How to Change Your Personal Number Plate: A Step-by-Step Guide
Do you want to change your personal number plate? Whether you want to upgrade your car’s appearance or simply want to have a more unique plate, it’s essential to know the proper process. This guide will walk you through the steps involved in changing your personal number plate.
Step 1: Check Availability of a Plate
The first step in changing your personal number plate is to check the availability of the desired plate. You can check if a specific personalized plate is already taken or not by visiting the official DVLA website or using an online number plate search. Once you find the available plate, you can proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Purchase the New Plate
The next step in changing your personal number plate is to purchase the new plate. You can either buy the plate directly from the DVLA or through a registered plate supplier. When buying a personalized plate, you should expect to pay higher fees than for a typical registration number, as prices can vary widely depending on the number and letter combination you choose.
Step 3: Notify Your Insurance Company
You must notify your insurance company when changing your personal number plate. This is because your insurance policy is linked to your vehicle’s identification number. If you don’t inform your insurance provider, your coverage will be invalid, and you could face penalties or higher premiums.
Step 4: Complete the Necessary Paperwork
After purchasing the new plate and notifying your insurance company, the next step is to fill out the paperwork required to change your registration. You may need to complete a V317 form from the DVLA, which you can either fill out online or by post. It’s worth noting that there may be additional fees to change the registration number, so consult the DVLA’s pricing chart before filling out the paperwork.
Step 5: Replace Your Current Plate with the New One
Once you’ve completed all the necessary paperwork and received your new registration certificate, it’s time to attach the new plate to your car. Make sure you follow the instructions given by the vendor selling you the new registration plate. Typically, you should remove the old plate from your car, and replace it with the new one, which should fit exactly in the same location.
Final Thoughts
In summary, changing your personal number plate is a straightforward process, but it can be a lengthy one. It requires the approval from the DVLA, insurance companies, and other authorities, which might take some time. However, if you follow all the steps in this guide, it should be relatively stress-free. Remember that getting your personalized plate isn’t just a fun thing to do, but also can increase the value of your vehicle, making it a worthwhile investment.
