Do I need a new MoT if I change my number plate?
Rachel Ellis
Published Jan 12, 2026
The vehicle will need to have valid tax and a valid MOT (if required) for the assignment of your new personalised number plate to your vehicle to be processed.”
What happens to my MoT when I change my number plate?
When the car has been re-registered under your new private number plate by the DVLA, you will receive replacement V5C Registration Document. You will not receive a replacement MoT Certificate, but the DVLA's systems are updated automatically. So just take your vehicle for MoT as usual.
Does a car need an MoT to transfer number plate?
No. A car must have a valid (current) MoT before a personalised number plate can be transferred to it. You will need to obtain a valid MoT certificate for your vehicle.
Do number plates get checked on MoT?
Since 2018, the new guidelines for MOT tests state that vehicle number plates are the first part of a car that should be inspected.
Is my car still taxed if I change my number plate?
No. A car must be taxed to transfer a private number plate to it. If your vehicle is not taxed, we can apply for tax at the same time as transfering your personalised number plate to it - do both things together.
44 related questions foundWho do I need to inform when I change my number plate?
Your car insurance policy documentation will have the previous registration number displayed. When you buy a private number plate and transfer it to your car, you must inform your car insurance company to enable them to update their records.
How long does it take DVLA to assign a number plate?
It takes around 2-4 weeks for the DVLA to process the transfer of a registration number.
Can a number plate fail MOT?
You can fail your MOT due to the condition of your number plates. If your number plate is obscured, damaged or has any features that effect or change the appearance and legibility of the characters, it can result in a failed MOT test.
Is a damaged number plate an MOT failure?
Number plate damages include cracks that may go across characters, or even cracks and chips to the background that don't affect the characters. All of this depends on which garage carries out the MOT but according to the DVLA, these should constitute an MOT fail.
Is a small number plate an MOT failure?
Small number plates are an instant fail as are single line format number plates. Any type font apart from the standard one is not allowed.
Can I put my car number plate on retention online?
Putting a number plate on retention - online service
An online facility is now available to retain your registration number. It's quick and straightforward, taking just a few minutes. At the moment this online retention is limited to keeping the personalised number in the name of the Registered Keeper of the vehicle.
Is my reg number transferable?
It means you cannot sell that particular registration number or transfer it to another vehicle. But... you can transfer a private number plate to that car. And it doesn't stop you moving the private registration number to another car in the future.
Can I keep my number plate when I sell my car?
Can I sell my car and keep the number plate? Yes, you can sell your car and keep your personalised number plate even if you're giving your car for scrape then also you can keep your private number. You can either hold your private number plate or put it on another car.
Do you need a V5C to change number plate?
If you are transferring number plates to a new car, you will need the vehicle's log book (V5C) handy. If you apply online, the personalised number will be removed immediately (if your vehicle does not need an inspection).
How long does it take to change reg plates?
The time taken to transfer your new private number plate to your car can vary, depending on the circumstances. On average it takes around 3-5 weeks.
Do you get a new v5 When you get a private plate?
After you assign a private number
You'll be sent: a new log book (V5C) - it can take 4 to 6 weeks to arrive. your original MOT back (if you sent it to tax the vehicle)
Will 3D plates pass MOT?
You will fail the MOT test if you display your 3D carbon number plate in another colour or a different font. Also, the number plate becomes illegal when another background pattern is used.
Why are Honeycomb number plates illegal?
Honeycomb number plates are technically not legal for road use. For this reason, they are sold as novelty show plates only. However, they are still a popular choice for private vehicle collectors and showrooms.
Are number plate lights a legal requirement UK?
There are no restrictions to the number of lights on the vehicle. The only requirement is that the rear number plate is sufficiently illuminated.
Can I put my private plate on someone else's car?
You can move the registration onto another vehicle, or move it onto a certificate, and then later assign that to another car. The important thing is to do this in advance of selling the car.
Can I make my own Reg plate?
You can put almost anything on your personalised number plate. There are just a few basic rules you need to follow. Firstly, your number plate has to be unique. If someone else has taken the number you wanted you will either have to come up with an alternative or buy it from them.
How long can you keep a private plate on retention?
After 10 years, you must either renew your number plate retention, or register a vehicle with the number plate.
Does changing your number plate affect your insurance?
No. You are required by law to display a registration mark on your vehicle. A private number plate should not be considered a vehicle modification and your insurer should not change your premium as a result.
Do I need to change my number plate after Brexit?
British motorists driving outside the UK must now remove old-style GB stickers or cover them up. Instead they should display a UK sticker or have the UK identifier on their number plate. The UK government guidance has been in place since Tuesday 28 September.
Does changing registration affect insurance?
It is vital that we point out that you HAVE to declare the change of registration to your insurance company, no matter how trivial it may seem. Not doing so will likely invalidate your car insurance and make it much more difficult - or expensive - to get car insurance in the future.