Transferring a registration number

[Penny Whistle]

Does anyone know why some numbers on retention certificates can be transferred onto a car using the online process while others need to be done by post ?

[Julian Scott]

Is it just a process change lag?

I bought a new car last year, needed the paper certificate. I've just taken my Father in Law's plate of his car to sell the car (he's in hospital permanently, never going to drive again) - whole thing took seconds online.

I tested mine again and I could now do it all online.

[Matt_E_Mulsion]

No, but I still find it bemusing that transferring a registration number using the online system can only be done between 7am and 7pm.

[Dog Star]

Evidently if one of the vehicles has been SORNed in the past x months it’s postal only.

[mcflurry]

Matt_E_Mulsion said:

No, but I still find it bemusing that transferring a registration number using the online system can only be done between 7am and 7pm.

AFAIK that's to allow the batch processes and updates to be done overnight..

[Penny Whistle]

Dog Star said:

Evidently if one of the vehicles has been SORNed in the past x months it’s postal only.

That could be, though it's not the case with the transfer I want to do now. It is coming from a retention certificate; I don't know if that makes a difference.

[vaud]

mcflurry said:

AFAIK that's to allow the batch processes and updates to be done overnight..

Which while sounds archaic, is about right for the back end of DVLA

[Scrump]

I recall reading that if the car has not had continuous tax or SORN in the past X years then it cannot be done online.

[Jordie Barretts sock]

Scrump said:

I recall reading that if the car has not had continuous tax or SORN in the past X years then it cannot be done online.

This makes sense.

[Dog Star]

I corrected my post - it should have said months.

However …

Google said:

Untaxed and taxed vehicles

If the donor vehicle (i.e. the vehicle you're transferring from) isn't taxed, you can still apply as long
You've made a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) and there's no break between the start of the SORN and the date that the vehicle tax expires
The vehicle tax has run out (not refunded) no more than 12 months before the date that you apply to transfer
The recipient vehicle (i.e. the vehicle you're transferring to) must be taxed.

Edited by Dog Star on Tuesday 3rd October 12:22

[sixor8]

When I transferred a dateless number plate from a '63 Morris Minor in 1993, I had to take the vehicle to a DVL office (all now closed) for inspection, most likely to check the car actually existed. I had to show the inspector where the chassis number was.

I've transferred several registration numbers since and never had to do it again. When you apply, they state it has to be available for checking but I'm curious as to how with no more local offices? Oh, and it's been £80 since 1993 at least Shhhh......