Unissued registration numbers can be obtained direct from the DVLA. You can also purchase registration marks from private sellers or registered dealers. When you buy a personalised number plate you are paying for the right to have that mark assigned to a vehicle registered in your name. Registration marks are not items of personal property and, as such, the Secretary of State owns all registrations.

Registered dealers of personalised registrations sell previously issued registrations from their own stock and on behalf of private sellers. They also sell brand new registrations that have been purchased direct from the DVLA.

There are two options available to you if you purchase a personalised registration from a registered dealer. If you choose to only buy the registration mark, you will have to arrange with DVLA to assign the mark to your vehicle and pay the appropriate fee. In this instance, your chosen dealer will issue you with the paperwork to confirm your purchase of the mark. If you have purchased a previously unissued registration, you will be provided with a V750 Certificate of Entitlement. This confirms the registered dealer as the purchaser and your name as the nominee. If you have bought a previously issued registration, you will receive a V778 Retention Document, which will show details of the person selling the registration as the ‘grantee’ and your details will be recorded as the ‘nominee’.

The other option is to purchase the registration mark through a ‘buy and assign’ scheme. In this case, the dealer should take care of everything for you and you will be sent a letter authorising you to have the plates made up.