Private reg, swapping one for another, how does it work?

[F2TLR]

After numerous Google search's I cannot get a clear answer so I turn to you lot in the hopes of clarification, as I am guessing one or two will have done similar before.

I have a vehicle with a private reg (assigned to myself) that I want to put on retention and replace with another private reg (also assigned to myself).

Question is can I simple apply online for the current private reg to be removed and put on retention thus meaning that the vehicle will be automatically re-assigned to the original reg number, for me to then apply online for the alternative private reg to be assigned strait away? Or do I have to wait between reg transfers?

Hopefully that makes sense.

[Sir Bagalot]

You will have to wait for the new V5 with the original plate to come through

[48k]

F2TLR said:

After numerous Google search's I cannot get a clear answer so I turn to you lot in the hopes of clarification, as I am guessing one or two will have done similar before.

I have a vehicle with a private reg (assigned to myself) that I want to put on retention and replace with another private reg (also assigned to myself).

Question is can I simple apply online for the current private reg to be removed and put on retention thus meaning that the vehicle will be automatically re-assigned to the original reg number, for me to then apply online for the alternative private reg to be assigned strait away? Or do I have to wait between reg transfers?

Hopefully that makes sense.

Literally just going through this myself. As answered above, annoyingly even though it's an online process, you need to wait for the V5C to come through the post because you need the correct V5C document reference number to complete the online application to assign the number plate.

[F2TLR]

Thanks for the clarification both. You would think being an online based system it would be a simple process of changing one to another, but it is what it is.

[E-bmw]

Phone DVLA.

Sure, you may be waiting for a while but you WILL get the correct answer.

I know it is not the same, but I did exactly this years ago & assumed I couldn't do it in one transaction.

Phone my (then) local office & they said to bring everything in & did it in one go.

I accept you may not be able to do it online, but with everything in front of you it is worth a call.

[Turbobanana]

In fairness, I've done two plate transfers in the last two years and both times the new V5C has been with me well within a week. Only annoyance would be having to inform insurers of a "transitional" number and ordering temporary plates, assuming the car will be in use while waiting.