FAQs

Listed below are answers to some common questions we get asked by customers. If you’d like to add a question to the list, simply post it in a comment and we’ll check if it warrants inclusion.

1) What are the different kinds of registration?
Find out about the different formats available in our article on number plate formats.

2) Are there any age restrictions on the use of private number plates?
Yes. You can read more about it in our article on age restrictions.

3) Can I assign a private number plate to my motorbike?
Yes. Any of our registrations can be assigned to your motorbike. Again, you must adhere to the age restrictions.

4) What is the ‘Nominee’?
The Nominee is the name added to the retention certificate when purchasing a number plate. The nominee name has to match exactly the name that appears in the V5 log book of the vehicle you wish to assign your registration number to.

If the registration is a gift, you must make sure you submit the correct Nominee. Alternatively, if you are buying for a company vehicle, and the vehicle is registered under a company name, please supply the name of the company as the Nominee.

5) What is a ‘Certificate’ or ‘Retention Certificate’?

If you purchase a car registration from Splash Plates it can be supplied on a certificate or transferred directly to a vehicle. If you request the registration on certificate it will be supplied on either a:

• Certificate of Entitlement
  A certificate of entitlement, or V750, is issued when you purchase a car registration plate that has never been assigned to a vehicle. A certificate of entitlement displays the purchasers’ details and chosen registration. This option is perfect if you are buying a private registration number as a present or wish to assign the registration to your vehicle at a later date.
• Retention Certificate A retention certificate, or V778, is issued by the DVLA when a registration number is transferred off a vehicle to be held on ‘retention’, pending future assignment. If you are purchasing a private registration number from Splash Plates that has previously been assigned to a vehicle (i.e. if we are selling it on behalf of a private owner) it will be supplied on a retention certificate, unless you have requested us to assign the registration number to a vehicle. A retention certificate is very similar to a certificate of entitlement and is used in exactly the same way.