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

Whether you have bought the car outright or have taken up a finance or leasing contract, it’s important to understand if you can put private plates on your vehicle. This includes cars under the Motability scheme. 

Being able to put a private number plate on a Motability vehicle enables you to personalise something you don’t otherwise own.

With that being said, how easy is it to put a private plate on a Motability car? Let’s find out.

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

Yes, the Motability scheme allows you to purchase and transfer a private number plate to a Motability car under the standard scheme rules. 

The process is similar to that of putting a private number plate on a leased or financed vehicle. You would first however need to contact Motability customer service to let them know and they will consider your request.

We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on how to fit, transfer and remove a private number plate from your Motability car.

How Do You Put a Private Plate on a Motability Vehicle?

Putting a private number plate on a Motability vehicle requires you to follow these steps in order to legally comply with your Motability agreement. 

1. Contact Motability customer service

If you have a Motability vehicle and want to use a personalised number plate, you must first contact the Motability customer services department by calling 0300 456 4566.

You will be asked for identification information when you call to verify that you or your domestic partner are the legal owners of the vehicle being fitted with new private plates.

2. Compile relevant information

Once you have purchased your new private plate, you will need to provide the relevant documentation to confirm. There is one of two documents you will need to provide.

A retention certificate (V778) if the registration plate has already been registered to a vehicle. Or alternatively, a certificate of entitlement (V750) if the registration plate has not been registered to a vehicle.

In most cases, the DVLA can update its records if they agree to add the plates while you wait. Motability will then be able to provide you with an EV948 certificate which will allow you to get your plates manufactured through a registered number plate supplier (RNPS).

3. Speak to your dealership

Talk to your Motability dealership to arrange for the transfer of your private number plate to your new Motability scheme vehicle. 

If you have already placed an order for one or intend to do so, you should inform your dealer as early as possible.

As part of the transfer procedure, your dealer will verify that the registration plate is acceptable by the Motability scheme regulations.

What Happens to my Private Plate When My Motability Scheme Ends?

When your Motability lease is over, you will still be able to keep the private number plate that was registered to the vehicle.

About four weeks before your lease expires, The Motability scheme will send you a letter with instructions for returning your personalised registration plates.

You must maintain the registration with the DVLA to transfer the plates to your next Motability scheme vehicle or to use them later. You must do the first portion of the retention procedure on the DVLA website. 

Here are the specifics you'll need:

• The reg number that will remain in your possession

• Your postal code (place of your car registration)

• The V5C registration certificate's document number 
  
  

If you do not have this information above you would need to contact the Motability customer services team who will be able to assist you.

What About If I Don’t Want to Keep My Private Number Plate?

To let the Motability scheme know that you are willing to give up your personalised registration, please call 0300 456 4566 and speak with a customer service representative as soon as possible.

If you decide to give up your private number, they will sell the vehicle with your private number plate still attached after your lease. You will then no longer be able to use that plate on any vehicle in the future.

Purchase Private Number Plates for Your Motability Car with Absolute Reg

Finding and fitting a private number plate on your Motability car couldn’t be easier.

To find your dream number plate simply use our number plate search facility, free of charge. Not to mention, we provide finance options to spread the cost and a free registration transfer service.