Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction

1.1 Who we are and purpose of this document

The regtransfers.co.uk website is owned and operated by Registration Transfers Limited (referred to as “we,” “us,” “our,” “Regtransfers,” or “The Company” in this document). We are a company registered in England, with our registered office located at 139 High Street South, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 3SS. Our company registration number is 3933658, and our VAT number is 403 9563 55.

You can also contact us via our contact form or by phone at 01582 967777.

1.2 What this document covers

This document, referred to as the “Terms,” outlines the legal framework that governs our relationship with users of our services. By using our website or any of our services (whether online or offline), you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, you must not use our website or services.

You may print or save a copy of this document for future reference.

1.3 Version of the Terms

This version of the Terms is dated 4 December 2024. From time to time, we may update these Terms at our discretion by displaying the amended version on this website. The version that is current at the time you access our website or use our services will apply.

1.4 What we do

We facilitate the transfer of rights to display vehicle registration marks (referred to as “Registrations” in this document). References to “ownership” of Registrations here refer to the individual who holds primary rights to the Registration at the relevant time, subject to applicable government authorisations. Ownership does not mean that we are selling or that you are acquiring any intellectual property rights in the alpha-numeric sequence of a Registration.

1.5 Governing law and jurisdiction

These Terms, and any disputes or claims arising out of or in connection with them or the services we provide, are governed by English and Welsh law. You irrevocably agree that the courts of England shall have exclusive jurisdiction to resolve any such disputes.

2. Buying a Registration

2.1 Sources of Registrations

This section applies when you wish to purchase a vehicle registration for yourself or another party. Registrations are made available as follows:

1. Registrations Owned by Us: We may offer these for purchase (via transfer), subject to these Terms.
2. Registrations Owned by Third Parties: We may act as a broker, facilitating a transfer between you and the current owner, subject to these Terms.
3. Registrations Owned by the Government: We may arrange purchases from the government (via transfer), subject to these Terms.

All purchases are conditional on availability and subject to the provisions of these Terms, including Sections 2.6 and 2.7.

Formation and completion of a contract

A contract for the purchase of a Registration (“Transaction”) becomes binding upon (a) our confirmation, which may be sent by email or provided verbally by a telephone operator, that we accept your offer to buy the Registration (“Formation”); and it is only fully performed or finalised (“Completion”) once the Registration has been validly transferred or assigned in accordance with these Terms. If dealing by telephone, we will confirm when Formation has occurred, and may also confirm Completion at the end of the call or in writing thereafter.

2.3 Methods of supply

Registrations can be transferred in one of two ways:

1. Direct Transfer to a Vehicle: You must submit accurate and complete documentation within four weeks of purchase. Failure to do so may result in the Registration being supplied on a “retention document” or “certificate of entitlement” (collectively referred to as “Certificates”). Any additional costs incurred for this will be recovered from you.
2. Supply on a Certificate: You are responsible for transferring the Registration to a vehicle before the Certificate’s expiry date. Certain Registrations cannot be supplied on Certificates, in which case the correct documentation (as described in Section 2.3.1) must be provided.

2.4 Transfer timelines

Transfers can take up to 12 weeks, though they may be completed sooner. Delays may occur due to unforeseen circumstances or if the seller of a third-party Registration delays their action. If the transfer is not completed within 12 weeks after we receive both cleared funds and correct documentation from you, you will be entitled to a full refund upon written request.

2.5 Ownership of the Registration

Ownership of any Registration remains with the seller (or us, where applicable) until full payment has been received by the seller or us. If you enter a finance agreement, ownership is subject to the terms of that agreement.

(See also Section 2.2 regarding formation and completion.)

2.6 Availability of registrations

All Registrations are subject to availability, and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to complete a Transaction for a specific Registration. While we take care to ensure accurate listings, circumstances may render a Registration unavailable, including (i) a seller withdrawing their Registration from sale or (ii) human error or DVLA listing mismatches. If a Registration becomes unavailable due to our actions, the actions of a third party, or circumstances beyond our control, we will offer a suitable replacement or provide you with a full refund of monies paid. You will not, however, receive any refund if the Registration becomes unavailable because of your actions or errors.

