How do I Put a Private Number Plate on my Lease Car?

A nickname, special date or memorable place. Cherished number plates can be important for a lot of different reasons. Therefore, it's important that you can display your personalised plate on your new lease car!

We understand that our customers want to put a private number plate on their cars. It's very straightforward, but a little bit of work needs to be done first. To help you through the process, we've created this handy guide:

1) Plate on Retention

It's best to start off with your number plate on a Retention Document (V778), you can do this using this gov.uk tool.

2) Nominee

Because the finance company is the named owner on the V5 for the vehicle, they must be named as the nominee on the license plate certificate.

In the Nominee Details section of the retention document, you'll need to put the name of the finance company (e.g. Volkswagen Financial Services Ltd / ALD Automotive Ltd). If you're not sure which this will be, speak to your Sales Executive and they will be able to let you know.

3) DVLA

Once you have updated the Nominee Details on the document, you will need to post it to the DVLA so that they can print the finance company name in the Nominee section (on the left-hand side of the document).

4a) Option 1 - Plate On Car Before Delivery

Once the DVLA returns your Retention Document (V778) you can send it to the dealership and have your plate put on your car before delivery. Please note that choosing to put your personalised plate on the car before you take delivery can slow down the delivery process, but it can be done.

4b) Option 2 - Plate On Car After Delivery

The majority of our customers choose this option as it ensures you get your car as quickly as possible. Inform us as soon as you decide you want to put a personalised plate on your new car. Then, send the Retention Document (V778) to the finance company. The finance company will then allow you to fit the plate to your new car yourself. Please note that choosing to put your personalised plate on the car after you take delivery means that you will need to get your own plate printed.

5) End of Contract

At the end of your contract, you need to take the plate off the car before it is returned to the finance company. You then have the option of putting your plate on Retention, or you can transfer it to your new car.

This guide will get you ready to put a private number plate on your new lease car. Now, you can get ready to enjoy your car without worrying about how to make it look just the way you want it to!

Hopefully, this guide will have answered any questions you have about putting a personalised private number plate on your lease car. If not, please feel free to call us on 0151 728 4711. If you would like to view our latest Audi and Volkswagen contract hire offers please click here.