What happens to personal plates when entitlement expires?

[marcusjames]

My father had a personal plate five years ago but due to illness forgot to extend the entitlement period, held on retention. He would now like to put it back onto his car.

What happens to the plate if he does not hold it on retention? Does he still own it? Will he have to pay the back-dated retention fees for the past five years before being able to put it on his car?

Thanks

[edpurnell]

Write the DVLA a letter explaining what has happened with all the vehicle and document details. They will usually sort it out although you may have to pay a fee.

[redgriff500]

If it's a short lapse (like a month) they are very reasonable.

I suspect after 5 yrs you've lost it.

Please let us know how you get on though.

[garos]

You could do an online search mycarcheck.com etc to see if the plate is assigned to another vehicle, my guess is that this will probably be the case, but of course if its not owned by someone else, contact DVLA and I hope you get it back.

[anonymous-user]

Google '' What happens to personal plates when entitlement expires? ''

One of the 1st answers:-
You will need to attach a written explanation of why your application is late to the V750 Certificate of Entitlement and enclose a cheque made payable to DVLA for the appropriate fee. The address is DVLA Personalised Registrations, Swansea, SA99 1DN. We will then be in touch to inform you if your application has been accepted.

[Stinkfoot]

I have a plate on retention that is now 4 months overdue - thanks for reminding me

[Rawwr]

I reclaimed my plate after a 4-year gap. It cost £150 to sort it out.