2.7 DVLA and government approval

All Registrations and transfers are subject to DVLA and government approval. Even after purchase, the DVLA or Secretary of State reserves the right to cancel a Registration without compensation. If such cancellation occurs before the Registration is assigned, we will refund any monies paid by you for that Registration. If cancellation occurs after assignment, you must direct any claim to the DVLA or Secretary of State. Once the DVLA approves a transfer, we are discharged of all liabilities related to that Registration.

2.8 General transfer terms

All sales are subject to the General transfer terms outlined in Section 6.

2.9 Your consumer rights

Nothing in these Terms affects your statutory consumer rights. However, cancellation and return rights under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 do not apply to personalised goods or services, such as vehicle registrations. Our services commence immediately upon Formation (see Section 2.2) and cannot be cancelled thereafter under those regulations.

2.10 Price fluctuations

Until a binding contract is formed, Registration prices may change without notice. While we strive for accuracy, errors in advertised prices may occur. In such cases, our liability is limited to a full refund of monies paid.

2.11 Expiry dates of certificates

We will notify you of the expiry date of any Certificate issued. You must assign the Registration to a vehicle before the Certificate expires. Failure to do so will result in the Registration being voided upon expiry. Regtransfers cannot accept liability for the loss of a Registration number due to your failure to assign the Registration before the Certificate’s expiry date.

2.12 Accuracy of registration details

It is your sole responsibility to ensure that the details of the Registration you wish to purchase are correct. This applies whether you provide the information online or over the phone. For clarity in phone communications, you should use the NATO phonetic alphabet or another standardised method to confirm Registration details.

2.13 Promotional codes

When using promotional codes in conjunction with your purchase, the following conditions apply:

1. Discounts can apply to Registrations owned by us and those owned by third-party sellers.
2. Discounts are valid only until the specified end date of the promotional code.
3. Only one promotional code or discount may be applied per Transaction.
4. Discounts must be claimed at the start of negotiations and cannot be added to already negotiated prices.
5. Subject to Section 2.9, we reserve the right to withdraw, alter, or suspend discounts without notice.

2.14 Withdrawal of registrations by the DVLA

In rare instances, the DVLA may withdraw a Registration for reasons such as offensive content. If this occurs before assignment, we will refund any monies you have paid for that Registration. If the DVLA withdraws the Registration after assignment, we accept no liability. In that case, you must direct any claim for compensation to the DVLA. We rely on the DVLA to ensure that all Registrations issued are appropriate for use.

3. Price and payment if you are buying a Registration

3.1 Price

Once a Transaction is formed (see Section 2.2), you are obligated to pay the agreed price (referred to as the “Price”).

3.2 Additional costs

1. Some Registrations are subject to VAT, which will be clearly indicated where applicable.
2. All Registrations are sold subject to the Department for Transport’s fee. The total Price, inclusive of all applicable charges, will always be communicated to you prior to purchase.

3.3 Payment terms

1. Non-Refundable Payments: Any deposit or full payment made towards the Price is non-refundable unless the transfer of the Registration cannot proceed for reasons other than your actions or errors (see Section 2.6).
2. Payment Deadlines:
   • If a deposit is made, the balance of the Price must be paid within seven (7) days unless alternative payment arrangements have been confirmed in writing.
   • Failure to pay the balance within the specified timeframe will result in the forfeiture of all monies paid and the Registration being returned to the market.
3. Credit Card Payment Limit: The maximum amount payable by credit card is £10,000. Any balance exceeding this amount must be paid using an alternative acceptable payment method, such as bank transfer to our account.

3.4 Cancellation charges for overdue or cancelled transactions

If a scheduled payment becomes overdue, we may cancel the Transaction by providing you with written notice. If you cancel the Transaction or if we cancel due to overdue payments, the following terms apply:

1. Any deposit paid is non-refundable.
2. We reserve the right to charge a cancellation fee of 20% of the total Transaction value (i.e., the Price) to cover administrative costs and overhead.
3. Any payments received above the deposit and cancellation fee will be retained, except where separate terms apply (e.g., if you have used a Payplan).
4. The Registration will be returned to the market.

4. Finance if you are buying a Registration

4.1 Price

Once you enter a Transaction (see Section 2.2), you are liable to pay the price agreed (called the “Price”).

