The V750 form is issued by DVLA Personalised Registrations to prove your legal right to a new, unissued personalised registration number. Use it to assign, hold, gift, or renew that right.
What Is the V750 Form?
It is formally called the Certificate of Entitlement and is a pink A4 document issued by DVLA Personalised Registrations to confirm that a specific personalised registration number has been allocated to you. It is issued only for brand new registrations that have never appeared on a vehicle before. The document is proof that you hold the right to assign that registration to a vehicle registered in the UK.
DVLA posts the V750 to you after you purchase a new personalised number from the DVLA Sale of Marks scheme, an official DVLA auction, or a registered dealer. It is not a self-completion download form. You cannot request a blank copy because the details printed on it are unique to your purchase.
Without a valid V750, you have no legal claim to the registration. DVLA is strict: once it expires, the number is gone permanently with no appeal process.
What Does the V750 Application Look Like?
Knowing what to expect helps you confirm you have received the right document and reduces the risk of confusing it with other DVLA paperwork.
The V778 Retention Document is green. If your document is green, you hold a V778, not a V750. These cover different registration types and have different rules for certain transactions.
What Is the Form Used For?
It covers a wide range of actions connected to your personalised registration:
Who Needs a V750 Certificate of Entitlement?
You will need a V750 if any of the following applies to you:
V750 vs V778: What Is the Difference?
Both documents allow you to hold a personalised registration on a vehicle, but they cover different types of registration. This is the most common source of confusion among private plate owners.
|
Feature |
V750 Certificate of Entitlement |
V778 Retention Document |
|---|---|---|
|
Colour |
Pink A4 |
Green A4 |
|
Registration type |
Brand new, never assigned |
Previously on a vehicle |
|
When issued |
At point of purchase from DVLA |
After retention application |
|
Valid for |
10 years |
10 years |
|
Renewal fee |
Free |
Free |
|
Online account compatible |
Yes |
Limited |
|
Address change online |
Yes |
No, post only |
|
Postal address |
SA99 1DS |
SA99 1DS |
|
Related form |
V317 for moving to retention |
V317 for reassignment |
You might hold both documents simultaneously if you own two personalised registrations: one that has never been on a vehicle (V750) and one previously retained from a car you have sold (V778).
Who Can Hold the Form?
Two roles appear on every V750 certificate. Understanding each one prevents problems when you try to make changes or request a replacement.
The Grantee
The grantee is the person named on the V750 as the primary holder. This is the person who purchased the registration or to whom DVLA issued the certificate. The grantee holds full legal rights over the registration number. Only the grantee can request a replacement certificate, sell the registration privately, change the nominee, or apply to extend the certificate.
The Nominee
The nominee is a second person named on the certificate who is also authorised to use the registration. A nominee is typically named when a registration is bought as a gift. The nominee cannot request a replacement certificate independently if the document is lost or stolen. That action is reserved for the grantee alone.
When the Grantee and Nominee Are Different People
This situation most often arises in private sales. When you sell a registration held on a V750, you sign Sections 1 and 6 of the certificate and hand it to the buyer. The buyer becomes the new grantee once the registration is formally assigned to their vehicle. Until that assignment happens, the rights remain technically with the original grantee. DVLA does not need to be notified of a private sale before the assignment takes place.
DVLA Sale of Marks Scheme
The DVLA Sale of Marks scheme is how new personalised registrations enter public circulation. DVLA, acting on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport, releases previously unissued registration numbers through the DVLA Select Registrations website and at public auctions held throughout the year.
When you purchase through this scheme, you are buying the right to use the registration, not ownership in the conventional sense. Vehicle registrations in the UK remain the property of the Crown. The V750 is the formal document that records and protects your right to use the number you have purchased. Registrations bought through authorised dealers from their own unissued stock follow the same process and result in the same V750 certificate being issued by DVLA.
Eligibility: Who Can Receive and Use a V750?
