A3/S3 8V: Personalised Registration Numbers (Private Plates)

h5djr

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This is a thread for those members who already have or are thinking of purchasing a Personalised Registration Number. You can also discuss anything to do with PRNs but if you one of those people who do not like PRNs then please DO NOT comment in this particular thread.

As some background, I purchased my PRN which as most of you will realise from my forum ID is H5 DJR back in 1991 when the DVLA first allowed us to purchase particular numbers from the new numbers that were going to be issued for that year. This has now expanded to cover all numbers.

The first car my PRN went on was a 1991 Audi 90 2.3E and my new 8V A3 will be the 10th that has had the same number. One was a Golf 2.8 VR6 but all the others have been A3s. Personally I think a PRN is one of the best reasonably priced ways to personalise a car. Obviously you can pay large sums for some plates like A1, COM IC or similar but plates based on initials etc can be purchased from £399 upwards direct from the DVLA or from registered number plate dealers. The £399 figure includes the £80 fee the DVLA charge to transfer the number to a car. One important fact to remember is that the fee you pay for a PRN does not mean you actually own that number. It gives you the right to assign the number to your car but if you misuse it that right can be taken away by the DVLA Misuse includes things like using the wrong typeface, incorrect spacing etc. The plates with the Personalised Number must comply with all the current regulations for number plates. Details of the current requirements for displaying number plates are given here: http://www.gov.uk/displaying-number-plates

Full detail of all the processes involved can be found here: www.gov.uk/personalised-vehicle-registration-numbers/overview but here is a summary...

A new Personalised Registration Number
Basically when you buy a PRN you will be sent a form V750 Certificate of Entitlement. If you have a brand new vehicle that has not yet been registered, ask the vehicle dealer to register the vehicle with the new number. You will need to give the dealer your Certificate of Entitlement.
If the vehicle is already registered and has an existing registration number, you can apply to DVLA to have the new number assigned to the vehicle

Transferring a Personalised Number to another new car using a Retention Certificate

When you want to transfer your PRN to another new car follow the process outlined on the DVLA website at: www.gov.uk/personalised-vehicle-registration-numbers/transferring-a-registration-number

You will need to complete a V317 form "Application to transfer or retain an existing registration number" and send it together with the £80 transfer fee and £25 retention fee to the DVLA.

If the existing car has ever been issued with a registration number the DVLA will use the same number but if it has never had a 'normal' number allocated it will be given a new number related to it's age. You will receive a new V5C Registration Document showing the new number that has been allocated together with a form allowing you to get a new set of plates made. You will also get a Retention Certificate which is valid for 12 months. These often come in separate postings. You give this Retention Certificate to the dealer and they can then register the new car with you personal
number. Personally I find this is a much more straight forward and quicker process than having the new car registered with a normal number and then transferring your PRN afterwards. All of what needs doing can be done before you get the new car.

All the forms you need to complete can be downloaded from the DVLA website. When you complete them and send them to the DVLA keep copies just in case there is any problem.

When you next change your car you just go through the same procedure again. So far I have done it 9 times without any problems.

If anyone requires any further information, please post in this thread or send me a PM.

I have had a personalised registration plate since 1993 'L' prefix, which I purchased when getting a 7 series BMW, this has been with me ever since, on numerous cars. This Audi A3 Sportback purchase is my first brand new car since then, all my others have been ex demos or cancelled orders. Any PP purchase is because the number has some significant to the purchaser. So why not.....

I too have one- I used to have S3 DRL- but I let that go on my old S3 when I sold it many moons ago.

I then saw one that resembled by surname (R88PER) which used to be my name on the forums too - until I changed it.

