Can you sell a car with personalised registration?

Yes, it is possible to sell a vehicle with a personalised registration in the UK. However, certain legal and administrative procedures must be followed to ensure the transfer of ownership and the retention or reassignment of the personalised registration number. Here's an overview of the process:

1. DVLA Approval: Before selling the vehicle, you must notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of your intention to transfer ownership of the personalised registration number. You'll need to complete and submit a V5C form (log book) to the DVLA, indicating that you wish to retain the personalised registration.

2. Personalised Retention Fee: There is a fee associated with retaining the personalised registration number when transferring its ownership. The current fee is £80 as of 2023. This fee ensures the number remains assigned to the vehicle, even after the sale, or allows you to transfer it to another vehicle you own.

3. Transfer of Ownership: Once the DVLA approves the retention of the personalised registration, the vehicle can be sold. The sale process is similar to selling any other vehicle, involving the exchange of money and the signing of the relevant documents, including the V5C form. The V5C form should reflect the new owner's details and the retained personalised registration number.

4. Assigning to Another Vehicle: If you wish to transfer the personalised registration to another vehicle you own, you can do so by completing the V317 application form. You must submit the V317 form, along with the fee of £80, to the DVLA. The process ensures that the personalised registration number is reassigned to the new vehicle.

5. Seller's Responsibility: When selling a vehicle with personalised registration, it is essential to inform the buyer explicitly that the number is included in the sale. Both the seller and the buyer should ensure the vehicle documents accurately reflect the registration number's transfer.

It's worth noting that if you decide not to retain the personalised registration number during the sale, it will revert back to the DVLA's pool of available registration numbers and may be reassigned to another vehicle.

Remember, DVLA regulations and fees are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to consult the latest guidelines and requirements from the DVLA before selling a vehicle with personalised registration.