Can you put a private plate on a lease car?

Want to put a private plate on a lease car but not sure if you can? The simple answer is yes you can, and this handy guide tells you how to do it. 

If you’re wondering “can you put a private plate on a lease car?” the good news is yes – it’s possible, with the right process. Adding a private plate on a lease car is becoming more popular as drivers look to personalise their cars while enjoying the flexibility and benefits of leasing. This guide explains how it works and what you need to know before making the switch.

Remember, you can lease a car right here on Carwow. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

What is a private number plate?

A private number plate, also known as a personalised number plate, is a custom licence plate that allows you, as a car owner, to choose your car’s characters, rather than using the standard, government-issued sequence. You can buy these from the DVLA, allowing you to display initials, names, or phrases that have personal meaning.

How to put a private plate on a lease car

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to put a private plate on a lease car:

1. Get permission from your leasing company

The first step is to contact your leasing company or finance provider, as they are the registered keeper of the car and any changes require their consent. Most leasing companies deal with private plate requests regularly, though you can usually expect to pay a small administration fee – typically between £35 and £50 – to cover the paperwork.

2. Identify which DVLA form you’ll need

The correct form depends on your situation. Here’s a breakdown of what each form does:

• V750 (Certificate of Entitlement): Use this form if you’ve just bought a private plate or if it’s not yet assigned to any car. You’ll need details from the car’s V5C logbook.
• V778 (Retention Document): Use this one if you already own a private plate but it’s not currently fitted to a car. This confirms your ownership and lets you assign it to your leased car.
• V317 (Application to Transfer): Use this if you want to transfer a plate from another vehicle onto your leased car.

All these forms are available via the DVLA (online or by post). They’re free to complete and valid for 10 years.

3. Submit the form through your leasing company

Once you have the right form, fill it in and send it to your leasing company or finance provider. They’ll forward this to the DVLA on your behalf, as they’re the registered keeper.

4. Wait for the DVLA approval

The DVLA will process the request and send written confirmation once the number plate is officially assigned. Do not fit the new plate to your leased car until you receive this.

5. Fit the private plate

After approval, you can have your new plates made by a DVLA-registered number plate supplier. Fit them to your leased car (or have a garage do it for you). Also keep your paperwork safe in case you want to transfer or remove the plate later.

Will my insurance go up if I put a private plate on my car?

No, generally your insurance will not go up if you put a private plate on your car as it’s not considered a modification that increases risk. You will still need to inform your insurer of the change of registration before driving the car, though, Not doing so may have an impact on your cover.

Is it worth putting a private plate on a lease car?

Putting a private number plate on a lease car can be worth it depending on what you value more: personalisation and identity or simplicity and cost savings. Here’s a rundown of the pros and cons:

Pros

• Makes your leased car feel more unique and more like your own, even though you don’t technically own it.
• Can look more polished if the car is for business (for example, easier to remember or helps avoid any obvious “new reg” that dates the car).
• The plate is yours, and you can transfer it to another leased car or keep it when you eventually buy a car.

Cons

• You’ll need your leasing company’s permission and you must go through the DVLA paperwork process.
• Leasing companies often charge an admin fee (£35-50) for handling the plate registration.
• At the end of the lease, you must arrange (and sometimes pay) to have the plate taken off the car and reassigned before handing it back.
• You can’t fit the plate until you have official DVLA confirmation, which can slow things down.

Do I need to remove the private plate before returning a leased car?

Yes, you’ll need to put the original number plate back on the car before the lease comes to an end. This can take a bit of time so don’t wait until the last minute to do it.

Contact your finance provider 6-8 weeks before the lease ends to let them know that you need to remove the private plate.

You will need to arrange with the finance provider to send the V317 form and the car’s V5C logbook to the DVLA. They will be in possession of the logbook as they are the registered keeper of the vehicle.

There is an £80 charge by the DVLA to have the private number removed from the car. Your finance provider may also charge an admin fee on top of this, usually around £35 to £50.

A new V5C logbook will be sent back which can take up to six weeks to arrive. You’ll also receive a V778 retention document for your private plate.

If I buy my leased car can I keep it on the private plate?

Yes. This option will save you from having to remove the plate before the lease ends and go through the hassle of additional paperwork.

Just remember that while you own the car outright at the end of a Hire Purchase (HP) and can buy it at the end of a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) via a ‘balloon payment,’ some leasing agreements require you to return the car when the contract is up. In this case, you would have to go through the process of removing the private plate at the end of the lease and then assigning it to the next car.

Private plate on a lease car FAQs

Do I have to tell my insurance company I have a private plate?

Yes, you must let your insurance company know you have a private number plate, as not doing so can invalidate your policy.

Can you put a private plate on a salary sacrifice car?

Yes, you can put a private number plate on a salary sacrifice car. But, like with normal leasing, you must get permission from the leasing company as they are the registered owner of the car.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

Click here to follow us on WhatsApp, where you can keep up-to-date with all the latest news, reviews, advice guides and videos.