Its been on most of my cars since I bought it - but is currenlty on retention waiting for the new S3 to be delivered. :racer:

I have a PP going on my soon to be delivered S3, my car is a lease however. This is still no problem as the Audi dealership is arranging all this for me through VWFS (Volkswagen Finance Solutions) as they ultimately own the car . The thing to remember when going on a lease car is that you generally have to take the plate off the car 3 months before it goes back to the lease company/auction to get the plate back on retention before you then add it on to the next car. If you are remaining loyal to the dealership/brand or lease company on your next new car they are usually pretty flexible and may well sort this out for you. My current lease is due to end 29th May but the car is ready mid-April and they are arranging an early hand back of the current car (A4 S Line)

As mentioned, once the PP is on the car then 'ownership' or 'right to use' is for whomever owns the car.

Important for cases where the car is leased but also...

V important if your car is declared a write off (regardless of whether leased or owned). Make sure any settlement with the insurance company includes the return of your plate, ideally state your intention to get the plate back before they declare it a write-off, otherwise they get the plate too.

John.

So if the car already had a number plate assigned then all you pay is the £399 (or however much the plate cost, which include the £80 transfer fee), then you pay to retain the number thats taken off? And when ready to sell the car, just pay another £80 transfer fee to put the old number back on and another £25 retention fee for the PP? Is the retention fee a one off or has to be renewed every year?

So if the car already had a number plate assigned then all you pay is the £399 (or however much the plate cost, which include the £80 transfer fee), then you pay to retain the number thats taken off? And when ready to sell the car, just pay another £80 transfer fee to put the old number back on and another £25 retention fee for the PP? Is the retention fee a one off or has to be renewed every year?

When you buy a plate for say £399 that includes the £80 fee to transfer that new number onto an existing car. When you sell that car you pay a total of £105 to transfer the plate to the new car and have a new number issued for the existing car. The £25 retention fee is only needed to make like a little easier because you can apply before the new car is registered at all.

So basically once you have bought a plate for £399 the only costs after that are the £80 transfer and £25 retention fee whenever you want to move it on to a new car. The retention fee is only needed to cover any time when the number is NOT on a car.

That sounds reasonable.
I do like PPs. Makes a huge difference to the car. My only problem is to settle on which PP to have. And obviously the more rare the more expensive it gets.

I have had my PP for nine years and it has been on five cars. I bought mine (for £250) from DVLA which, I think offers a good range of choices at reasonable prices.

There are several companies who sell plates and these will have more obscure specific plates.

If you are looking for a standard sort of plate either the old style or current style plates I recommend that you do check the DVLA site as often the other companies will list those available from DVLA but at a higher price!

I guess if you buy through a company they actually buy it from DVLA and put their bit on the cost!

It's just a bit of fun and I enjoy my plate on my A3 which I have had for just about a year now!

Mods I have pm'd Dave but would suggest this topic should not be in the 8v section of this forum where I would wager the majority cannot be ***** with PPs .

Any further irrelevant posts in this thread that don't add value or useful contribution will be deleted, and may result in permanent 'garden leave'. Do not test my patience, today is not the day. Thank you.

Had my PP on a my last three A3's and it just finishes them off S--BEB and the names S Bebbington :arco:

My rather special stand out from all the others H5 DJR will soon become FN12 BPK as I have just received it's replacement number for when H5 DJR goes on to my new 8V hopefully in 2 to 3 weeks time.

Car arrived today donning its new PP!

It's a company car but the lease company has a policy that enables me to register them as my 'nominee' and attach a PP.

In theory this should carry a charge but as I purchased the PP specifically for this car, I was able to nominate the lease company at the time I bought the plate. So there was no additional cost.

Technically, it belongs to them. But I have signed a disclaimer that confirms they have no interest in my plate and I will be entitled to it back so long as I conform to the terms and conditions of the lease agreement.

I know PPs polarise people. But I have to say it's absolutely made my car. Love it!

Car arrived today donning its new PP!

It's a company car but the lease company has a policy that enables me to register them as my 'nominee' and attach a PP.

In theory this should carry a charge but as I purchased the PP specifically for this car, I was able to nominate the lease company at the time I bought the plate. So there was no additional cost.