Vehicle Types Covered
|
Vehicle Type |
Eligible |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Car |
✓ Yes |
Must be UK-registered with a V5C |
|
Motorcycle |
✓ Yes |
Must be UK-registered with a V5C |
|
Tricycle |
✓ Yes |
Must be UK-registered with a V5C |
|
Electric vehicle |
✓ Yes |
Treated the same as a standard car |
|
SORN vehicle |
✓ Yes |
Assignment permitted while SORN |
|
Lorry or HGV |
✗ No |
Not eligible for personalised registrations |
|
Bus or coach |
✗ No |
Not eligible |
|
Agricultural vehicle |
✗ No |
Tractors and farm vehicles excluded |
|
Vehicle registered abroad |
✗ No |
UK registration required |
How to Fill In the DVLA V750 Form?
Each section of the form serves a specific purpose. Completing the wrong section, leaving a required field blank, or failing to sign will result in DVLA returning your application. Work through the relevant section for your situation only.
⚠️ Common mistakes to avoid before you start
- Signing the wrong section of the form
- Leaving the validation character blank in Section 1
- Sending the V750/1 receipt instead of the actual certificate
- Posting the form without a signature in Section 6
- Sending original identity documents instead of certified copies
Assigning the Registration to a Vehicle
Complete this section when you are ready to put the personalised number onto a vehicle. You will need the vehicle’s current registration number and the validation character, which is a letter printed on the V5C log book confirming the document version. Indicate whether the vehicle is registered or unregistered. Sign and date this section. If the vehicle is brand new and unregistered, the dealership usually completes Section 1 on your behalf at the point of sale.
Adding or Changing a Nominee
Complete this section if you want to add a nominee for the first time or change the person already named as nominee. This is required when assigning a registration to a brand new unregistered vehicle with a different registered keeper. If the vehicle already has a V5C, you can assign online without completing this section first.
Renewing or Extending Your Entitlement
Use this section when your V750 is within 28 days of its expiry date. Place a cross in the renewal box, sign and date Section 6, and post to DVLA. All renewals since March 2015 are granted for 10 years at no charge. Do not complete the old extension period boxes (1, 2, or 3 years) that appear on older versions of the form.
Changing Your Address
Complete this section if your address has changed since the certificate was issued. You can also update your address online through your DVLA personalised registration account, which is faster than the postal route. Include proof of your new address if applying by post.
Signing the Certificate
Every postal application requires your signature in Section 6 regardless of which other section you have completed. An unsigned application is automatically rejected by DVLA. Sign in black ink, write the date clearly, and confirm the grantee name and address at the top of the form are still accurate.
The V750 Application Process
Applying Online
The DVLA personalised registration account at dvlaregistrations.dvla.gov.uk handles most V750 transactions. Have your document reference number ready before you start. This is printed on your V750 certificate. Online vehicle assignments are usually processed within 2 to 5 working days and confirmed by email.
Applying by Post
Some transactions can only be done by post, including name changes and adding a nominee to a brand new unregistered vehicle. When applying by post:
- Complete only the relevant section of your V750
- Sign and date Section 6
- Include any required supporting documents as copies, not originals
- Send by recorded or signed-for delivery
- Send to: DVLA Personalised Registrations, Swansea, SA99 1DS
Postal applications typically take up to 4 weeks. Never send original passports or driving licences. DVLA accepts certified copies or clear photocopies only.
Assigning at a Dealership
When purchasing a brand new unregistered vehicle and assigning your personalised number at the same time, hand the signed V750 to the dealer. In most cases, the dealer processes the transfer with DVLA at no extra charge. You will receive a new V5C with your personalised registration recorded, along with a confirmation document for the assignment.
Renewing Your V750 Certificate
It is valid for 10 years from the date DVLA issues it. The expiry date is printed on the certificate. DVLA may send a reminder, but this is not guaranteed. You are responsible for tracking the date yourself.
If the certificate expires, you permanently lose the right to the registration number. DVLA cannot reinstate it. There are no exceptions and no appeal process.
Lost, Stolen, or Damaged V750: How to Get a Replacement?
If your V750 is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you can apply for a replacement as long as the certificate has not expired and you are the named grantee.
Applying for a Replacement Online
Log in to your DVLA personalised registration account. Select the relevant registration and follow the replacement request process using your document reference number.
Applying for a Replacement by Post
Write a letter to DVLA Personalised Registrations explaining that your V750 has been lost or stolen. Sign the letter and include any required supporting documents if your name or address has changed.
