Process for selling a plate

[Penny Whistle]

I have an acknowledgment from DVLA that my application to retain a reg number was successful. It specifies a "retention certificate number", which as I understand it is all that someone needs to have in order to claim the number. So if someone wants to buy it then they pay me, I wait for funds to clear and then I can just send them the number. Is that it, no paperwork needs to be sent between seller and buyer, nothing to stop an unscrupulous buyer trying to reverse the money transfer ?

[GMac1]

Yes, you can just issue the retention number and the buyer can assign straight away. Ask for payment by bank transfer so it can't be reversed. Meet in person or use a broker, most charge a small fee which makes it easier for both parties. Lots of scams around so be very careful when selling a private plate.

[Julian Thompson]

I sold one for a chunky sum the other week and I definitely felt the pressure - it was a dealer who worked hard to reassure me with his credentials but in the end once you’ve sent a screenshot of your retention document the plate can be assigned to a car and that’s that! So in any event unless you actually meet “someone has to go first” with either money or plate. Do be careful with it.

[vonhosen]

Be careful sending an image of certificate, obscure the document reference number.