I have a Honda which has been on SORN for 5 years Someone has expressed interest in buying the
car. The number has a private plate which has a value. How do I go about keeping the number and
selling the car? Does it have to be taxed and MOT'd.? Have tried reading DVLC bumph but does not
meantion this specifically. Any help please? 2013 Dynamic Santorini black
2011 XS Lago grey
2007 HLS Stornoway grey
sometimes towing an Elldis AVANTE 574.

I think only the vehicle receiving the private plate needs to be taxed and tested. Couldn't you transfer the plate to a vehicle that you own and then the DVLA will issue a new (or its original) reg to the doner vehicle.

The car needs to be MOT'd to remove the reg from the car

Hi Steve, I've only got two cars, both with their own private numbers. I will check tomorrow
with DVLC whether what you say is correct.I hope it is as easy as that!  2013 Dynamic Santorini black
2011 XS Lago grey
2007 HLS Stornoway grey
sometimes towing an Elldis AVANTE 574.

Looking at this form here: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/syst...211114.pdf
You can retain the registration number from a vehicle as long as you are the registered keeper and it is taxed or is SORN'd and there has been no break between the tax expiring and the SORN starting BUT you cannot retain it if it has been SORN'd for more than 5 years which might not help you.

You may have to tax, mot and insure it to retain it or, depending how well you know and trust the new owner, get them to tax insure and mot it then apply for the reg to go on a certificate of retention with you being named as the Grantee. The last part will cost you £80 and the retention certificate lasts for 10 years.

You can do a plate retention online now, might be worth a try.? I believe you can do it 8-6 Monday to Saturday. Black MY2013 SD4 GS Auto, Wood Company Armrest, Freel2 sticker.
Gone MY2010 Freelander 2 Manual TD4.e S, Alaska White.

As Steve D said, the key will be whether it's been SORN'd for more than five years. If it hasnt, you can put the registration number onto retention and DVLA will try and reunite the vehicle with the original registration. Then you can keep the cherished number on retention for 10 years or put it on another vehicle later.

If you are just passed the five year deadline, I would give DVLA a call and see what they say. I have found them to be pretty helpful in the past.