Selling a car number plate on retention

Should I put my number plate on retention?

 

"I've decided to sell my personal number plate. Should I put it on retention first?"
 
 
If you're selling a personal number plate that's currently on your vehicle, you have 2 choices. You can either
leave it on the car until you find a buyer or

place the number plate on retention before you find a buyer

We've laid out the pluses and minuses of each option. In the end, it's up to you.  
 
 
Leaving the registration number on the car
 
 
If you are not planning to sell your car, you can leave your registration number on the car while you advertise it for sale. This is the simplest option.
 
On the plus side....
Simplest option
There's little to do....just put your number plate up for sale!
 
No upfront DVLA fees
Putting a number plate on retention incurs a DVLA fee.
 
No need to renew the Retention Document
A number plate Retention Document expires after 12 months. It can be renewed. A DVLA fee applies.
The minuses....
You cannot sell the car
If you want to sell your car, and sell the number plate separately, you cannot leave the number plate on the car - you must place the number plate on retention before you sell the car.
 
The paperwork takes longer
Once your number plate is sold, the process of transferring the number plate to the new owner takes longer. Particularly if you are asked to produce the donor vehicle at your local DVLA office before the transfer is approved.
You risk losing the sale as the transfer may not be approved. You'll find more detail in Selling my personal number plate - I've accepted an offer.
 
You could miss out on a sale
A buyer may choose another registration number instead of yours, especially if there are other similar number plates for sale.
 
 
Putting the registration number on retention
 
 
You can put your registration number on retention, before selling it.
 
On the plus side....
Appeals to buyers
Buyers generally prefer to buy a number plate which is held on retention. The purchase is smoother.
 
The paperwork is quick
When you've sold the number plate, the paperwork is quick and simple. Just a matter of adding the new owner's name as the nominee (DVLA fee applies), and assigning it to its new vehicle.
 
You can sell the car and keep the number plate
If you're selling your car, but want to sell the number plate separately, you must put the registration number onto a Retention document. 
The minuses....
Upfront DVLA fee
The DVLA charges a fee for retaining a number plate.
 
Retention document must be renewed
The retention documents expires after 12 months. It can be renewed annually - a fee applies.
 
 
 
Be aware that number plates can take some time to sell. You should allow for this in your plans. See How long does it take to sell a number plate?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Disclaimer
This information is for your guidance only. It is not intended as a definitive guide or a formal contract. You should refer to the DVLA for full rules and regulations.