You see them adoring vehicles parked on our streets and car parks. They are often spotted on our roads and motor ways and their popularity continues to rise every year. We are of course talking about the hugely popular DVLA private number plates which motorists from across the UK are eagerly buying to personalise their vehicles and make their mark on the road



Vehicles registered with the DVLA are assigned a number plate that must be displayed at all times. DVLA number plates have been issued in three different formats since the DVLA (formerly DVLC) was introduced back in 1963 including suffix, prefix and the current style of DVLA number plates. There is a growing trend in the UK to replace standard DVLA number plates with a personal registration plate which reads the owners name, initials or other memorable words.

Private number plates have previously been seen as a status symbol for the rich and famous, often spotted on flash sports cars and limousines. Nowadays people of all ages and backgrounds are searching and buying their very own personalised plates for their cars or as a special present for someone else.

Online private number plates dealers ( http://www.capeplates.co.uk/ )provide search facilities for millions of number plates that are for sale at any one time. When buying DVLA registration numbers as a present for someone it is often best to request it on certificate to assign at your leisure. Remember certificates are valid for up to 12 months and can be renewed annually for a nominal fee.

When buying private number plates ensure the nominee name that is added to the registration number document matches the name of the registered keeper on the V5 logbook. A common mistake when buying DVLA number plates is this name is wrong, especially with people buying a private reg for a present. If the names do not match the DVLA will not assign the registration. The problem can be rectified however a twenty five pound fee must be paid to change the nominee name.

Assigning DVLA number plates to a vehicle is a simple procedure. You will need the V5 logbook for the car, MOT certificate if applicable and the car must be taxed. You will also need registration certificate for the private reg that you wish to assign. Applications can be made by post or in person to your local DVLA office. Some dealers will also offer to assign the registration for you free of charge. In these cases all you will have to do is send them your vehicle documents and the will assign your new reg for you and post back your updated documents.

Once it is assigned to your vehicle you will need to have the plastic number plates made up if you have not done so already. Displaying DVLA number plates legally has always been a hot topic and the Police are continuing to clamp down on misrepresented registrations.

The government has issued set guidelines relating to the proper display of registration plates including font type, size and spacing. By altering your registration in anyway you can be liable for a fine of up to one thousand pounds and your vehicle will fail its MOT test. In extreme cases the DVLA has the power to withdraw an owner’s right to a registration mark without a reimbursement of any kind. Show plates are available from number plate suppliers however these are strictly for show purposes only and are not road legal.

The final thing is to ensure that your insurance company is informed of the change in details. Owning private number plates does not affect your insurance premium however a small administrator fee may apply to change the insurance certificate.