Private plate retention

[arj7]

Hi I've got a private plate, and am looking to sell my car and buy another. Can I transfer this plate directly to another car, or do I have to put it on retention then transfer it?

[Cylon2007]

Just put it on retention then transfer to the new car once you have it

[arj7]

I was trying to see if I could avoid paying £80 😁

[sandman77]

arj7 said:

I was trying to see if I could avoid paying £80 ??

Afraid not, this is a nice little earner for the DVLA.

[timbo999]

The transfer fee is also £80 in any case. You can transfer directly from one car to another but you have to be the RK of both cars and have the V5 for both.

[arj7]

So in that case should I buy the other car then own both cars and transfer.
To save myself from paying £160

[timbo999]

Nope its £80 whether you transfer direct or retain and then put on your new car - no difference. I've done both and can confirm that putting the plate on retention and then putting it on your new car is much simpler but a little more drawn out... by about a week. Just changed Mrs Timbo's car - I took the plate off on Monday, changed the car, and put the plate on the new car the following Monday.

Edited to add that the biggest problem was getting the sticky goo used to attach the old plates to mateys car off before attaching the new ones. Hot soapy water and WD40 is the answer... (settle down at the back...).

Edited by timbo999 on Friday 11th June 12:41

[Scrump]

arj7 said:

So in that case should I buy the other car then own both cars and transfer.
To save myself from paying £160

Either way it will only cost £80.

[Dimebars]

There is only one £80 to pay whether you transfer directly or retain and assign later