4.2 However;

1. Credit is provided subject to status.
2. Our online retail finance partner is V12 Retail Finance Limited (a trading name of Secure Trust Bank plc), and any contract for finance is between you and them.

   Please see paragraph 4.5 for details about V12 Retail Finance Limited. Registration Transfers Limited trading as Regtransfers.co.uk is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is the broker, not the lender. Our registration number is 683825. Registration Transfers Limited offers credit products from Secure Trust Bank PLC trading as V12 Retail Finance. Credit is provided subject to affordability, age, and status. A minimum spend applies. Not all products offered by Secure Trust Bank PLC are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. If your finance application is successful, you will enter into a Credit Agreement directly with Secure Trust Bank Plc (V12’s parent company), which will be administered by V12 Retail Finance Limited.

3. To be eligible for finance, you must:
   1. be over 18 years of age;
   2. be a UK resident with at least 3 years’ continual address history;
   3. be (or your partner is) in permanent paid employment, self-employed, retired and receiving a pension, a working student in part-time work, or in receipt of a disability benefit;
   4. have a UK bank account capable of accepting direct debits;
   5. have a debit or credit card in your name, registered to your address, to pay any deposit required;
   6. have a valid email address and phone number;
   7. have the Registration documentation delivered to the address where your credit/debit card is registered.
4. We reserve the right to decline to offer a finance option should any error cause the “Finance” option to appear alongside an ineligible Registration.

4.3 Finance stands alone

Finance may not be used with any negotiation, price reduction, discount code, voucher, or other promotion that might reduce the price of a Registration. Finance is available only for a Transaction at the full advertised price.

4.4 Finance payments

All monthly payments are paid by direct debit from your personal bank account. Typically, the first payment is due one month after the date of your finance agreement with V12 Retail Finance. Subsequent payments are due monthly for the agreed term, on or about the same calendar day each month.

4.5 V12 Retail Finance Limited (A trading name of Secure Trust Bank plc)

The consumer credit service is provided by V12 Retail Finance Limited (a trading name of Secure Trust Bank plc). V12 Retail Finance Limited is registered in England and Wales (company number 4585692) and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference Number 679653). Their registered office is Yorke House, Arleston Way, Solihull, B90 4LH, and correspondence address is 25–26 Neptune Court, Vanguard Way, Cardiff, CF24 5PJ.

V12 Retail Finance Limited acts as a credit broker and introduces you to Secure Trust Bank Plc, its parent company. If your application is successful, V12 Retail Finance Limited will receive a commission; the amount varies depending on the product chosen and the amount of credit taken out.

Secure Trust Bank PLC is registered in England and Wales (company number 541132), authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Registration number: 204550). Its registered office is Yorke House, Arleston Way, Solihull, B90 4LH.Visit V12 for more information.

5. Selling a Registration

5.1 Price

You may enter into a Transaction (Section 2.2) for the sale of a Registration. In such cases, you agree to sell the Registration at a specific price (the “Actual Selling Price”). If we act as broker, the buyer will pay an “Actual Buying Price.” Our profit in a brokered sale arises from the difference between the Actual Buying Price and your Actual Selling Price.

5.2 What we do

When you wish to sell a Registration, we can:

1. Buy the Registration Ourselves. If you and we agree on a selling price, a contract is formed for us to buy the Registration directly from you at that price.
2. Broker a Sale. If we act as broker, we agree on the Actual Selling Price you want. We then find a buyer who pays an Actual Buying Price. If the buyer pays us and provides all required documentation, the sale completes. We do not guarantee finding a buyer or maximising the Actual Selling Price.

If the sale fails to complete for reasons beyond our control, no payment is made to you. We may re-advertise the Registration with your permission.

5.3 Transfer of your registration to the buyer

Once you receive a confirmation letter from us for a Sale Transaction, you must:

1. For Registrations on a Certificate. Send or upload the valid and unexpired Certificate to us within seven days.
2. For Registrations Assigned to a Vehicle. Send or upload the V5C (logbook) within seven days. Advise us of the vehicle’s tax expiry date (unless SORN) and ensure a valid MOT, if required.

Failure to provide the required documentation may delay or void the Transaction.