Technically, it belongs to them. But I have signed a disclaimer that confirms they have no interest in my plate and I will be entitled to it back so long as I conform to the terms and conditions of the lease agreement.

I know PPs polarise people. But I have to say it's absolutely made my car. Love it!

Who wants to put just an 'ordinary' number on a special car. Enjoy your new car.

I've had two PP's, TT09 JBJ which was on an Audi TTS and L80 JBJ which i had on an Audi 80TDI, both went with the cars and i always said i would never have another, until now!!

Our S3 came with DG63 USE which kept bothering me as it looked like drug use, well to me anyway, the wife thought it was ok so i went on the DVLA's website. S3 JBJ was unavailable as that is somewhere in the country on a 1.6 Vauxhall Astra. The next best thing was available though, S111 JBJ and only £250 so i bought it, bargain.

I picked JBJ as i'm a huge fan of Jon Bon Jovi. Only joking, it's my initials.

I've had two PP's, TT09 JBJ which was on an Audi TTS and L80 JBJ which i had on an Audi 80TDI, both went with the cars and i always said i would never have another, until now!!

Our S3 came with DG63 USE which kept bothering me as it looked like drug use, well to me anyway, the wife thought it was ok so i went on the DVLA's website. S3 JBJ was unavailable as that is somewhere in the country on a 1.6 Vauxhall Astra. The next best thing was available though, S111 JBJ and only £250 so i bought it, bargain.

I picked JBJ as i'm a huge fan of Jon Bon Jovi. Only joking, it's my initials.

Lmao Jeff, thats got to be the best post of the day. I bet you secretly like Jon Bon Jovi :) x

I've had two PP's, TT09 JBJ which was on an Audi TTS and L80 JBJ which i had on an Audi 80TDI, both went with the cars and i always said i would never have another, until now!!

Our S3 came with DG63 USE which kept bothering me as it looked like drug use, well to me anyway, the wife thought it was ok so i went on the DVLA's website. S3 JBJ was unavailable as that is somewhere in the country on a 1.6 Vauxhall Astra. The next best thing was available though, S111 JBJ and only £250 so i bought it, bargain.

I picked JBJ as i'm a huge fan of Jon Bon Jovi. Only joking, it's my initials.

Welcome back to the PP Club :)

Picked up S3AWX for £250 from DVLA, obviously car being an S3 and AW my initials, X just because its there :p

I'm currently in a company pool car & really miss my PP.
My kid brother died in 2003 so mine is a tribute to him MB03 BRO. Can't wait for my A3 saloon to be delivered so I can get it back on.

I'm currently in a company pool car & really miss my PP.
My kid brother died in 2003 so mine is a tribute to him MB03 BRO. Can't wait for my A3 saloon to be delivered so I can get it back on.

Nice but sad reason for the PP.

My Wife Bought me mine for the car i bought in October
ST53 DAW
As my name is Steve Dawson
So definately personalised to me
N that cost £250 including transfer fees
Best present she's ever Bought me 👍

Lucky find when searching on DVLA site for an alternative to a 13 plate. A3 Version 8V. One of their cheapest too!

My wife bought me A11 WRX which I had on a Prodrive Subaru STi. Sadly car and number plate have gone.

I tend to buy a plate for the car.
I also tend to change my car too often and never take the plate with me as it's only relevant to the car.
Can become an expensive hobby.

Got SB53 AUD for my S3 Sportback after someone mentioned it on here.

Looking for one for my other car.
Thinking YA55 SLK might be the one........

I tend to buy a plate for the car.
I also tend to change my car too often and never take the plate with me as it's only relevant to the car.
Can become an expensive hobby.

Got SB53 AUD for my S3 Sportback after someone mentioned it on here.

Looking for one for my other car.
Thinking YA55 SLK might be the one........

