V750Can be checked
Certificate of Entitlement
The right to a private number that is not on a vehicle yet. You usually get one when you buy a number from DVLA or a dealer.
V750 or V778: which certificate do you have?
V778Cannot be checked
Retention Document
Issued when a private number is taken off a vehicle and kept on retention. DVLA's online checker does not accept it.
Private numbers in the UK come with one of two DVLA documents. Only one of them can be checked online, so it is worth knowing which one is in your drawer before you list a plate for sale.
The short answer
A V750 Certificate of Entitlement is the right to a private number that is not on a vehicle yet. You usually receive one when you buy a number from DVLA or a dealer.
A V778 Retention Document is issued when a number is taken off a vehicle and kept on retention, for example when you sell the car but keep the plate.
DVLA's online certificate checker asks for a Certificate of Entitlement (V750). Number Plate Validation uses that checker, so we can check V750s only.
How to tell them apart
- Look at the form code printed on the document: V750 or V778.
- A V750 is titled Certificate of Entitlement. A V778 is titled Retention Document.
- If the number has been on a vehicle and was then removed, you almost certainly have a V778.
Where the certificate number is
On a V750, DVLA says the registration number and certificate number are printed below the purchaser's name and address. Type both exactly as shown.
Renewal
Both documents must be renewed every 10 years. GOV.UK says you can apply up to 28 days before the expiry date, and if you do not renew on time the right to the number is lost. An expired V750 will not pass a validity check.
If you have a V778
Do not run a check on Number Plate Validation: DVLA will reject it and the check still uses a credit. Talk to the buyer about other evidence, and still do not send a photo or scan of the document.