vehicles made before 1 January 1973. If this applies to you, then you may display traditional ‘black and white’ number plates. For example, you could have white, silver or grey characters on a black background, according to the DVLA INF104 document.

From 2020, this also applies to vehicles manufactured before 1 January 1980. This means you can display traditional ‘black and white’ plates on these cars, too. 

However, you have to meet certain criteria before you put a traditional plate on a historic vehicle. First, you must have applied to the DVLA. Also, you must be registered within the ‘historic vehicles’ tax class in order to be eligible. If you meet these criteria, then you can start the search for your private plate. 

How to Get a Private Number Plate for a Used Car

If you’re looking for a private plate for your used car, here’s the process you need to follow:

1. Consider Your Options

With millions of plates to choose from, it’s advisable to think about what you want before you begin your search. Do you want a plate based on your name, favourite football team or the manufacturer of your car, for example?

Then, you also you need to consider number plate laws, so you know that your dream combination is compliant. 

If you’re not sure where to start, read our number plate ideas blog for inspiration. Or, read our guide to selecting the perfect number plate. 

2. Search For Your Plate

Once you have a better idea of what you’re looking for, it’s time to start your search. Use our number plate search to find your dream plate. We have over 50 million plates to choose from, so you’ll be able to find what you’re after in no time. 

3. Buy the Plate

Now you’ve searched for your ideal plate, you’ll know if it exists or not. If so, you have a few options. You could buy a plate via the DVLA, a private broker or a specialist seller like Absolute Reg. 

4. Assign it to Your Used Car

Once you’ve bought the plate, you need to assign it to your used car. You can do this via the DVLA website. Then, after you’ve filled out all the relevant documentation, the DVLA will send your updated V5C document. 

For more detail, read more about how to get a private number plate. 

Buy Private Number Plates from Absolute Reg

At Absolute Reg, we stock over 50 million number plates – that’s even more than the DVLA. 

If you’ve never bought a private plate before, or you’re unsure about the process, our customer service team are here to help you before, during and after your purchase. There are lots of laws to navigate, documents to update and regulations to be aware of, so we can make sure you’re compliant. 

Use our number plate search today to get started. 

Read More

Can You Put a Private Plate on a Lease Car?

Can I Put a Private Number Plate on a Motability Car?

UK Number Plate Area Codes: Explained

Sources

INF104 Document, DVLA

Assign a private number to a vehicle, DVLA