Introductory Thoughts: Owning a Plate, Not the Car
Owning a car number plate without an accompanying vehicle? Sounds weird, right? But it’s more common than you think. Whether it’s for sentimental reasons or an investment strategy, the concept isn’t as far-fetched as it seems.
Number Plates on Retention: The Basics
What does it mean to have a number plate on retention? Simply put, it means the number plate is not currently assigned to a vehicle but is kept on a certificate. This certificate, known as the V778 or retention form, validates your ownership and right to use the plate in the future.
Are you interested in acquiring VIP number plates in India? Learn How to Bid for VIP Number Plates in India through a step-by-step guide.
Why Retain a Number Plate?
Personal Attachment or Investment?
People put number plates on retention for various reasons. Perhaps you have a custom plate with your initials or a meaningful word? You’d naturally want to keep it. Moreover, certain unique number plates appreciate in value over time.
The Scrapping Dilemma
When your car bites the dust or becomes a road hazard, you’ll likely opt for scrapping it. But what about that prized number plate? That’s where the concept of retaining your number plate comes in handy. You apply to the DVLA in UK or Parivahan Service Portal in India, pay a fee, and poof—your plate goes on retention.
The How-To Guide for Retaining Your Number Plate
Online Application
The most straightforward way is to go online to the Parivahan Website and look for the retention form. Complete the form, pay the required fee, and you’re all set.
Postal Application
Prefer the good old postal method? No worries. Fill out the retention form, send it with the required fee to the RTO offices, and wait for the magic to happen.
Buying a Plate as a Gift
Wondering what to gift a friend or family member who’s passionate about cars but doesn’t own one? A number plate on retention could be an innovative and personal gift.
For those seeking precise information regarding the expenses related to acquiring number plates in India, find the comprehensive details about the Cost of Number Plates in India.
Financial Aspects: What’s the Cost?
For those in the UK, the DVLA charges a fee of £80 for the retention service. However, the story is different in India. The fee to retain a registration number could be as high as Rs 25,000 for four-wheelers and Rs 5,000 for two-wheelers.
Need a Temporary Number Plate in India? Discover the process and requirements for obtaining one.
Essential Documentation
- Download the Retention Form FT
- RC Book
- Purchase Invoice
- Vehicle Owner ID Proof
- Current Address Proof
- Valid PUC
- Valid Insurance
Ensure you have these ready before applying for retention.
Steps for Online Application
Here’s a quick rundown of the online application steps:
- Go to “Privahan Sewa Official Website“.
- Hover over “Online Services” and select “Retention of Registration No.“
- Generate and enter OTP in the box.
- Fill in the Insurance Details.
- Book a slot for the Appointment.
- Pay the required fee and the amount for the charges.
- Done!
Eligibility Criteria
Before proceeding, check these boxes:
- The vehicle must be registered.
- Should be functional and eligible.
- Must be taxed or have a NOC for the last five years
The Final Word
Whether it’s sentimentality or financial savvy driving your decision, knowing how to retain a number plate gives you more options for what is often an overlooked aspect of vehicle ownership. After all, why let a good plate go to waste?