Perhaps you should consider a 'Personal' rather than a 'Car' plate. It could save you a lot of money:)

I've had my pp for around 15+ years.I wanted as near my initial (J) and surname (Gibb) I looked at every option and the nearest was J6LBB.
Awaiting it to arrive late May on my new A3 SE .:)

Perhaps you should consider a 'Personal' rather than a 'Car' plate. It could save you a lot of money:)

You're probably right, but I prefer the car related ones.
I don't spend too much money on them - normally just £250, but I've had 5 to date and looking at number 6.......

Tempted by S300 BRT

S3 300bhp and my abbreviated surname!!

I picked up my S3 last week. Its number plate (in Oz) is FLYR. Nice tiny plate. I hate huge numbers ruining the look of my car.

Nuggzy:2120202 said:
I'm currently in a company pool car & really miss my PP.
My kid brother died in 2003 so mine is a tribute to him MB03 BRO. Can't wait for my A3 saloon to be delivered so I can get it back on.

Sorry to hear that mate. My A3 is a company car but the lease company have let me put my PP on it. Just had to sign a disclaimer, which protects them but also me as it states they have no interest in retaining my plate if/when I change car/leave company

For the last 4/5 years I have always thought that if I was going to get a private plate, it would probably be something like M88XRK, which is my name (Mark) and 88 (year of birth), and an X because its a 'cool' letter, and also because I thought the chances of getting just M88RK were very slim and very expensive, so another letter would help.

The exact plate I had thought about buying was for sale on ebay, and furthermore, I emailed them with an offer of £350 and they accepted. Just waiting for DVLA to put it on my car now (the retention certificate had gathered dust for 6 months... oopss). Bargain IMO - every cloud and all that

I have been on a separate S3 thread for months and never seen this one. I was bought a private plate by my wife for my 40th last June, G1 RSF, name and initials basically, and it's currently on my Q5. I am just waiting for my S3 SB which is build wk 16, ordered early Dec and getting very impatient now. I and other private plate devotees got some stick on the other thread so very refreshing to find one where I can actually discuss it properly! I absolutely love my plate, can't wait to get it on the S3 in May!!

Not wanting to derail this thread but what's everyone's thoughts on pressed metal plates? Yay or nay??

Not wanting to derail this thread but what's everyone's thoughts on pressed metal plates? Yay or nay??
If you are referring to Number Plates, they are not LEGAL in UK.

PART 2VEHICLES REGISTERED ON OR AFTER 1ST JANUARY 1973 AND BEFORE 1ST SEPTEMBER 2001 (OPTIONAL SPECIFICATION)1. The plate must be made of reflex-reflecting material which, as regards its construction, colour and other qualities, complies with the requirements of—
(a)the British Standard Specification for reflex-reflecting number plates, published on 11 September 1972 under the number BS AU 145a(2),

I bought mine - J1 SKJ when I was 18. I've had it on 4 cars since, and have just sent all the paperwork to the DVLA to get it onto my 5th car. My A3 Sportback 8V.

I actually sent all the paperwork about 6 weeks ago, heard nothing, so phoned them up and they knew nothing about it so it had obviously got lost somewhere. I've just sent the retention certificate and a new logbook off to them again so hopefully I can get it back on the new car soon!

Just joined the PP club, wife has purchased one for me. Car and name specific so I think she may be trying to steer me down a path car wise!

Just joined the PP club, wife has purchased one for me. Car and name specific so I think she may be trying to steer me down a path car wise!

Welcome to the 8V PP club. PA will be upset !!

And if he was to decide to make any pointed comments about it he'd actually be insulting the wife as she decided to buy it (on the grounds she thinks I've got everything else I need). And if someone was to decide to insult my missus...... I'd probably not be best pleased ;-)

Welcome to the 8V PP club. PA will be upset !!

Not in the least, I'm only really interested in cars.

I really do think this sticky should be in the general section for all PP enthusiasts to benefit. It has ****** all to do with 8V's most of whom appear not to be bothered! ;-)

Had my form back from the DVLA, filled it in and posted it off today. Waiting now for my new log book to arrive.

