Exporting a Vehicle? How to Retain Your UK Plate Before It Leaves the Country

export a number plate

Exporting a vehicle from the UK can be a smooth process when you understand the paperwork, timelines, and legal requirements involved. But one detail that often catches people out is what happens to the vehicle’s UK registration number. Whether you’re selling a car overseas, relocating abroad, or exporting a classic vehicle for restoration, you may want to keep the UK number plate — especially if it’s a personalised registration with financial or sentimental value.

The good news is that you can retain your UK registration number before the vehicle leaves the country. However, the process must be completed before export, and there are strict rules set by the DVLA. This guide explains everything you need to know, step by step, so you don’t risk losing your plate permanently.

Why You Must Act Before Exporting the Vehicle

Once a vehicle is exported and marked as such on the DVLA database, the registration number becomes tied to its export status. At that point, the DVLA will not allow you to:

  • Transfer the registration to another vehicle
  • Retain the registration on a certificate
  • Reassign the registration back to a UK vehicle

This means that if you fail to act in advance, the plate is effectively lost.

For personalised registrations — especially cherished plates, short dateless formats, or plates with initials — this can mean losing an asset worth hundreds or even thousands of pounds. For businesses, it can also mean losing a key part of your branding.

The DVLA is very clear: you must retain or transfer the registration before the vehicle is exported. Their official guidance can be found on the DVLA website: https://www.gov.uk/keep-registration-number

Step 1: Check That Your Vehicle Qualifies for Plate Retention

Before applying to retain your registration, the vehicle must meet DVLA eligibility rules. These include:

The vehicle must be taxed or SORN

It must have either:

  • A valid MOT (if required)
  • Or be exempt from MOT testing

The vehicle must be available for inspection

The DVLA may request an inspection to confirm the vehicle’s identity. This is more common with older vehicles, imported vehicles, or those with incomplete histories.

The vehicle must be registered in your name

If you are not the registered keeper, you will need the keeper’s permission or must transfer ownership first.

The vehicle must be in the UK

This is the most important rule. The DVLA will not process a retention request if the vehicle has already left the country.

If your vehicle meets these criteria, you can proceed with the retention application.

Step 2: Apply to Retain the Registration Number

To retain your registration number, you need to complete a V317 form. This can be done online or by post.

Online Application

This is the fastest method and can often result in same‑day approval. You’ll need:

  • The vehicle’s V5C logbook
  • A debit or credit card for the DVLA fee
  • Access to the DVLA online service

Postal Application

If applying by post, send the V317 form and your V5C to the DVLA. This method takes longer — often several weeks — so it’s not recommended if your export date is approaching.

DVLA Fee

The DVLA charges £80 to retain a registration number. This fee covers:

  • Removing the plate from the vehicle
  • Issuing a retention certificate (V778)
  • Assigning a replacement age‑related registration to the vehicle

Once approved, the DVLA will issue a V778 retention certificate, valid for 10 years and renewable.

Step 3: Receive Your Replacement Registration

When your personalised or cherished plate is removed, the DVLA will assign the vehicle a replacement registration number. This will be:

  • An age‑related plate
  • Appropriate to the vehicle’s year of first registration
  • Not previously issued to another vehicle

You must fit the new plates to the vehicle before it leaves the UK. This ensures the vehicle is legally identifiable during transport and at its destination.

If you need help sourcing new plates or want to explore future personalised options, Regplates.com offers a wide range of registrations and services: https://www.regplates.com/buy-number-plates

Step 4: Notify the DVLA That the Vehicle Is Being Exported

Once the registration has been retained and the new plates fitted, you can proceed with the export process.

Permanent Export

If the vehicle is leaving the UK for good, complete the V5C/4 ‘Notification of Permanent Export’ section of the logbook and send it to the DVLA.

Temporary Export

If the vehicle is leaving the UK for less than 12 months, you do not need to notify the DVLA. However, you must still retain the plate before the vehicle leaves.

What Happens If You Don’t Retain the Plate in Time?

If the vehicle is exported before you apply for retention:

  • The DVLA will mark it as exported
  • The registration number becomes locked to the export record
  • You cannot retain or transfer the plate
  • The plate cannot be recovered, even if the vehicle returns to the UK

This is why timing is critical. Many people assume they can sort the paperwork later, only to discover the plate is lost permanently.

Common Scenarios and How to Handle Them

Selling a Vehicle to an Overseas Buyer

If you’re selling a car to a buyer outside the UK, retain the plate before handing over the vehicle. Once the buyer takes possession, you may not have access to the vehicle for inspection.

Relocating Abroad

If you’re taking your vehicle with you, retain the plate before shipping. You can assign the plate to another UK vehicle later or keep it on retention indefinitely.

Exporting a Classic Car for Restoration

Classic vehicles often have valuable dateless plates. Retaining the plate protects its value while the vehicle is overseas.

Using an Export Agent

If a shipping company or export agent is handling the process, make sure they understand that the plate must be retained before the vehicle leaves the UK. Many agents are familiar with the process, but it’s your responsibility as the keeper.

Why Retaining Your Plate Matters

Personalised registrations are more than just identifiers — they’re assets. Many plates appreciate in value over time, especially:

  • Short dateless plates
  • Initials-based plates
  • Word plates
  • Classic combinations

Losing a plate due to an export oversight can mean losing thousands of pounds. For businesses, it can also mean losing a key branding element.

If you’re considering selling or valuing your plate, Regplates.com offers a free valuation service: https://www.regplates.com/sell-number-plates

Tips for a Smooth Retention and Export Process

To avoid delays or complications:

  • Apply early — don’t wait until the week of export
  • Ensure your V5C details are up to date
  • Check MOT and tax status
  • Keep the vehicle accessible for inspection
  • Use the online DVLA service where possible

Planning ahead ensures you keep your registration number safe and avoid unnecessary stress.

Exporting a vehicle doesn’t mean losing your cherished UK registration number — but only if you act before the vehicle leaves the country. By following the DVLA’s rules, completing the V317 form in advance, and ensuring the vehicle remains in the UK during the process, you can retain your plate for future use, investment, or reassignment.

For personalised registrations, valuations, or expert guidance, Regplates.com is here to help you protect the value and heritage of your plate.