5.4 Payment to you

We will pay you the Actual Selling Price after the DVLA confirms the Registration transfer is complete (“Completion”). If the buyer used finance, payment to you depends on our receiving settlement from the finance company.

5.5 Payment method

Payments are typically made via BACS transfer within three working days. Any bank charges may be passed on to you. We are not liable for payments lost due to incorrect bank details you provide. Payment is only made in UK pounds sterling.

5.6 General transfer terms

All sales are subject to the General Transfer Terms in Section 6.

5.7 Auctions

If you sell a Registration through our Regtransfers Auction service, Section 9 takes precedence in the event of any conflict with this Section 5.

6. General Transfer Terms

6.1 Department for Transport rules

It is illegal to display a Registration on a vehicle before the transfer is officially completed by the Department for Transport or DVLA.

6.2 Age restrictions on registrations

A Registration must not be used in a way that makes a vehicle appear newer than it is (for example, you cannot place an “R” prefix Registration on a “P” prefix vehicle).

6.3 Registrations on vehicles

Any vehicle receiving the Registration must be taxed and, if applicable, hold a valid MOT or GVT certificate. Transfers cannot complete unless these conditions are satisfied.

6.4 Registrations on Certificates

If a Registration is held on a Certificate, we are often named as “grantee,” and you (or your nominee) may be named on the Certificate. Certificates last for a maximum of 10 years from the date of issue, subject to renewals arranged with the DVLA. Once assigned to a vehicle, the keeper of that vehicle controls the Registration.

7. Our Price Match Policy Service

When purchasing a Registration, we will make reasonable efforts to match or beat a price quoted by another independent dealer, subject to any limitations listed on our website. This policy does not apply retroactively to completed Transactions or where matching would cause us a pecuniary loss.

8. The New Registration Release Service

We may offer to purchase newly released Registrations on your behalf on the day of release.

8.1 Eligibility and assignment

Newly released Registrations can only be assigned to vehicles first registered on or after the date code or held on a Certificate for future use.

8.2 Refunds or unsuccessful purchases

If we cannot secure the requested new Registration, we will refund your payment within 48 hours of the release date.

8.3 General terms

All new-release Registrations are subject to the General Transfer Terms in Section 6.

9. The Regtransfers Auction Service

9.1 Overview of the auction service

We operate an auction service (“Regtransfers Auction”) available only to registered users of our website. This service is for DVLA-registered numbers submitted by a seller for valuation. All registered users understand that they are receiving the benefit of access to our auction platform in exchange for accepting the terms and conditions of use described in this section.

9.2 Operation of our auction service

We list the Registration with a start price or reserve. If it does not sell, we may continue advertising it. Sellers can withdraw authorisation to advertise within their Regtransfers account.

9.3 Auction duration

Registrations typically appear in a “Coming Soon” section for five days, after which the auction runs for seven days.

9.4 Pricing and reserve

Sellers specify a starting price and a reserve price. If the reserve is met, the seller is obligated to sell the Registration at or above that reserve.

9.5 'Buy it Now' feature

For an additional fee, a seller may set a “Buy It Now” price. If a bidder selects “Buy It Now,” the seller must sell at that price. Once selected, the buyer proceeds to our Secure Order Form, and Sections 2 and 3 apply.

9.6 Rules for bidders

Bidders are contractually obligated to purchase if they win.

When a Bidder makes the highest bid on the auction lot, even if that bid is below the reserve price, they have made an offer to purchase the Registration at the bid price (“Highest Bidder”). The Highest Bidder hereby acknowledges that, in exchange for use of the auction service, they will hold their highest bid offer open for acceptance by the Seller for 24 hours following the auction (“Option Period”). During the Option Period, Regtransfers will attempt to contact the Seller and determine whether they are willing to accept the highest bid offer. If, within 24 hours following the auction, the Seller accepts the highest bid offer, payment will be charged to the Highest Bidder’s registered card as outlined in the ‘Winning an Auction’ below. If the Seller rejects the highest bid offer or fails to accept it within 24 hours following the auction, no sale will take place.

For auctions at £1,000 or less, the full payment is charged. For higher amounts, a non-refundable deposit of 20% (or £1,000 minimum) is charged, with the balance due in seven days. An £80 transfer fee applies, and VAT may also apply.

