Number plates...

... but since January 2001, there has been a legislation in place that requires the purchaser of a replacement number plate, to provide details (Namely identification) to obtain them.

Back in "The day", when those of us were in the sections of dealing with this new legislation, we had posters arrive from the DVLA highlighting something we were going to expect, called "Number Plate Rage" (We kid you not).

And well, the DVLA weren't wrong. It was like the end of the world for some customers. Mushroom clouds were often a regular sight in parts departments up and down the land.

And what's more surprising? Twenty years down the line, parts departments up and down the land still experience mushroom clouds and number plate rage.

So, we're here to tell you what you need to know.

In order to purchase one, two, three or more number plates, you will need to provide two forms of identification. One for the vehicle and one for the person that is purchasing the plate(s). This needs to be spot on as discrepancies aren't tolerated by the DVLA and it can mean fines for both purchaser and supplier.

The most common vehicle ID is the V5C (Or registration document). This will have the vehicles registration on it that will be used to make your replacement plate(s).
What will be used from that document, aside from the registration number, is the 11 digit document number.
Now, before you think you're clever and provide the number verbally, your parts department will request the actual original document, so that no dodgy business can be entered into. These details will be entered into the departments number plate software, so that a plate can be made.

If your vehicle is changing registration (Cherished / peronalised), then you will need to provide your parts department with the relevant V750 document (In place of the V5C). There is also a document reference number on this that is required.

Secondly, you. Your identity. Your drivers licence (Photocard type) is required. Now, if you are obtaining plates on behalf of the vehicles owner, you don't need their identity, you need yours.
The driver number will be required on the parts departments number plate software in order to print the desired registration. Again, the original will be required so that the member of staff can enter from the actual documents.

Once these have been provided, a set of plates can be made up in a matter of minutes.

But.... And there's always a but! What if you've just taken delivery of your vehicle and you suddenly realise that you need an "Extra" plate for a trailer or caravan.
Okay, so this is where mushroom clouds can get a bit much. In our experiences, terminologies such as "I've just bought the damn thing" or "Thats the salesman I've just bought it from over there", may seem plausible in getting that extra plate, but it doesn't allow your parts department to print one off the cuff.

You see, number plate softwares are designed to include other beneficial information, such as work authorities (Job cards). A dealership / garage number plate software will be set up with an ID (Unique to the garage and provided by the DVLA).

A dealership / garage, when selling any vehicle, will replace the number plates. For a used vehicle, it will have the details of the garage across the bottom of the plate (Required by law).
While the vehicle is undergoing its prep work, an internal workshop authority will be made in the form of a job card. A document providing details of whats required to all aftersales departments to prepare said vehicle for sale.
As long as the garages parts department uses that work authority number against making those plates, the system is happy to be able to print.

So, here comes the tricky bit. Once you've collected your new(er) motor and then suddenly realised you need an "Extra" plate, you are required by law to provide the parts department with those two forms of identification we touched on above, regardless of whether you've just left the site or come back the following day.
Once that vehicle has left the site in your now care, all ownership rights have passed to you. The final task of dealership / garage administration was to invoice the vehicle into your name. The garage then has no further right to request a work authority to a vehicle they no longer own.

So, if you do buy a new or newer vehicle and need an extra plate, please make sure you mention this to your sales representative before you take delivery of it, as refusal afterwards can sometimes upset the applecart.

-Will B ;)