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What you need to know

The grantee must sign the retention document (if available). If you're the nominee, you’ll need the grantee’s signature on the retention document.

Renewing a retention document

About four weeks before the document runs out, a reminder letter is sent to the grantee to extend the right of retention for one, two or three years.

Complete the retention document and enclose the fee of £25 for one year, £50 for two years or £75 for three years. The fee is not refundable.

If the retention document has run out, the grantee must return the document and appropriate fee with a letter explaining why the application is late. The request will be considered.

Add or change nominee details

The grantee can add or change the nominee details at any time or at the same time of assigning the personalised registration to the nominee’s vehicle at a DVLA local office.

Complete the retention document and enclose the £25 fee. The grantee must sign the document.

Changes to the grantee’s name and address due to marriage or divorce etc

The grantee will need to complete the document and return it to DVLA with a covering letter enclosing any relevant documents to support the changes. There is no charge.

Errors on the retention document

The grantee will need to return the document to DVLA with a covering letter giving details of the errors eg misspellings. There is no charge.

Replacing a lost or stolen retention document

The grantee will need to request a replacement document in writing. Requests will only be accepted from the grantee. There is no charge.

What you need to send to DVLA

Return the retention document with:

• with the appropriate section completed and signed by the grantee
• the appropriate fee if needed - cheques payable to ‘DVLA, Swansea’
• an accompanying letter if needed, signed by the grantee
• send to Cherished Transfer Section, A2, DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BW

If you don’t have the retention document for any reason, then send a letter of explanation signed by the grantee.

When to expect your new retention document

A new retention document will be posted to the grantee. Please allow three to four weeks for it to arrive before contacting DVLA customer enquiries.

Death of grantee or nominee

If the grantee has died, the executor or beneficiary can:

• request to surrender the retention document and request a refund of the £80 assignment fee, or
• request to keep the registration number and add their details to the retention document
• make the request in writing, enclosing the retention document and a copy of the death certificate and grant of probate
• send to Cherished Transfer Section, A2, DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BW

If the nominee has died, the grantee can apply to change the nominee details.