Is it possible to transfer a number from a car you are selling, to a car you are buying, on line with the DVLC?

If not, is it best to wait until you have the car then apply? 2013 Dynamic Santorini black
2011 XS Lago grey
2007 HLS Stornoway grey
sometimes towing an Elldis AVANTE 574.

I don't think you can. It all has to be done via post now since they closed all the local offices.

I normally put it on retention and swap it over once I got the new V5 back. If you are prepared to hang on the phone long enough they are quite helpful nowadays. And the turn round for the transfer was done within a week form me last time (November)

Ian.

Thank Ian, long winded way then!  2013 Dynamic Santorini black
2011 XS Lago grey
2007 HLS Stornoway grey
sometimes towing an Elldis AVANTE 574.

You have to send off the V5 of both vehicles, and the MoT certificates, if you're doing a transfer - rather difficult if you don't actually own the car.

Easiest to put yours on retention, then transfer to your new car when you get it.

What Ian said.

Also if you are part- exing with a car trader they can organise the transfer on your behalf (you may negociate this as part of deal) it is also quite fast as the 2 operations are carried out together.

Good Luck
Joe Fix it until it's broke !

OK.I'll phone the dealer and ask him to do it. 2013 Dynamic Santorini black
2011 XS Lago grey
2007 HLS Stornoway grey
sometimes towing an Elldis AVANTE 574.

some dealers have made a right mess of my transfers causing long delays, so I do the retention thing now organising it myself.however it does mean buying some plates for your old car with the new number but no need to buy fully legal ones for a car your selling some cheapo one of ebay will do (missing dealer post code etc) At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

You got one on your tractor!!?. I have actually got the original plates, so that is noproblem. 2013 Dynamic Santorini black
2011 XS Lago grey
2007 HLS Stornoway grey
sometimes towing an Elldis AVANTE 574.

I put my number on retention before I sold/traded in my XF, then sent the transfer docs to DVLA along with the new keeper green strip off the V5 I received from the dealer. It took just over a week to get the V5 and amended MOT certificate back from the DVLA, all very quick really. 2010MY 2.2 e4 (gone but, not forgotten)
Audi TT Roadster 3.2 DSG
FFRR Westminster 4.4 TDV8 (L322)

I wouldn't let dealer do the transfer. It can slow down the sale of the car as they have to get the V5 in your name FIRST and then do the transfer. It could add a few days on. I'd just take the car with its "normal" reg and then do it myself.

My dealer no longer does the transfer, it has to be done via retention. Don't know if it's new ruling or just their new policy.

I'm think this time I'll just leave it on retention, more bother than it's worth. 21MY Defender 90 S 3.0 D200

When I bought my HSE in December 2014, the dealer did all the work for me. As he had all the paperwork for both cars, it was easy. I have done it this way several times with no hassle.

The last three cars that I bought were all put on retention as the dealers now seem to prefer it. One dealer even quoted that the last time they did a direct transfer they messed it up and had to get the number plate back again !

The last three time I have let the dealer do all the work, never had any problems.

thanks guys - now I don't know which way to go! put it on retention? or let the dealer do it?................ Current - MY 2007 HSE i6 3.2 Auto, Baltic Blue
Previous - MY2005 Discovery 3 TDV6 S, Bonatti Grey
Also own - 2011 Jaguar XF S 3.0D Polaris White