Does changing a private number plate affect my V5C and insurance?

GOV.UK says new number plates must be fitted before the vehicle is driven under the new registration. The updated V5C is then issued by DVLA.

Also update toll, clean-air-zone and automatic-payment accounts that identify the vehicle by registration.

Do not sell the vehicle in the middle of the transfer if you want to retain the number; wait until DVLA has completed the registration change.

For 'Does changing a private number plate affect my V5C and insurance?', keep the DVLA confirmation or reference number once the transaction is completed. Tax, SORN and keeper records are separate, so a dated confirmation helps show exactly when your responsibility changed.

Check the current source for 'Does changing a private number plate affect my V5C and insurance?' before acting if the relevant rule, policy, fee or eligibility has recently changed. Keep any official confirmation or reference number produced by the process because it can help resolve a later query. This note is specific to answer 440.