The DVLA has issued a warning to motorists on social media with some drivers at risk of missing a vital renewal.

11:58, Sat, Feb 1, 2025 | UPDATED: 11:58, Sat, Feb 1, 2025

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The DVLA has issued a crucial update to motorists (Image: Getty)

The DVLA has warned road users may need to “renew” a vital document this year due to a little-known number plate rule.

Motorists who have previously purchased a private registration number must renew their right to use it or face the consequences. 

Drivers must renew a personalised design every 10 years if it is not currently being used on UK roads. 

Individuals who do not renew their documents in time will permanently lose the right to use the number plate in a major blow. 

The DVLA have previously stressed they will not accept applications made after any cut-off date making the renewal vitally important. 

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Plates have to be renewed every 10 years if not being used on vehicles (Image: Getty)

The DVLA posted on X: “Do you have a personalised registration that is not on a vehicle?

“If it’s been 10 years since the latest certificate or retention document for your registration was issued, you may need to renew it this year. It’s free to renew.”

GOV.UK added: “If it has been 10 years since the latest certificate or retention document for your personalised registration number was issued, you may need to renew it this year.

“It is free to renew and you should check your documents to find out when the expiry date is.

“The document you need to check depends on whether the registration number has ever been assigned to a vehicle or not."

If the registration number is currently assigned to a vehicle, motorists have to take no further action. 

However, registrations which have not yet been used on a model must be renewed as soon as possible online.

GOV.UK added: “You can apply to renew your V750 or V778 up to 28 days before it expires. Do not apply earlier than this or your application may be refused.

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“You’ll get a reminder letter or email if you’re not using a private number and your right to use it is about to run out.

“It’s free to renew and the V750 or V778 will be valid for 10 years.”

Forms can be filled in and registration numbers renewed online through the DVLA website. Those without access to the internet can still renew details by post with the process usually completed in up to three or four weeks. 

GOV.UK added: “When you receive your new V750 or V778, you should destroy all previously issued documents because they are no longer valid and cannot be used online or to notify DVLA of any change.”