PCN After a Plate Change? The Exact Evidence Pack to Win Appeals (ULEZ, Dart Charge, Parking)

number plate changes dvla

Number plate changes are usually straightforward — until a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) lands on your doormat for a journey you didn’t make. With more enforcement systems relying on ANPR cameras, mismatches between DVLA records, old plates, and new registrations are becoming increasingly common.

If you’ve recently changed your registration and received a PCN for ULEZ, Dart Charge, or a private/public parking site, don’t panic. These cases are highly winnable — if you provide the right evidence.

This guide breaks down exactly what to submit, why it works, and how to structure a watertight appeal.

Why PCNs After a Plate Change Are So Common

When you change your registration, three systems need to update correctly:

  1. DVLA vehicle record
  2. ANPR enforcement databases (e.g., TfL, National Highways, private parking operators)
  3. Your insurer’s database

These systems don’t always sync instantly. Enforcement cameras may still associate your old plate with your vehicle, or your new plate may still be linked to the previous keeper’s car.

This leads to three typical scenarios:

  • You receive a PCN for a vehicle that still carries your old plate
  • You receive a PCN for a journey made before your new plate was fitted
  • You receive a PCN because the enforcement system hasn’t updated your new plate yet

All three are fixable with the right documentation.

The Exact Evidence Pack You Need to Win Your Appeal

To overturn a PCN issued after a plate change, you must prove two things:

  1. Your vehicle was not the one captured by the camera
  2. Your plate change was legitimate, documented, and correctly processed

Below is the evidence pack that consistently succeeds.

1. DVLA V5C Showing the New Registration

This is the single most important document.

Submit:

  • A scan/photo of the new V5C showing the updated registration
  • If available, a copy of the old V5C showing the previous plate

This proves the date the DVLA officially recognised the change.

2. Plate Assignment Certificate (V750 or V778)

This confirms the exact date the new plate was assigned to your vehicle.

Include:

  • The certificate number
  • The assignment date
  • Your vehicle details

This is especially powerful for ULEZ and Dart Charge appeals, where timing is everything.

3. Proof of Purchase or Fitting of the New Plates

This helps demonstrate when the physical plates were installed.

Acceptable evidence includes:

  • Invoice from a plate supplier
  • Fitting receipt
  • Email confirmation of order

If you purchased your plates from RegPlates.com, you can link to your order confirmation or account history.

4. Photographs of Your Vehicle With the New Plate

Clear, date‑stamped photos are extremely persuasive.

Capture:

  • Front and rear plates
  • The whole vehicle
  • VIN plate if needed

These images help show that the vehicle in the PCN photos is not yours.

5. Insurance Certificate Showing the Updated Registration

Insurers update their database immediately, so this is excellent supporting evidence.

Submit:

  • Your current certificate
  • Any email confirming the change

This reinforces the timeline of your plate change.

6. A Clear, Concise Appeal Letter

Your appeal should be factual, polite, and structured. Here’s a template you can adapt:

Sample Appeal Wording

Subject: PCN Appeal – Incorrect Vehicle Identified Due to Recent Registration Change

I am appealing PCN [reference number] issued on [date].

I recently changed my vehicle registration from [OLD PLATE] to [NEW PLATE]. The enforcement system appears to have used outdated records, resulting in a PCN being issued for a vehicle that is not mine.

I have attached the following evidence:

  • DVLA V5C showing the updated registration
  • V750/V778 assignment certificate
  • Proof of plate purchase/fitting
  • Photographs of my vehicle with the new registration
  • Updated insurance certificate

These documents confirm that at the time of the alleged contravention, my vehicle was not displaying the registration captured by your camera.

I request that this PCN be cancelled accordingly.

ULEZ PCNs After a Plate Change

ULEZ enforcement relies heavily on DVLA data. If your plate change was recent, TfL may still have your old plate linked to your vehicle.

Common issues include:

  • ULEZ charging your old plate even though it’s now on someone else’s car
  • ULEZ failing to recognise your new plate as compliant
  • ULEZ issuing a PCN for a date before your new plate was fitted

TfL is used to these cases and typically cancels them when provided with the evidence pack above.

For reference, TfL’s official ULEZ guidance is available on their site:

Dart Charge PCNs After a Plate Change

Dart Charge is notorious for slow database updates. Many motorists receive PCNs even when they’ve paid — simply because the system still recognises their old plate.

Your evidence pack should emphasise:

  • The date your new plate was assigned
  • The date of the crossing
  • Proof of payment (if relevant)

Dart Charge appeals are often successful when you demonstrate that the system used outdated DVLA data.

Parking PCNs After a Plate Change

Private parking operators use ANPR cameras that may still be linked to your old plate. Common problems include:

  • Your old plate entering/exiting a car park while registered to someone else
  • Your new plate not being recognised by the system
  • “Double dip” errors where entry and exit images are mismatched

Parking operators must follow the BPA or IPC Code of Practice, which requires them to check DVLA records properly. If they didn’t, your appeal is strong.

Useful Internal Links for RegPlates.com Readers

To help readers navigate related topics, here are two natural internal links:

These complement the article and support readers who may be mid‑transfer.

What If the Enforcement Authority Rejects Your Appeal?

Don’t be discouraged — initial rejections are common, especially with automated systems.

Next steps:

  • For council PCNs: escalate to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal or London Tribunals
  • For private parking: appeal to POPLA or the IAS
  • For Dart Charge: request a review with National Highways

Tribunals are independent and often overturn PCNs when the motorist provides clear evidence of a plate change.

How to Prevent Future PCNs After a Plate Change

A few simple steps can save you a lot of hassle:

✔️ Update your insurer immediately

They update their database faster than DVLA.

✔️ Keep your V750/V778 and V5C safe

These are your strongest appeal documents.

✔️ Take photos the day your plates are fitted

Date‑stamped images are invaluable.

✔️ Check your vehicle on ULEZ and Dart Charge websites

Do this 48–72 hours after the plate change to ensure the system has updated.

✔️ Keep your old plate for reference

If the new keeper gets PCNs, you may need to prove the transfer date.

Receiving a PCN after a plate change is frustrating, but the good news is that these cases are usually straightforward to overturn. Enforcement systems rely on accurate DVLA data — and when that data lags behind reality, mistakes happen.

By submitting a clear, complete evidence pack, you give the authority everything they need to cancel the charge quickly.