UK Vehicle Registration Documents — V5C, V750, V778 & V317 Guide
By Jon Taylor, founder of New Reg Ltd — 36 years in the UK number plate industry. Last updated: May 2026.
Every UK vehicle has at least one official registration document. The V5C log book identifies the vehicle and its registered keeper, while the V750, V778 and V317 are used for personalised number plate entitlements and transfers. This guide explains what each document is, what it looks like, and exactly when you need it — with examples, sample images, and the official DVLA references.
- V5C — Vehicle Registration Certificate
- The UK vehicle log book. Issued by the DVLA. Identifies the vehicle and its registered keeper. Required for every car, van, motorcycle and commercial vehicle on UK roads. Official DVLA reference (gov.uk).
- V750 — Certificate of Entitlement
- DVLA document confirming entitlement to a previously un-issued personalised registration. Valid for 10 years; the mark must be assigned to a vehicle before expiry. Official DVLA reference (gov.uk).
- V778 — Retention Document
- Issued when an existing personalised plate is removed from a vehicle and placed on retention. Valid for 10 years; the mark must be reassigned before expiry. Official DVLA reference (gov.uk).
- V317 — Application to Transfer or Retain a Vehicle Registration Number
- Paper form used to transfer a personalised plate between vehicles, or to put a registration onto retention. The postal alternative to the DVLA online service. Official DVLA reference (gov.uk).
The sections below explain each document in more detail, with sample images and links to find specific information — the validation character, date of first registration, registered keeper, nominee, and certificate expiry.
V5C UK Registration Certificate
This V5C contains the name and address of the registered keeper and vehicle details (commonly called the Log Book). From 1 July 2005, all existing old-style V5s will no longer be valid. You may well have been issued with a new V5C UK Registration Certificate already. The new V5C can be recognised by its prominent red front page showing the words "Registration Certificate".
Registered keepers are asked to ensure that their personal details are correct and that the easily identifiable characteristics such as Make, Model, Colour, VIN/Chassis and Engine Numbers on their V5C are correct. If there are any inaccuracies, the V5C must be returned to the DVLA for an amendment.
Where do I find the:
Validation Character |
Date Of First Registration |
Registered Vehicle Keeper
V750 Certificate of Entitlement
The V750 refers to a mark previously un-issued document issued by the DVLA confirming a purchaser’s entitlement to the registration mark specified on the certificate. The certificate is valid for a period of 10 years and must be assigned to a vehicle prior to the expiry date as shown on the V750. There may also be a name in the nominee section.
Where do I find the:
Validation Character |
Nominee |
Certificate Expiry
V778 Retention Document
The V778 refers to a mark previously issued by the DVLA confirming a grantee's entitlement to the registration mark specified on the certificate. The certificate is valid for a period of 10 years and must be assigned to a vehicle prior to the expiry date as shown on the V778. There may also be a name in the nominee section.
Where do I find the:
Validation Character |
Nominee |
Certificate Expiry
Vehicle Registration Documents — Frequently Asked Questions
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The V5C (commonly called the log book) is the official UK vehicle registration certificate. It records the registered keeper’s name and address along with vehicle details such as make, model, colour and engine number. The V5C must be kept up to date — any inaccuracies should be reported to the DVLA for amendment.
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A V750 is issued by the DVLA when you purchase a previously un-issued registration mark (for example, a brand-new personalised plate bought from the DVLA or a dealer). It confirms your entitlement to that specific registration. The V750 is valid for 10 years and the mark must be assigned to a vehicle before the expiry date.
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A V778 is issued when a personalised number plate is taken off a vehicle and held on retention — i.e. not currently assigned to any vehicle. Like the V750, it is valid for 10 years and the mark must be assigned to a vehicle before the expiry date shown on the document.
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Both documents confirm entitlement to a specific number plate, but they differ in origin. A V750 is issued for a previously un-issued registration mark — one bought directly from the DVLA or a dealer for the first time. A V778 is issued when an existing registration is removed from a vehicle and placed on retention for future use.
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Both V750 and V778 certificates are valid for 10 years from the date of issue. The registration mark must be assigned to a vehicle before the certificate expires, otherwise the entitlement may be lost. Renewal may be possible in certain circumstances — contact the DVLA for details.
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To transfer a personalised plate you will typically need: the vehicle’s V5C log book, a valid MOT certificate (if applicable), and either a V750 or V778 document for the personalised registration. New Reg handles the entire DVLA transfer process on your behalf when you buy or sell a plate through us.
