Can You Put a Private Reg On a Mobility Car?

No matter how you get about, a personalised number plate is a great way to make your ride feel special. For those with mobility restrictions, especially those who lease a car on the Motability scheme, it can help make the vehicle feel more like their own.

Private number plate on motability cars

You may be wondering if you can put private plates on Motability cars to begin with. The most simple answer to this is yes- much like with putting a private reg on a leased car, it is possible when you have the correct documentation.

Before you purchase your Motability private number plate, your first port of call would be to pick up the phone and ring Motability on their customer services number: 0300 456 4566. You may lose your entitlement to a private reg on your mobility car if they have not first been notified.

To have permission for a personalised plate on a Motability car you must prove:

1. The new plate will be owned by you (or sometimes, your partner)

2. The plate will be fitted for your benefit

​3. The details on the private plate relate to yourself (or your partner).

If you already have a private plate you want to transfer to your Motability vehicle, then you may be able to get Motability to remove it from one vehicle and put it onto your new one. (If you’d rather fit your number plate yourself, just let them know). Motability also states that they can update the DVLA record on your behalf, but they cannot assist with putting your plate on retention – so it’s best to get in touch with them and find out what they can do for you.

Documentation you will need to supply to Motability

You will need the Certificate of Entitlement (V750) or Retention Certificate (V778) issued from the DVLA.

What happens when you return your Motability car?

A few weeks before your lease is about to end on your vehicle, you will be contacted by Motability. They can help with the transfer to a new car on the scheme, as previously mentioned, or you can remove your private plate. The removal will cost you around £80, charged by the DVLA. If you do not want to keep the private plate, then it is possible to do so- in which case Motability will have the rights to your personalised reg and will sell the car with the plates. You will no longer be able to use this plate for any future vehicle you may own.