A nickname, special date or memorable place? Read our guide to help get your private plate on your leased car.
A nickname, special date or memorable place... cherished number plates can be important for a lot of different reasons. We understand the importance of displaying your personalised plate on your new lease car.
To help you through the process, we've created this handy guide:
It's best to start off with your number plate on a Retention Document (V778), you can do this using this gov.uk tool.
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).
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).
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.
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 onto 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.
Please note that the finance company will charge an admin fee if you decide to put your private plate on your car after delivery.
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.