Credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/black-car-PScacPyJE5U
Selling a car with a private plate attached is a straightforward process. Whether you choose to sell the plates with the car or transfer them to your next car, you won’t be stopped from selling your car.
If you choose to sell your car with your reg plate, the vast majority of dealers care more about the car itself, rather than what plates are attached. If you choose to sell privately, buyers may care a bit more. Either way, selling a car with private plates won’t have a massive impact.
However, before you sell your car, there are a few things you need to take care of. At WeBuyPrestigeCar, we have compiled a list of things you need to know and do before selling your car.
How to Transfer Or Retain Your Private Plate
A private plate can be worth a lot of money, as high as half a million pounds. When changing to a new car the majority of private plate owners want to take their private plate with them. If you are looking to keep your private plate for your next car, these are a few things you need to do.
Retaining Your Private Plates
You need to make sure that the car the private plate is currently registered to is fully up-to-date and is in working order, from the DLVAs viewpoint. This includes:
- The car is fully registered with a V5C
- Road tax is up to date and eligible for an MOT
- The car is able to move “under its own power”
- The car can be inspected if required
If all of these things are up to date and in place, you will be able to apply for the private plate to be transferred, either online or via post. If your application is successful, you will receive a V778. This is a document of retention that outlines your ownership of the private plate that is independent of your old vehicle.
Transferring The Plates
If you are looking to transfer your plates straight to your next car, you will need to fill out a V317 form. You need to have this form ready before you scrap or sell your car. If not, you will lose the right to claim or transfer your registration number.
Once you have paid the £80 fee and the application is successful, your private plate will no longer be registered to your old car. However, you will not be able to drive your new car until you have received the new V5C (sent to you by the DVLA) and the plates have been attached to your new car.
What Do I Need To Update?
If you are changing the registration, you will need to inform and update your insurance company. You will also need to change any of your auto-pay accounts if you have any. These include the congestion charge, ULEZ & LEX payments, clean air zones, or dart charges.
How To Remove A Plate From The Car
Removing a registration plate from a car is a fairly simple process, but you need to be careful to avoid damaging the plate or the car. Depending on how the reg plates are attached, there are a few different methods to remove them. It is important to note that if you plan to reuse the registration plate, you should be careful not to damage it during removal. If the plate is damaged, you may need to purchase a new one.
Here’s the best way to remove your reg plate depending on how they are stuck on:
- If the reg plate is held on by screws, remove the plastic caps and unscrew the screws. Keep hold of the plates while unscrewing to ensure they won’t be damaged.
- If the reg plate is held on by pop rivets, these can be a bit more difficult to remove. To ensure that the reg plate doesn’t get damaged or broken, it might be necessary to go to your local garage.
- If the reg plate is held on by tape, you should be able to pull the plate off. If you are unable to pull the reg plate off, try using tooth floss in a sawing motion to remove the reg plate. If you are able to pull the reg plate off, it's important to hold the plate on either side so you don’t snap them.
- If the reg plate is held on by sticky pads, using a little heat, you will be able to remove the plates in a similar way as if they are stuck on with tape. Using heat will help to break down the contact between the plates and the car.
How To Securely Put Your Private Plate On Your New Car
Putting your registration plate securely on your car is an important step to ensure that it is properly displayed and readable. Here are the steps you can follow to put your registration plate securely on your car:
- Clean the area: Before attaching your registration plate, it is important to clean the area where it will be attached. Use a clean cloth and some soapy water to clean the surface of the car where the plate will be attached. This will help to ensure that the plate adheres properly.
- Position the plate: Once the area is clean and dry, position the registration plate where you want it to go. Make sure it is straight and centred on the surface. Use a level if necessary.
- Mark the screw holes: Once you have positioned the plate, use a pen or a marker to mark the locations of the screw holes on the surface of the car.
- Attach the plate: Use screws to attach the plate to the car. Make sure the screws are tightened securely, but not so tight that they damage the plate or the car's surface.
- Check the positioning: Once the plate is attached, step back and check that it is straight and centred on the surface. If it is not, you can adjust it slightly by loosening the screws and repositioning the plate.
- Add extra security: If you are concerned about theft, you can add extra security measures to your registration plate. For example, you can use security screws or bolts that require a special tool to remove.
It is important to note that there are specific laws and regulations, depending on what country you are in, regarding how and where registration plates must be displayed. Be sure to check the laws in your area and follow them accordingly to avoid any penalties or fines.
If you have any questions about selling your car with a private plate, check out our Frequently Asked Questions or feel free to contact us!
For more tips and advice, check out our blog or give us a follow on Instagram and Facebook. Looking to sell your car? Enter your reg and mileage below and start your free, no-obligation quote today!
