Sellers Guide

Classic Nouveau is a highly reputable dealer in quality Cherished Registrations and has been for over a decade. We take great pride in our tradition of impeccable customer service. That service is not simply applied to those buying registrations, we also look after the seller.

Whether it is a cash purchase of your number to add to our stock or a simple one-off commission based sale of your cherished registration, we will ensure that the process runs as smoothly as possible. Often large sums of money can be involved in these transactions, so we make sure to give both buyer and seller the utmost confidence.

All we ask is for you to be prompt with the paperwork that we require and to be patient when the registration is being transferred by the DVLA.

To help you through this process, we have compiled the following guide to transferring a registration number:

V317

The V317 is a form you can collect from the Post-Office which the registered 'keeper' of a registration can complete in order to move that registration.

Am I eligible?
Registration numbers are assigned to vehicles, however during the registration process, the vehicle is given a 'keeper' whom is then responsible for that vehicle and therefore the registration. One thing to note is that the keeper is not necessarily the owner. Also, the vehicle must still actually exist, remain registered with the DVLA, be available for inspection and be currently licensed. If you are the keeper of such a vehicle, you are eligible to transfer your registration

What do I need to do?
Complete the V317 form and either take it in person or post it to your Local VRO Office - Click here to find yours.

Along with your completed application, you will also be required to present the registration documents of both the vehicle releasing the registration and the vehicle receiving the registration. This is in the form of a V5 document.

You will also need the test certificates for each vehicle and vehicle licence details. If either vehicle is not licensed then vehicle licence application forms must be completed. These are either V10 or V85 forms.

Finally, you will need to pay a transfer fee, currently £80. For further details see the V317 form.

What happens after that?
The Local VRO will check the application and other documents and may request an inspection of either vehicle. Once they are happy with the application, they will send new licence discs for each vehicle and their new registrations.

The donor vehicle will be given a replacement registration appropriate to it's age and if possible it's original registration number.

The receiving vehicle will have it's registration cancelled unless it has been transferred or put on retention.

How long will all this take?
Normally within 4 weeks, you should receive your new documents.

V778

What does 'put on retention' mean?
The retention scheme allows a keeper of a vehicle to hold a registration whilst it is not on the vehicle for up to 12 months. At the end of the 12 months, a further 12 months retention can be purchased (another £25). So, if have a lovely cherished number but wanted to put a new one on your vehicle, you could put the current registration on retention. However, if you were to allow the retention to lapse over the 12 months, you will lose the entitlement to use that number.

How do I do that?
Back to the Post-Office and pick up a V778 form. Complete it and prepare the necessary extra documents as with the V317 above, then take it all to your nearest VRO - Click Here.

What does it cost?
Currently it incurs a £25 retention fee plus £80 assignment fee, so, £105 in total.

Then what?
Well, you can put the retained registration back on your car by completing a section on your V778 retention certificate, or you can add a 'nominee' to your retention certificate and they can put your registration on the their vehicle. If this is done after you receive the document from the DVLA you will be charged £25.

Great, how can Classic Nouveau help though?

Well, Classic Nouveau can help you decide the best way to look after your registration(s) and we will also make sure that the buyer performs their part of the bargain by chasing up the necessary documentation. A single call to us and we can inform you as to where we are in the transaction and when you can expect your new documentation.