Yes, you can usually put a private (personalized) registration plate on a car financed through a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) agreement. However, you must obtain written permission from the finance company first. Since they are the legal owners of the vehicle until you make the final 'balloon' payment, they have a vested interest in the car's identity. The process is straightforward but requires following specific steps to ensure it's done legally and without breaching your contract.
The first and most critical step is to contact your finance provider. Most have a dedicated department for this. They will outline their specific process, which typically involves confirming the plate is legitimate and that there are no outstanding charges against it. They need to ensure the change doesn't affect the car's agreed Future Value, which is central to a PCP deal.
Once you have their go-ahead, you'll work with the DVLA to assign the plate. The finance company will often handle the administrative side for a fee, as they hold the V5C logbook. They will notify the DVLA to assign the new private plate to the vehicle. It's crucial that the car remains taxed and insured under the new registration.
A key point to remember is the plate's status at the end of the agreement. If you return the car or switch finance providers, you must apply to take the private plate off the vehicle before the finance company retakes possession. If you exercise the option to purchase the car by paying the balloon payment, the private plate remains on the car as you become the outright owner.
| Finance Company | Typical Permission Required? | Common Admin Fee | Process Handling |
|---|
| Black Horse | Yes, written consent | £0 - £50 | Often managed by them |
| Volkswagen Financial Services | Yes, online form | £0 (may vary) | Customer completes with guidance |
| BMW Financial Services | Yes, formal approval | £0 - £45 | Mixed (some self-service) |
| Santander Consumer Finance | Yes, must contact them | £25 - £80 | Usually managed by provider |
| ALD Automotive | Yes, prior authorization | £50+ | Typically handled by them |
Failure to get permission can be considered a breach of contract, potentially allowing the finance company to terminate the agreement. Always keep a record of all correspondence with your lender regarding the plate change.
