Personalised Number Plate - How soon can you take it off?

[Geertsen]

Hi,

I am buying a cherished number plate privately but want the number on retention until I have the car for it. It is currently on retention in the sellers name and know you cannot transfer a retention certificate so I plan to put the the number plate onto my car and immediately take it back off again so that I have the retention document in my name. I want the retention certificate in my name as simply being a ‘nominee’ on a retention certificate does not mean I own the rights and it will remain on retention for months.

If I transfer it to my current car (with standard reg plate) online with the DVLA can I remove it immediately? i.e. minutes after assigning it to my car.

[Geertsen]

Anyone bought a number plate on retention and moved it into their name?

[sherman]

Why not just put it on your car for the few weeks /months?
. You need the new V5 iirc so it will be a week or so anyway.

[Geertsen]

I think that might be the only option. Just didn’t want to have to phone insurance etc but might be the only way it seems. Thank you.