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Selling Your Car with a Private Registration

By Motor Match • 09/02/2024

Have you thought about selling your car, but hesitate because it has a private registration plate?

Many car owners in the UK invest in personalized reg plates for different reasons, such as expressing their unique style, making a memorable appearance, or as an investment opportunity. But can you sell a car with a private reg plate? And how can you keep the plate if you want to transfer it to another car or sell it separately? In this blog post, we'll answer these questions and more, so you can make an informed decision about selling your car with or without a private registration plate.

Firstly, if you have a private registration plate on your car and want to sell it, you have two main options: keep the plate or sell the car with the plate attached. If you choose to keep the plate, you'll need to apply for plate removal and get a new registration plate for the car before selling it. This option can be more profitable if you have a valuable or unique private plate that you want to use on another vehicle or sell separately. However, it can also be more time-consuming and costly, as you'll need to pay a fee to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and may need to wait several weeks for the new plates to arrive. Moreover, the car will not have a registration plate during that time, which may limit its usability and appeal to potential buyers.

On the other hand, if you choose to sell the car with the private registration plate attached, you'll need to make sure that the car meets the criteria for retaining the plate. According to the DVLA, you can keep a private registration plate and transfer it to another vehicle if the car is:

  • Registered in your name or a nominee's name.
  • Available for inspection and has a valid MOT certificate.
  • Taxed or has a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) in place.

Sell 2 Swansway

If your car meets these criteria, you can sell it with the private plate attached and transfer the plate to the buyer or a nominee. However, this option may limit the target market for your car, as not all buyers may be interested in a private registration plate or willing to pay extra for it. You may also need to negotiate the price with the buyer separately if they don't want to keep the plate.

So, how can you sell a car with a private registration plate in the UK? One option is to use an online platform such as Sell 2 Swansway, which offers a quick and convenient process for selling your car, whether it has a private plate or not. With Sell 2 Swansway, you can get a free valuation for your car and receive an instant cash offer based on its condition, mileage, and other factors. If you're happy with the offer, you can book a free collection for your car at a time and place that suits you, and receive payment on the same day. Sell 2 Swansway also offers a plate removal service, so you can keep your private plate or sell it separately.

Selling a car with a private registration plate in the UK is possible, but requires some planning and consideration. Whether you choose to keep the plate or sell the car with it attached, make sure you meet the DVLA criteria and weigh the pros and cons of each option. Using an online platform like Sell 2 Swansway can also save you time and hassle, and provide a fair price for your car. Don't let your private registration plate hold you back from selling your car – explore your options and make the best decision for your needs and preferences.

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