- For a change of address (document issued in the last 3 months): a household utility bill, bank statement, Council Tax bill for the current year, medical card, or current UK driving licence.
- For a change of name: marriage or civil partnership certificate, divorce document (decree nisi, decree absolute, conditional order, or final order), or a deed poll confirming your legal name change.
The V750/1 Receipt Is Not a Replacement
When you purchase a personalised registration, DVLA or your dealer may issue a V750/1 receipt. This is proof of purchase only. It is not the Certificate of Entitlement and cannot be used in place of the V750 for any DVLA transaction. If you hold only a V750/1 and no certificate has arrived, contact DVLA to confirm the status of your application.
Changing Your Name or Address on a V750
Changing Your Address
You can change your address online through your DVLA personalised registration account. This applies to V750 certificates only. V778 address changes must be done by post. If applying by post, complete Section 4 of your V750, sign Section 6, include proof of your new address, and post to DVLA Personalised Registrations, Swansea, SA99 1DS.
Changing Your Name
Name changes cannot be processed online. Send your V750 certificate, a signed letter stating your new name, and proof of name change to DVLA Personalised Registrations, Swansea, SA99 1DS. When you receive your updated V750, destroy all previous versions immediately. Older certificates are no longer valid.
Combining a V750 with a V778 Retention Document
There are situations where the same registration moves from V750 to V778 status. This happens when you assign your personalised number to a vehicle using the V750, then later take it off that vehicle and place it on retention. Once the registration has been on a vehicle and then retained, DVLA issues a V778 rather than returning a V750.
You might hold both document types simultaneously if you own more than one personalised registration. Keep the documents clearly labelled as the processes for each differ, particularly around online access and address changes.
Fees, Processing Times, and What to Expect
|
Action |
Method |
Fee |
Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Assign registration to vehicle |
Online |
Free to apply (£80 DVLA assignment fee) |
2 to 5 working days |
|
Assign registration to vehicle |
Post |
Free to apply (£80 DVLA fee) |
Up to 4 weeks |
|
Renew V750 certificate |
Online or Post |
Free |
Up to 4 weeks |
|
Replace lost or stolen V750 |
Online or Post |
Free |
Up to 4 weeks |
|
Change address (V750) |
Online |
Free |
Up to 5 working days |
|
Change address (V750 or V778) |
Post |
Free |
Up to 4 weeks |
|
Change name |
Post Only |
Free |
Up to 4 weeks |
|
Add or change nominee |
Post |
Free |
Up to 2 weeks |
Factors That Affect Processing Time
Where to Send Your V750 Application
All postal applications go to the same address regardless of transaction type:
DVLA Personalised Registrations
Swansea
SA99 1DS
This address covers assignments, renewals, replacements, nominee changes, name changes, and address updates. Do not send V750 applications to any other DVLA address. Use recorded or signed-for delivery and keep copies of everything before posting.
Special Cases and Circumstances
Buying a V750 as a Gift
When you purchase a personalised registration as a gift, you are the grantee and the recipient is the nominee. Sign Sections 1 and 6 of the V750 and hand the certificate to the recipient. DVLA does not need to be notified at this stage. The recipient can then assign the registration to their vehicle using the signed certificate. Rights transfer formally once the registration is assigned to a vehicle in their name.
Selling a Registration Held on a V750
Agree the sale and receive full payment before signing anything. Once payment is confirmed, sign Sections 1 and 6 of the V750 and give the certificate to the buyer. You do not need to contact DVLA before the sale. The buyer becomes the new holder once they assign the registration to a vehicle, at which point your connection to the registration ends entirely.
When the Grantee Dies
If the grantee named on a V750 passes away, the registration does not automatically pass to their estate. The executor or administrator must write to DVLA Personalised Registrations explaining the situation and providing a copy of the death certificate and evidence of their authority to act. DVLA will advise on the appropriate steps, which may involve probate documentation.
V750 and SORN Vehicles
A vehicle declared Statutory Off Road is eligible to receive a personalised registration via a V750. The vehicle does not need to be taxed at the time of assignment. It must have a valid UK V5C. Once the assignment is complete, the new registration appears on the V5C and is recorded on the DVLA vehicle record.