Yes, you can put a private plate on someone else's car, but it is a process that requires the explicit permission and active involvement of the vehicle's legal owner. The owner is the only person who can authorize the change because the private plate will be registered directly to their vehicle with the DMV. You cannot simply attach a plate you own to another person's car without going through the proper official channels, as this would be illegal.
The key to making this work is understanding that the plate is assigned to the vehicle, not the person. Therefore, the vehicle's owner must initiate the application. You would need to provide them with the private plate's documentation, such as the certificate of entitlement or the V750/V778 retention document. The owner then uses this, along with the vehicle's logbook (V5C) and their own identification, to apply to the DMV.
It's crucial to consider the implications. While the plate is on their car, the owner has control over it. If you have a falling out or they decide to sell the vehicle, they are within their rights to remove the plate. To protect your investment, you should have a simple written agreement outlining what happens to the plate if the vehicle is sold or the arrangement ends. The process typically involves a transfer fee payable to the DMV.
| Step | Responsibility | Key Document(s) Required | Note |
|---|
| 1. Agreement | You and the Vehicle Owner | N/A | A written agreement is recommended to avoid future disputes. |
| 2. Application | Vehicle Owner | Your Plate Certificate (V750/V778), Vehicle V5C Logbook | The owner submits the application to the DMV. |
| 3. Assignment | DMV | Application Form, Fee | The DMV processes the request and issues a new V5C logbook. |
| 4. Plate Display | Vehicle Owner | New V5C, New Plates | The private plates can be legally fitted to the vehicle. |