• Some registrations cannot be supplied on a Certificate. This will be clearly displayed on the bidding page. Any winning bidder must provide suitable vehicle registration documents for the transfer of the Registration in these instances.
• Bidders must register a valid credit or debit card for deposits. A £0.10 charge will be pre-authorised against the card for security validation. This payment will then immediately drop off.
• Discount codes cannot be applied to auction transactions.
• SMS alerts for outbid notifications or auction deadlines are free of charge.

9.7 Rules for sellers

Sellers warrant that the Registration is transferable and that they have legal rights to sell it. Listing fees are non-refundable. Sellers may not bid on their own Registrations once a reserve is met.

9.8 General rules

We are not liable for failure by sellers or buyers to provide required documentation. We reserve the right to withdraw a Registration if we suspect misrepresentation or legal issues.

9.9 Indemnity

Auction participants agree to indemnify us for any damages, costs, or liabilities arising from non-compliance with these Auction Terms.

10. Bespoke Finding Service

We may, upon your request and for a fee, attempt to source an unissued Registration of interest. If successful, we will quote a price (plus VAT) that you agree to pay if you wish to purchase. A non-refundable Finder’s Fee may apply, subject to the details described in our service explanation.

11. The External/Third Party Auctions Service

We may bid on Registrations at third-party auctions (e.g., DVLA auctions) on your behalf. You must specify a maximum bid (“Established Price”). If successful, you pay the Established Price. If not, we refund any prepayment.

12. Acrylic Number Plates Service

We supply acrylic number plates (“Plate Service”) that comply with legal standards. Once manufactured, number plates are personalised and cannot be cancelled or returned unless faulty. You warrant that you will not alter or misrepresent the characters on the plate. We only deliver plates to the billing address for security and traceability.

13. The 'My Regtransfers' service

Offered on a trial (beta) basis, “My Regtransfers” provides a single logon for various services. We do not guarantee its accuracy or reliability. If an error occurs, we will issue a corrective notice and are not bound by erroneous communications the service may generate.

14. Competitions and Prize Draws

We may hold competitions or prize draws. Winners are selected by an independent judge from among all correct and eligible entries. If the prize is a Registration, there is no cash alternative. Winners may be required to take part in promotional activity. By entering, you agree to these Terms.

15. Publications

Images of number plates that do not meet current legal standards may occasionally appear in our publications if that reflects reality (e.g., historical images). We do not endorse or condone illegal plates. If you submit material (e.g., text or images) for publication, you grant us a perpetual, royalty-free licence to use, modify, and distribute it. You warrant that your submission is your own original work and does not defame or infringe any third-party rights, and you indemnify us against any breach of that warranty.

16. Gift Voucher Terms & Conditions

1. Redemption. Gift vouchers may be redeemed against any registration number listed for sale on www.regtransfers.co.uk.
2. Non-transferable. Vouchers may only be used by the individual to whom they were issued.
3. Limitations. Vouchers cannot be used to purchase books, cufflinks, other gift vouchers, or services such as auction listings or enhanced listings.
4. Use of Multiple Vouchers. Multiple vouchers can be used in a single transaction, up to the value of the purchase.
5. No Cash Value. Vouchers cannot be exchanged for cash or used for cash refunds.
6. Unspent Balances. If a voucher exceeds the cost of the purchase, the remaining balance will remain on the voucher until expiry.
7. Point of Purchase Submission. Vouchers must be presented at purchase. They cannot be applied retrospectively.
8. Expiry Date. Vouchers expire on the date stated; expired vouchers are void.
9. Security. Treat vouchers like cash; lost or stolen vouchers cannot be replaced.
10. Non-Returnable and Non-Refundable. Vouchers cannot be returned or refunded.
11. Fraud Prevention. We may refuse a voucher that appears tampered with, duplicated, or fraudulent.
12. Terms of Purchase. Purchases made with vouchers remain subject to these Terms.
13. Issuing Entity. Vouchers are issued by Registration Transfers Limited (company registration number 3933658).

17. Privacy Policy and Security

We handle personal data under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. We do not sell customers’ personal data to third parties. In some circumstances, we may disclose information to the police or other legal authorities if required by law or to facilitate delivery services. We comply with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) to ensure secure card transactions.