Yes, you can usually put a private registration plate on a lease car, but it is not a simple process and is subject to the leasing company's approval. The key factor is that the leasing company, not you, is the legal owner and registered keeper of the vehicle. This means they have the final say, and you must follow their specific procedure to avoid breaching your contract.
The first and most critical step is to contact your leasing company directly. Do not purchase a private plate or attempt to assign it before getting their written permission. Most major leasing companies have a policy for this, but they will likely charge an administration fee to process the paperwork. You will need to provide them with the private plate's retention document (V750 or V778).
Once approved, the leasing company will handle the assignment with the DVLA, updating the V5C logbook. You are then responsible for having the correct physical plates made. Crucially, you must start the process to remove the private plate before the lease ends. The leasing company will require the vehicle to be returned with its original registration number. Failure to do this can result in significant fees and complications, as the car cannot be sold or handed back until the original plate is reassigned.
| Consideration | Key Details | Potential Cost/Timeframe |
|---|
| Leasing Company Approval | Mandatory first step; policies vary. | Admin fee: £50 - £150+ |
| Assignment Process | Handled by the leasing company via DVLA. | Typically 2-4 weeks for processing. |
| During the Lease | You must inform your insurer of the new reg. | No extra insurance cost typically. |
| Plate Removal | Must be initiated weeks before lease end. | DVLA processing time required. |
| Risks | Returning car with private plate still assigned. | Could incur daily fees from leasing company. |