My camera is allergic to the rain

I heard it was you? Come out in blisters?

£30 fine?

I really fancy German plates next time.
Ive been stopped twice, they know my first name as it said it on the plate, £30 each time, they reported me to the DVLA on the second occasion and on my last warning now, if i misrepresent my plate again it will be taken off me and discarded.

I heard it was you? Come out in blisters?

No blisters here mate, sun did come out for half the day though. Will have to arrange a mini local meet.

Ive been stopped twice, they know my first name as it said it on the plate, £30 each time, they reported me to the DVLA on the second occasion and on my last warning now, if i misrepresent my plate again it will be taken off me and discarded.

O right, as if they would take your plate off you!

On seconds thought I'll leave the German plates then....

O right, as if they would take your plate off you!

On seconds thought I'll leave the German plates then....
It's the dvla who would take it off me

It's the dvla who would take it off me
Oh I know yer

*bump*
 

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still waiting for my tax and log book so i can change the plates over, very frustrating!
(i see on the news the other day that new car registrations are the highest for 10years)
 
Have you thought of asking them to make up plates without the phone number. Will you ever take your car abroad?
The tel No is built into the plate although i do have some number plate surrounds from the Nurburgring but i can't put them on as the S3 hasn't been there yet. Yes i will take the car abroad, got to go to the Nurburgring again, it's addictive.
 
The tel No is built into the plate although i do have some number plate surrounds from the Nurburgring but i can't put them on as the S3 hasn't been there yet. Yes i will take the car abroad, got to go to the Nurburgring again, it's addictive.

You can ask the dealer to supply plates without the lip with their phone number. These would actually fit better into a plate surround if you are going to use one after your trip to Germany. Also if you taking the car to Germany why not have EU plates rather than have to put a GB plate on the back of the car.

Here is a photo of my front plate showing both:

A3 2014 H06
 
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I run a yellow 'GB plate' on the rear and a plain white one on the front without the GB.

I don't like the offset nature from the front, but legally you have to have a country identifier on the rear for foreign trips - but it's not needed on the front....

Am in France now for instance.
 
You can ask the dealer to supply plates without the lip with their phone number. These would actually fit better into a plate surround if you are going to use one after your trip to Germany. Also if you taking the car to Germany why not have EU plates rather than have to put a GB plate on the back of the car.

Here is a photo of my front plate showing both:

View attachment 31897

Looks ok but i'm tempted to get some pressed metal plates.
 
If you are referring to Number Plates, they are not LEGAL in UK.

PART 2VEHICLES REGISTERED ON OR AFTER 1ST JANUARY 1973 AND BEFORE 1ST SEPTEMBER 2001 (OPTIONAL SPECIFICATION)1. The plate must be made of reflex-reflecting material which, as regards its construction, colour and other qualities, complies with the requirements of—
(a)the British Standard Specification for reflex-reflecting number plates, published on 11 September 1972 under the number BS AU 145a(2),

Not true

One of the few places that I know advertise as UK legal are

UK Legal Plates

Note that they state they are UK legal. They will be correctly spaced, right material, show maker and postcode and BS marking. More importantly they are on the DfT website as a registered supplier of number plates.

Search register of number plate suppliers by town or post code
 
Looks ok but i'm tempted to get some pressed metal plates.

Not legal in uk.

PART 2VEHICLES REGISTERED ON OR AFTER 1ST JANUARY 1973 AND BEFORE 1ST SEPTEMBER 2001 (OPTIONAL SPECIFICATION)1. The plate must be made of reflex-reflecting material which, as regards its construction, colour and other qualities, complies with the requirements of—
(a)the British Standard Specification for reflex-reflecting number plates, published on 11 September 1972 under the number BS AU 145a(2),
 
^ Neither is speeding but it doesn't stop people :p
 
Not legal in uk.

