If you pay £50 for a set of number plates, you need your bumps feeling.
Having just done it, my advice will be to do it yourself. A simple call to Motability is all it takes to put your private plates on retention (that’s when they’ll take the £80 fee for DVLA).
That way, you can put the original number plate back on because you’ll still have the plates.
When you get your new car, let the dealer register it but tell them that you’ll be putting on a private plate and doing the transfer. Then ask them to do you a favour and make up some new plates with your private number for you. Most will, it costs them pennies, and simply leave them in the boot for you to put on.
Once you have you car, give it a few days, call Motability and ask them to do the switch for you. It takes minutes. When you have written confirmation, put your new private plates on the car and the plates you take off in your garage for when you do the next switch in three years.
Simple.
plus the £80 fee which Motability will take for you.
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If you let the dealer know that you’ll be putting on a new plate but will do it yourself ask them to do you a favour and make up a new set for you.
Most can do it in house and will simply leave them in the boot ready for when the paperwork is done. If they’re any good, they won’t charge you.
Current car: Mini Countryman EV in very shiny black!
Previous car: MG HS Exclusive in nice shiny black.