Buying a V5 just for the number plate?

[MATRS]

I was buying a plate from a seller but it turns out Im buying just the V5 as he stripped the car down years ago. Is it possible to buy a V5 for just the number plate?

I was always under the impression, the seller needs to transfer (with a current MOT?) the plate to a retention and then a transfer fee is paid by the seller/buyer.

[Phil Dicky]

To take a number off a car for it to go on retention,the car must have an MOT, so in this case the number will be lost back to DVLA..I think

[gizlaroc]

Can I retain my registration?

• You must be the Registered Keeper - the person named on the V5 log book of the vehicle
• The registration should be transferable - the words 'non-transferrable' should not appear anywhere on your documents
• The vehicle should be licensed - the number plate you want to retain should be on a vehicle that is taxed. If your tax disc has expired, contact the DVLA for advice.
• The vehicle should be MOT'd - Before applying for a DVLA Retention Document, make sure the vehicle has an MOT as the DVLA may decide to inspect your vehicle before approving the transfer. If your vehicle does not have a current MOT, contact the DVLA for advice.

[750turbo]

Phil Dicky said:

To take a number off a car for it to go on retention,the car must have an MOT, so in this case the number will be lost back to DVLA..I think

Pretty sure that certainly used to be true?

Missed opportunity though on behalf of the money grabbing bastids!

[ging84]

by transferring the remains of the car into you name
he is making that your problem
sounds a bit dodgy though, how do you know he actually ever had the car?

[MATRS]

Will walk away then, cheers for the help guys.

[jdw1234]

Hmm. I dont want to fall foul of name and shame rules, but please google the name of the guy you are buying it from. The Modus Operandi is familiar.

[DuraAce]

What's the logic behind the MOT being required?

Is it just a cynical money earner for the DVLA when they get plates for free and resell them?!

[jdw1234]

DuraAce said:

What's the logic behind the MOT being required?

Is it just a cynical money earner for the DVLA when they get plates for free and resell them?!

Here is a pile of scrap in my garden. It had the plate A1 honest.

[Martin4x4]

DuraAce said:

What's the logic behind the MOT being required?

Is it just a cynical money earner for the DVLA when they get plates for free and resell them?!

To prevent ringing.

There is whole thread dedicated to spotting and reporting similar "ringing kits" on ebay etc.