A vehicle is more than just a means of transportation for many people. It's a personal statement, an extension of who they are. And what better way to make that statement than with a customised private number plate? One of the common queries among car enthusiasts is if they can put a private plate on a leased car. In this extensive guide, we will dive deep into the process, legality, and procedures of adding a custom number plate to your leased vehicle.
Understanding Private Registration Plates
A private registration plate, often referred to as a personalised or cherished number plate, is a unique identifier chosen by the car owner. Unlike standard number plates that follow a specific format and sequence, a private registration plate allows the owner to choose a unique combination of numbers and letters.
Types of Personalised Plates
In the UK, there are four types of personalised plates available:
1. Current Style Reg Plates (Post 2001): This is the most common style, consisting of seven characters. The first two letters indicate the area of registration, the two numbers show the car's age, and the last three letters are chosen randomly.
2. Prefix Style Reg Plates: These plates were used between 1983 and 2001. The first letter determines the car's age and is followed by two or three numbers and three letters.
3. Suffix Style Reg Plates: Cars registered between 1963 and 1983 feature this style. It begins with three letters, followed by one, two, or three numbers and ends with a letter indicating the car's age.
4. Dateless Reg Plates: These plates do not have a date indicator and were issued before 1963. They can be as short as two characters and are in high demand due to their unique nature.
The Appeal of Private Number Plates
Private number plates offer a unique way to personalise your leased vehicle. The most common reasons why people invest in private registration plates include:
1. Personal or Business Branding: Personalised number plates can serve as a form of branding, whether personal or business-related. It can be an effective and inexpensive way of advertising and marketing.
2. Unique and Distinctive: A personalised number plate can make your car stand out from the crowd. It gives your vehicle a unique identity and sets it apart from others on the road.
3. Deterrence to Criminals: As private number plates make your vehicle more recognisable, they can act as a deterrent to criminals. Thieves usually avoid stealing easily identifiable cars as it increases their chances of getting caught.
However, it's essential to be aware that these custom plates can also draw unwanted attention, be expensive, and even lead to traffic stops due to their distinctive nature.
The Legal Aspect of Adding a Private Plate to a Leased Car
One of the key concerns of drivers considering a private plate for their leased car is the legality. The good news is that it is entirely legal to put a private plate on a leased car. However, the process involves additional steps and considerations due to the car's ownership status.
When you lease a car, the finance company owns the vehicle, and you are just the registered keeper. This means you need their permission before adding a custom number plate to the vehicle. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to go about it:
Step 1: Get Permission from Your Lease Dealer: The first step is to seek approval from your lease dealer to attach your private number plate to the vehicle. Keep in mind that you are leasing the vehicle, and the dealer owns it. Therefore, they have the authority to approve or decline the change of the number plate.
Step 2: Add Your Dealer to Your Certificate of Entitlement: After purchasing your private number plate, you will receive a Certificate of Entitlement (V750) from the DVLA. This certificate indicates who has the right to use the private registration and is used to assign the plate to a car. You must add your dealer to this certificate and provide the information to the DVLA.
Step 3: Submit Your Certificate and Fees to Your Dealer: Next, send your Certificate of Entitlement to your lease dealer, along with a cover letter explaining your intention to change the plate. Also, include a cheque payable to the DVLA for the cost of assigning the plate. Remember, there might also be administration fees involved.
Step 4: Await Confirmation from the DVLA: Once your lease dealer has all the required documents, they will liaise with the DVLA to process the transfer. After the transfer is complete, they will send you a confirmation letter and all the necessary documentation to officially update your lease vehicle's number plate.
It's important to note that you should not fit the new plates until you receive confirmation from the DVLA. Fitting the plates before receiving the DVLA's confirmation could lead to penalties.
The Cost of a Private Number Plate
The cost of owning a private registration plate can vary significantly depending on the combination of letters and numbers you choose. Typically, you can expect to pay between £50 and £100 for your personalised plate. However, unique or highly sought-after number plates can cost much more.
For instance, the most expensive private number plate in the UK, "25 O", sold for a staggering £400,000 in 2014. This highlights the potential value and demand for particular number plates.
Where to Buy a Private Registration Plate
You can purchase private registration plates from various sources. Here are a few options:
1. Online: The DVLA has over 45 million registrations available to buy online. You have a high chance of finding your ideal number plate online.
2. Registration Number Auctions: The DVLA also auctions exclusive registration numbers. The auctions are generally held about six times a year, and reserve prices start from £130.
3. Private Number Dealer or Private Sale: You can also purchase a personalised registration number from a dealer or a private sale. However, ensure the authenticity of the dealer or individual before making a purchase.
After purchasing your private registration, you will receive a V750 Certificate of Entitlement. This document proves your entitlement and is the application form you must use to assign the registration number to a vehicle.
Removing a Private Plate from a Leased Car
At the end of your lease term, you will need to remove your private registration plates from the vehicle. The process should start six weeks before your lease ends. You will need to contact your finance provider to initiate the removal process.
They will organise to have your V317 form (for transferring your vehicle registration) sent to the DVLA, along with your vehicle's logbook and an £80 transfer fee. Once the DVLA processes all the documents, they will send a new logbook showing the vehicle's original registration number and a V778 retention document back to your finance provider.
If you want to reissue your plates to another car in the future, you can use the V778 document to do so. It's important to allow up to six weeks for the whole process to complete.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is entirely possible to put a private plate on a leased car. While the process requires permission from the finance company and involves some paperwork, it allows you to add a personal touch to your leased vehicle. Remember to start the process early enough to avoid any last-minute rush and ensure all the procedures are followed to the letter for a smooth transition.
Whether you opt for a private plate for personal branding, to make your car distinctive, or to deter criminals, the choice is yours. Just be sure to consider the pros and cons before making your decision. Happy leasing and personalising your number plate!