PART 2VEHICLES REGISTERED ON OR AFTER 1ST JANUARY 1973 AND BEFORE 1ST SEPTEMBER 2001 (OPTIONAL SPECIFICATION)1. The plate must be made of reflex-reflecting material which, as regards its construction, colour and other qualities, complies with the requirements of—
(a)the British Standard Specification for reflex-reflecting number plates, published on 11 September 1972 under the number BS AU 145a(2),

Then you should tell Dubmeister Dubmeister - Number Plates / Alloy Wheels / Chassis Parts
 
Pressed plates do have a reflective Finnish the same as the backing part of the plastic plates
The police only seam to get funny about number plates on cars registered after 2001,I've been running pressed plates of over 10yrs with no problems
 
Just managed to pick a PP up,not Audi related but more for my name plate is R11CH P,I know the spacing is wrong but will take a chance for now
 
I know the spacing is wrong but will take a chance for now

Given some of the state of car tyres / driving standards / mobile phone usage I've seen recently this should hopefully be the last of the police's worries.
 
My wife has a personal plate on the A3 and never had any problems with that,so I hope so.
 
I've had a PP on my Honda Civic since we bought the car, my wife bought it for me for my birthday (it's not car specific) and all i did was drive to borhamwood DVLA and swap it over then and there, then screw on my new plates.

It will also be going on my new A3 when it arrives in september.
 
I'll have to wait now as all the dvla offices have now shut and it has to be done in the post
 
I've been running pressed plates for probably 5+ years and never had a problem
 
X4 XDE going on my new quattro just before '14' becomes '64' in September. X4 (because it's a Quattro), DE was our county code (Pembrokeshire) before the current plate format was introduced and like many others, I'm proud to keep it going.
 
Bought myself a current style PP that only really means something to me and people who know me, will be assigning it soon

I ordered a set of "uk legal" pressed plates for a decent price off amazon, however slightly concerned that they didn't ask for any proof of ID/v5c etc... We'll see what turns up i guess.

As for the whole legal arguments, just use a little common sense, i'm going to be taking a few pictures with flash from different angles, if it reflects correctly and the numbers/letters are clearly legible then it's pretty safe to say that the ANPR systems won't have a problem! If not... well Amazon do quick refunds :) - ANPR is the number one reason for being pulled for dodgy plates


Now i've just got the pain of changing my plate over with DVLA/council (permit)/congestion charge/insurance - OH THE FUN - anyone got any tips?
 
Mine is R70 BMX

Name = Robert
Born 1970
Love all things BMX!

:cool:
 
Mine is S31 JAY! Had it since I was 18, been on the last 3 cars! Getting my 8v s3 in October and have ordered sum short plates for it
 
Mine is R15 ADH going on New A3 SB, when it arrives!!!

Had it for 10 years and it spells my first name RIAD and the 'H' is the 1st letter of my surname!!!!!
 
Just got mine this week.
M18 BND
M for Marc
18 for birtbday

BND for my second name. Bendelow(weird I know) but I get bendy like the rest of my family, hence BND
 
Hi, mine is TT03 LEE.
Lee as that is my name ! And my previous car was An Audi TT..looked mega on that car, not 100% convinced about it in the S3 but can't afford to waste more money on another plate...and getting Lee in them is expensive.
 
I shall be transferring M77 MJW to my 8V - May '77 then my initials. My Grandparents left me some money for my 21st and rather than buy a watch, as both G'dads loved cars, one owning a dealership in Cirencester, my parents thought it apt to get a plate which will stay with me.

This will be the 8th chassis it's been on which has been rather eclectic, for me anyway.

Fiesta Si, Pug 106 GTi, Brabus Smart, Mini Cooper S, Saab 93, Volvo V50 D5 and my current 8P.
 
I dont have an 8V but i've had the same personal reg ever since i started driving 7 yrs ago. When spacing adjusted slightly, it spells my name :)
 
0f56c950f8dda62fcc3f77ccd6d72a34.jpg


When spaced illegally
9bd411bee8083a447aff68048f564fdc.jpg


:)
 
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