Personal Plate on a Sorn Car

[LesleyannDK]

Hello, wondering if one of you bods would be able to advise.
the Ex sold the car with the personal plate still on it to a personal friend, however they let the MOT and tax lapse.
I tried to get the plate back through the DVLA but they have said as there was a gap between the car being sorn and the tax and MOT running out, I'd have to pay for the car to go through its MOT and then Tax it before i can transfer the plate!

the Car apparently will not pass an MOT!

so Can someone please advise how i can get the plate back without trying to MOT a car that has passed it sell by date so to speak..

Many thanks

Lesley

[LesleyannDK]

the point was it would never pass an MOT

but thanks anyway

[LesleyannDK]

well anything is worth a try I will ask the owners and give DVLA a call
many thanks for the helpful suggestions
Lesley