What is a V317 Form? Guide to Vehicle Registration Transfer

If you're looking to transfer a vehicle registration number to another vehicle, the V317 form is the document you need. This form allows you to easily move a registration number, whether it’s to a new car or to gift it to someone else. 

In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about what a V317 form is, when to use it, and how to complete it, so you can make the transfer process easy.

What is the DVLA V317 Form?

The DVLA V317 form, officially titled ‘Application to Transfer or Retain a Vehicle Registration Number’, is used in the UK to retain or transfer a registration number from one vehicle to another. This form is required by the DVLA for two specific processes:

1. Transferring the registration number from one vehicle to another.

2. Retaining a registration number, meaning it’s taken off a vehicle and kept for future use, often on a retention certificate.

Whether you want to upgrade your car, sell it, or simply want to keep your personalised plate for later, you need to fill in the V317 form to make the transfer legal and efficient.

Why Would You Use a V317 Form?

You would usually need to fill in the V317 form if you’re looking to:

1. Transfer a Personalised Number Plate – If you have a personalised number plate that you want to move to another vehicle, you’ll need the V317 form to make this official. This is used when you want to purchase a new car or change the ownership of an existing vehicle.

2. Gift a Number Plate – You might want to transfer a registration to someone else, for example to a family member or friend. The V317 form allows you to transfer the number plate to the new owner so they can legally use the registration.

3. Sell Your Car with a Private Plate – If you’re selling your vehicle but want to keep the private plate for future use (whether it has sentimental or monetary value), you can use the V317 to retain it. 

4. Retain a Number Plate for Later – Perhaps you’re selling a car and don't have a new one to transfer your private plate to just yet. The V317 form allows you to keep the registration number without it being assigned to a specific vehicle.

How to Get a V317 Form

You can get a V317 form if you:

1. Download it from the DVLA Website – The DVLA website offers a downloadable version of the V317 form in PDF format, which you can print out and complete.

2. Visit a DVLA Office – Alternatively, you can get a physical copy of the form from a DVLA office, if there’s one nearby.

How to Complete a V317 Form

The V317 form itself is divided into sections that you’ll need to fill out based on your specific needs. This includes:

1. Personal Details such as your full name, address, and contact details.

2. Information About the Vehicles. This includes the vehicle registration number, make, model, and VIN/chassis no (this is on the V5C or the vehicle) for both the vehicle you take the registration number from and the one you intend to put it on.

3. Payment – The current fee for using the V317 form to transfer or retain a number plate is £80. 

Remember that when you fill in the V317 form, you have two options. Complete option A if you want to transfer the registration straight onto another vehicle, and option B if you want to retain the registration for up to 10 years.

Submitting Your V317 Form

Once the form is complete, you’ll need to submit it to the DVLA for processing. You can do so by:

• Post – Send your completed V317 form and payment to the DVLA. Their postal address is:

            DVLA Personalised Registrations Swansea SA99 1DS.

Important Considerations When Using a V317 Form

Before using a V317 form, you need to keep a few things in mind:

1. Eligibility of Vehicles – Both vehicles must meet certain eligibility criteria. For example, they must be registered in the UK, and they may need to have a valid MOT.

2. Document Requirements – When submitting a V317 form, you’ll need to provide additional documentation, such as a vehicle registration certificate.

3. Retention Timeframe – If you're choosing to retain a registration number, the DVLA typically grants a retention period of 10 years. You can renew this retention if needed.

4. Vehicle Inspections – In some cases, the DVLA may require an inspection of either or both vehicles involved in the transfer. If this is the case, they will notify you directly, and you’ll need to arrange an inspection before completing the process.

FAQs About the V317 Form

Can I transfer a registration to a new car I haven’t received yet?

No, both vehicles need to be registered and available for the transfer to occur. You may need to wait until your new vehicle is delivered before initiating the transfer.

What if I want to sell my car but keep the plate?

The V317 form allows you to retain the registration number while transferring ownership of the car without it. This means you can hold onto your private plate for later use.

How long does it take for the DVLA to process the V317?

Processing times can vary, but it usually takes around 2–4 weeks. It’s best to submit the form well in advance if you need the transfer completed by a specific date.

What happens if I lose my retention certificate?

If you lose your retention certificate, contact the DVLA as soon as possible to request a replacement. They may require some verification before issuing a new document.

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