Changing Number Plate

Kavanne

So I have just sent off my V778 to the DVLA to have a personalised numberplate assigned to my motorbike. When the confirmation comes through, how long do I have to put the new plate on?

Can I drive my bike whilst I am waiting for a new plate to be made up? (I can't order a new plate without the confirmation, I've asked some places and they said no)

Anyone else done this? Car rules are the same so if you've done it with your car I'd appreciate your input.

goldspanners

buy one online, you dont need any paperwork.

anewman

You can buy them from Scotland with no paperwork. Hint, try Ebay and look for a seller called motoparts88 (I think their name is). However, I have read that soon plates made up in Scotland will require paperwork.

jeannieblue

And don't forget that VOSA are getting very strict.. incorrect spacing or size of letters/numbers and it will fail MOT.

kay74

When you get the paperwork through head to your local DVLA office to get it stamped etc. They'll also give you a new tax disc with your new number on it. Make sure you call your insurance to tell them the new number (charge about £20). DVLA office will give you a stamped letter to take to the number plate guys (need this plus some form of ID - bank card / bill / passport or something similar). Then me sure time matches with insurance, post back old tax disc and swap plates. (did it last week - so fresh in my head!)

kay74

ASlo DVLA will post off your old log book and a new one will be posted out to you from Swansea with your new reg on it.

Kavanne

I am changing it by post so I assume the confirmation I receive from them will already be stamped, and when I talked to them on the phone they said they will send the new tax disc.

Should I change the reg no with my insurers 1) as soon as the paperwork comes or 2) when I manage to actually get the new plate fixed to the bike?

I'm presuming this means i SHOULDN'T be driving the bike in between...

Thanks for the tip about eBay but I need a motorcycle plate which is a different size to a car one...

Also, when I search for 'buy numberplate' on google uk it comes up with the sites that sell the actual registrations... i presume I don't want these sites?!

Kavanne

OK so I have bought it off eBay...

Will it be hard to fit? I mean, will i have to drill my own holes in the plate or do they come pre done?

anewman

You'd have to drill your own holes as they're in different positions depending on vehicle.

http://briskoda.net/general-car-chat/drilling-number-plates/25778/ might be useful.

goldspanners

when drilling a number plates always drill it slowly with a peice of wood underneath it so it doesnt crack.
trust me, i learned the hard way (on my bosses car when i was an apprentice!)
and always mark it,dont guess the holes,a squint number plate looks terrible.

darich

you can drive no problem.

You have the original plates on just now and have sent the paperwork away to have your private plate assigned...yes?
what happens now is that the DVLA will change your docs - the MOT, V5 and issue a new tax disc. When it is all returned to you that is when you can put your new plates on your bike. You must do it as soon as possible though because all the docs will be for the new plate so the old plate on your bike makes you uninsured.
You then send the tax disc with your original plate on it back to the DVLA.

I did this around 6 months ago and am about to do it again for my gf.

But don't do what i did after putting on yor new plate - i forgot to tell my insurance for about 2 weeks. Thankfully nothing happened but i was told by my insurance that it would have been void had i made a claim befor telling them.