V317 Form Guide: Transfer Your Number Plate Step-by-Step

With over 30 years of experience in the number plate industry, we've guided thousands of customers through this process. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about transferring number plates using the V317 form, both online and by post.

Understanding the V317 Form

The V317 form is the DVLA's official application for transferring or retaining a registration number. This single form serves two primary purposes:

• Option A: Transfer a registration number from one vehicle to another
• Option B: Retain a registration number (taking it off a vehicle for future use)

The form is essential when you're dealing with second-hand vehicles. For brand-new cars purchased from dealerships, the process differs slightly as dealers can handle the transfer using your V750 certificate or V778 retention document directly.

When You Need a V317 Form

You'll need to complete a V317 form in these situations:

• Moving your personalised number plates to a different used vehicle
• Transferring a registration between two vehicles you own
• Retaining your number plate before selling or scrapping your current car
• Taking a plate off a vehicle temporarily while searching for a replacement car

Applying Online: The Digital Route

The DVLA's online service offers the quickest and most convenient method for transferring number plates. Here's the step-by-step process:

Required Information

Before starting your online application, gather these essential documents:

• Current vehicle registration number
• New vehicle registration number (if transferring)
• V5C reference number and postcode
• V750 certificate or V778 document reference number
• Valid debit or credit card for the £80 fee

Online Application Process

Navigate to the official DVLA website and follow these steps:

1. Select the 'Transfer or retain a vehicle registration number' service
2. Enter your current vehicle's registration number
3. Provide the new vehicle's registration details (for transfers)
4. Input your V5C reference number and registered postcode
5. Enter your V750 or V778 document reference number
6. Review all details carefully before proceeding
7. Pay the £80 processing fee securely online

The online system provides immediate confirmation of your application submission. Most applications are processed within 2-3 working days, significantly faster than postal applications.

Postal Applications: Traditional Method

If you prefer traditional paperwork or lack internet access, the postal route remains fully supported by the DVLA.

Completing the Form

For transferring plates between vehicles, complete sections 1-5 under Option A. For retention only, fill sections 1-4 under Option B. Ensure all information matches your vehicle documents exactly to avoid processing delays.

Payment and Submission

Include payment of £80 via cheque, banker's draft, or postal order made payable to 'DVLA Swansea'. Send your completed form and payment to:

DVLA Personalised Registrations
Swansea
SA99 1DS

Postal applications typically take 2-3 weeks to process, plus additional time for document delivery.

Common V317 Errors That Cause Delays

The DVLA processes thousands of V317 applications every week. Delays are almost always caused by avoidable errors on the application itself. Being aware of the most common mistakes before you submit can save you weeks of waiting.

• Mismatched postcodes. The postcode on the form must match the registered address on the V5C exactly — including any recent address changes. If you've moved and not updated your V5C, do that first.
• Wrong V5C reference number. The 11-digit reference number appears in the top right of your V5C (section 5 on the blue document). It is easy to confuse with the document reference. Check it digit by digit before entering it.
• Unsigned form. Postal applications must be signed in the declaration section. An unsigned form is automatically returned without processing.
• Illegible handwriting. The DVLA processes forms manually. If a number or letter is ambiguous, the form will be queried or rejected. Use block capitals throughout.
• Cheque made out incorrectly. The cheque must be made payable to 'DVLA Swansea' exactly — not 'DVLA' alone, and not 'Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency'.
• Submitting for a vehicle that is not taxed or SORNed. Both donor and recipient vehicles must be taxed or have a SORN in place. If either has lapsed, renew before submitting.

Online applications eliminate most of these risks because the system validates entries in real time. For complex transfers or if you've had a previous application rejected, our team at New Reg can review your documents before you submit — contact us for guidance.

V317 for Lease and Financed Vehicles

If the donor vehicle (the one you are taking the plate from) is subject to a finance agreement or is a leased vehicle, the process requires an additional step. The finance company or leasing provider is typically the registered keeper, and under DVLA rules, the registered keeper must authorise the transfer.

In practice this means:

• Contact your finance provider in writing before submitting the V317
• Request written consent for the registration transfer — most providers have a standard process for this
• Some lenders charge an administration fee for processing the consent; this is separate from the DVLA's £80 transfer fee
• Include the lender's consent letter with your postal V317 application, or note the details in the relevant section of the online service

If the receiving vehicle is under finance but you own the donor vehicle outright, the situation is simpler — you are assigning a plate you own to a vehicle whose registered keeper is the finance company. The lender's consent is still typically required to update the V5C accurately.

One important practical note: if you are at the end of a lease and intend to return the vehicle, retain the plate before the vehicle goes back. Once the lease ends and the vehicle transfers to a new keeper, recovering a plate from it becomes significantly more complicated.

What Happens If V317 Is Rejected

A rejected V317 application is frustrating but recoverable. The DVLA will return your documents with a letter explaining the specific reason for rejection. Common rejection reasons include eligibility issues (e.g., the registration would make the vehicle appear newer than it is), missing documentation, or clerical errors on the form itself.

On receiving a rejection letter:

1. Read the explanation carefully — the DVLA is specific about the reason
2. Address only the stated issue — do not resubmit an identical form hoping for a different result
3. Gather any additional documentation requested before resubmitting
4. If the rejection relates to vehicle eligibility, seek advice before proceeding — some eligibility issues cannot be resolved and the transfer will not be possible

The DVLA does not charge an additional fee for resubmission following a rejection caused by their error. If the rejection was due to your error, the original £80 fee is retained and a new fee is payable on resubmission. Our V317 transfer guide covers eligibility rules in detail, and our team are available to review your specific situation if you've received an unexpected rejection.

Can New Reg Submit Your V317 for You?

Yes. When you purchase a personalised registration through New Reg, we handle the DVLA transfer process on your behalf as part of the service. You provide us with your vehicle details and V5C information, we complete and submit the paperwork, and we keep you updated at each stage.

For customers who already own a registration and simply need to transfer it — perhaps because they have bought a new car — we offer a transfer management service. Our team's familiarity with DVLA procedures means we spot potential issues before they become delays, and we know which route (online or postal) is fastest for each type of application.

If you are also considering retaining a registration to protect it while you find a new vehicle, we can advise on the V778 retention process and help you understand the 10-year renewal cycle. For a full overview of how transfers work, see our dedicated guide on how to transfer a number plate. You can also read about the DVLA retention certificate in detail.

Number Plate Retention: Keeping Plates for Future Use

Sometimes you may want to remove plates without immediately transferring them to another vehicle. Retention applications use the same V317 form under Option B. Upon approval, you'll receive a V778 retention certificate valid for ten years. This document allows you to transfer a number plate to any suitable vehicle during the retention period.

Retention proves valuable when selling your current car but planning to buy another, or when considering selling the registration itself at a later date. See our guide to selling a number plate for more on this option.