I agree, their systems are terrible. I set my previous car up for the direct debit road tax (6 monthly). it took it the first time, then after 6 months it did not come out automatically. I watched for it, assuming it might just be delayed by a week or so, but nothing. Then, I got a letter through the post, and it had a fine for not paying my road tax! I called them up and complained, and they said that everything had been set up ok but for some reason THEIR SYSTEM did not request the direct debit to come out. they admitted it was their system's fault but said there was nothing they could do and had to fine me anyway. I had to cancel the direct debit, set up a new direct debit (did it monthly this time so I could keep an eye on it), backdate my tax and pay the fine. very annoyed. When I went to tax my new car, their online direct debit system wasn't working so I had to pay by card. The whole system could be far far better, and simpler. but it probably never will be.

just a quick update. so it didn't go so smoothly. the online transfer OFF didn't work, as it stated it couldn't be done for my numberplate - no explanation why. So I have had to get the paperwork sent off. that was on the 9th and nothing back yet.

I agree, I will be saving/printing each screen from the online portal. As far as i can see, i need to: transfer OFF the number transfer ownership of the vehicle then transfer ON the number to the new vehicle worst case i'll be able to do the first 2 steps then have to wait until the paperwork comes through by post before transferring the number to the new car. was just hoping it could all be done online at the one time.

Thanks but I want to do this online to save time. It says if done on-line the change is effective IMMEDIATELY and the plates can be physically put on the new car straight away. My confusion is with the transfer of ownership document - but I see that can now be done online also - so perhaps it's just a matter of doing it in the correct order.

Hi all, first post here! thanks in advance for any advice. I'm going to be trading in my car for another used car. I have a private plate on my current car and want to transfer it to the one I'm buying. I see this can now be done online, but I'm confused about the 2nd part.. I'll take the number off my existing car using the online forms, and get a confirmation number that I can use to put it onto the other vehicle. But do I need to wait for the log book for the new vehicle to be posted off and come back in my name BEFORE i do the online process to put the number onto the next car? Or can I put the number onto the next car, entering the dealerships details into the online form. They then post off the log book with a change of ownership? Just worried about losing my number! Thanks