Number Plate Retention Question

[DiscoDave79]

Hi
I always thought I understood the DVLA's online number plate retention process very well, today I removed my private plate from a car I am about to scrap, the transaction went through without any issues and I now have an online retention document, I understand if I had another car right now I could put my plate onto it without having to wait for paper copies of anything

However there is one thing I read before removing the plate that I am confused about

"You must have your V778 and new log book before you scrap or sell your vehicle - otherwise you’ll lose the right to use the private number"

considering the plate is already removed from the car and the one that came with it reassigned how could I lose the right to use the private number by getting rid of the car?

Do I really need to wait for the DVLA to send out the paperwork? I know they are very good at "taking their time"

I don't understand how I could lose the right to use a plate by getting rid of a car it is no longer assigned to

Any help much appreciated

[Cold]

It's in case they need to physically inspect the car. Extremely rare these days, but there is a chance they might send someone out with a clipboard to make sure the car exists and that the chassis number and identity are correct etc.

[jeremyc]

And presumably they'll want to see the sold/scrapped slip from the V5C with the correct registration.

[Scrump]

As you did the retention online, I expect the new V5C will arrive within a week.

[DiscoDave79]

Thanks for the replies folks, on the DVLA vehicle check it says the latest v5c was issued on Saturday past, so hopefully it will be here soon. To be on the safe side I put the scrap collection people off until it arrives