The DVLA is responsible for all car registrations in the UK. In the past they were the only company allowed to issue registrations and they sold many of the more cherished numbers for a lot of money. However, now other companies are also allowed to sell them as well. They do need to be registered with the DVLA as a recognised seller and then they can sell their own registrations.
The DVLA do still need to be very involved with the process of changing your registration number. This is because they will need to be informed of any changes that you make to your vehicle registration plates. There is a form that you will need to complete that they issue and this will be kept with the records of your car and will legalise your purchase. You can also fill out a form on someone else’s behalf. For example if you buy a plate for someone else, you can put their details as well as yours on the form and then either of you will be able to change your car registration to the one you have purchased.
The DVLA do have a reputation of being difficult to deal with, but actually everything can be looked at on their website and so you can find out the procedure as to what you need to do and how to go about it, without having to speak to them in person. They have a whole help section which deals with all of the questions you may have about the documents you will need, how to get them and even how to manage a purchase which is not for you but for a friend, family member or business vehicle.
It is important to know that the DVLA do have one restriction on the new plates that you want for your car. You cannot make your car seem younger than it is. So when you are selecting a plate it is important not to get one that is younger than the age of your car. This should be quite easy to do, but is worth making a note of so that you do not end up being disappointed as the DVLA refuse to allow you to change your plates because you have picked a plate which cannot be issued to your car.
The DVLA do sell registrations directly as well. However, there are many dealers selling them as well and it is possible that they will be cheaper than the DVLA. Therefore choose carefully and make sure that you are getting the best price. Just because you are buying direct, does not mean that you are getting the best price.
