Important Warning: Your Private Number Plate May Be About to Expire!
If you own a personalised registration number that is currently held on a certificate (V750 or V778) rather than assigned to a vehicle, it’s crucial to check its expiry date.
When the paper tax disc ceased to be used amongst other changes made back in March 2015, the DVLA started to provide V750 Certificate of Entitlements and V778 Retention Documents with a ten year validity.
Any registrations purchased back in 2015 (which have not since being assigned to a vehicle ) will therefore be due to expire at some point in 2025.
The DVLA have begun sending reminder letters 5 weeks prior to expiry dates. However some registration owners may not receive their reminders if the DVLA hold a previous address. Any vehicle registration held on an expired certificate will be permanently revoked, meaning you could lose your private number plate for good and there are no exceptions to be able to renew after the date of expiry.
What You Need to Know
- 10 Year Renewal Requirement: If your private registration is not attached to a vehicle, you must renew your entitlement every 10 years to retain rights/ownership. You can apply to renew your V750 or V778 up to 28 days before it expires, but do not apply earlier than this or your application will be refused.
- No Extensions After Expiry: Once your certificate expires, the DVLA will not accept any late renewal applications. If you do not renew before the Expiry date your registration number will be lost permanently and there are no exceptions.
- Free and Simple Renewal: Renewing your V750 (Certificate of Entitlement) or V778 (Retention Document) is completely free and can be done online or by post if the document is in both your name and address (An admin fee may be required to be paid if you purchased via a cherished number dealer and the document is held in the suppliers address)
- Renewal Reminders: If you are not using your private number plate, DVLA will be sending reminders by letter or email when your right to use is due to expire (28-35 days before the expiry date. However be cautious as sometimes emails can go in to spam and post could potentially not be delivered to where it should. Not receiving the reminder will not be a valid excuse should you miss your renewal deadline, the onus is on the owner of the registration.
How to Renew Certificate (V750 or V778)
Online Renewal:
- You can renew your V750 using the DVLA personalised registration account from which you originally purchased the number. If you purchased you personalised number plate from CarReg then please contact us. If you purchased from another cherished number agent then contact them directly.
Renew by Post:
- Complete the renewal section on your V750 or V778 document and send it to the address provided (see Guidance Notes on the Rear of your document)
What to Do If You Have Lost Your V750 or V778
If your certificate is lost or stolen but still valid, you can request a replacement:
- Online: Apply using your DVLA personalised registration account.(V750 only)
- By Post: Send a letter to DVLA Personalised Registrations, Swansea SA99 1DS, requesting a replacement.
- By Telephone: 0300 790 6802
- If the mark has already expired you will not be able to obtain a duplicate document.
Important: If your address or name has changed, you will need to provide supporting documents to prove the current address, such as:
- your current British Driving Licence
- your Passport
- Utility/Council Tax Bill (last 3 months)
- Bank or Building Society Statement (last 3 months)
Summary - What You Need to Do, Act Now!
We strongly advise all past customers or anyone reading this article to take immediate action to protect their registration marks:
✔ Check the expiry date on your certificate – Ensure your registration is still valid and note down the expiry , or set an alert in your smartfone calendar if it expires in 2026 or later.
✔ Confirm your registered address – If you’ve moved home since receiving the certificate, update your details with the DVLA or the Cherished Numbers Agent you purchased from
✔ If you cannot find your certificate – Contact the DVLA as soon as possible to request a duplicate.
✔ Rather then renewing the document, you can simply assign the registration to a vehicle prior to the expiry date. This then keeps the registration alive and you can enjoy the use of it without fear of the certificate expiring and losing it.
For more information, visit the DVLA website or get in touch with CarReg for assistance.
