How Do I Manage A Private Plate On A Leased Vehicle?

Who doesn’t love a private plate? It’s a great way to make your car feel like it’s truly yours. At P+B, we often help clients transfer their personalised registration onto their new lease vehicle, or take it off again at the end of the contract. However, the process can feel unclear if you’ve never done it before. The key thing to understand is that while you are the driver, the finance company is the registered keeper. That means their approval is required before anything changes.

Step 1: get permission from the funder

Before doing anything else, you must obtain written permission from the finance provider. Most mainstream funders allow private plates, but they will want to manage the paperwork themselves.

Expect an administration fee. This is typically between £25 and £100 and varies by funder.

Step 2: complete the correct DVLA form

Which form you need depends on the status of your plate:

For a brand-new, never-used plate, you will use a V750 certificate. For a plate previously on another vehicle, you will need either a V317 or a V778, depending on whether the plate is currently assigned or already on retention.

As the vehicle belongs to the finance provider, they must be listed as the nominee on the V750 or V778. This allows them, as registered keeper, to assign the plate to the vehicle. This can be done online or by post, depending on the funder’s process.

Step 3: DVLA confirmation

Once the finance provider has submitted everything to the DVLA and approval is granted, the DVLA will confirm the registration change. Only at this point should you fit the new number plates. Fitting plates before DVLA confirmation can result in a fine.

What the DVLA forms actually mean

V750

Issued when you buy a brand new private registration that has never been used. It proves your entitlement to the plate. Keep it safe.

V317

Used to transfer a registration or to place it onto retention. With lease cars, this is commonly used at the end of the agreement to remove the plate, rather than transferring it directly to another vehicle.

V778

This is the retention certificate. It confirms the plate has been removed from a vehicle and is being held for future use. You will need this to assign the plate to another car later.

Removing the plate at the end of your lease

When your lease is coming to an end, the private plate must be removed before the vehicle is collected. Even if you no longer want the plate, most funders will not accept the car back with it still fitted.

Timing matters.  Around six weeks before the end of your lease, contact the finance provider. They will send the V317 to the DVLA along with the vehicle logbook, which they hold as registered keeper.

There is an £80 DVLA retention fee payable, and the finance provider may also charge an administration fee to process the removal. Once processed, the DVLA will issue:

• A new logbook to the finance provider showing the original registration number

• A V778 retention certificate, which should be passed to you
  
  You can then use the V778 to assign the plate to another vehicle in the future.

Final word from P+B

Private plates on lease cars are entirely doable, but they require planning and proper coordination with the finance provider. Leave enough time, follow the process, and it will be painless.

If you are unsure at any stage, this is exactly the kind of detail we handle for our clients. Clear advice, no unnecessary friction, and no last-minute surprises. If you need support with a private plate on your lease from us, our Client Services team is here to offer guidance and support. Just let us know!