You can retain the Vehicle Registration Number (VRN) of your existing vehicle and use it to register a new vehicle, or to replace the VRN of another vehicle you own.
At a Glance
Understanding Retention of VRN |
You can retain your current VRN for a fee, and use it on a new or existing vehicle that you own.
You cannot transfer a retained VRN to a vehicle you do not own.
You can only use your retained VRN on another vehicle of the same type, e.g. car to car; light goods vehicle to light goods vehicle.
For cars with sealed number plates, you must pass an inspection of the number plate seals before you can apply to retain your VRN.
|
Retaining and using a VRN |
There are 2 ways to retain the VRN of your existing vehicle:
Once you have retained your VRN, there are 2 ways you can use it:
The fee you pay to retain a VRN depends on whether you use it on a new or existing vehicle.
After you have retained your VRN, you have up to 12 months to use it. You can pay a fee to further extend its validity. |
Related digital services |
Retain Registered Vehicle Number Retain Deregistered Vehicle Number Manage Registered Vehicle Numbers |
Understanding Retention of VRN
You can apply to retain the vehicle registration number (VRN) of your vehicle before it is transferred or deregistered, or after you have deregistered it. You can use the retained VRN on a new vehicle that you intend to register or an existing vehicle that you currently own.
You can only use the retained VRN on another vehicle that is of the same type. The types of vehicles are:
- Cars
- Taxis
- Motorcycles
- Buses (P-plate)
- Light Goods Vehicles (G-plate)
- Heavy Goods Vehicles (Y-plate)
- Very Heavy Goods Vehicles (X-plate)
- Engineering plants (W-plate)
You cannot transfer a retained VRN to a vehicle you do not own.
After you have successfully retained your VRN, LTA will send you a notification letter.
Once you have retained your VRN, the transaction cannot be cancelled and any fee paid is non-refundable.
When the VRN of your vehicle is changed, remember to inform your insurance company to update your vehicle insurance certificate.
You cannot retain the VRN of a vehicle that is under temporary transfer status.
Retain VRN for vehicles under the Weekend/ Off-Peak/ Revised Off-Peak/ Revised Vintage/ Vintage (Restricted)/ Classic Vehicle Schemes
If your vehicle is under any of these schemes, you must first send your vehicle to an LTA-Authorised Inspection Centre (AIC) to check that the number plate seals are intact before you can apply to retain your VRN.
After passing the inspection, you have 7 calendar days to apply to retain your VRN.
When to retain your VRN
You can retain the VRN of your vehicle before it is transferred or deregistered, or after you have deregistered it. You have 1 month to retain the VRN after you deregister a vehicle.
When to retain your VRN
You can retain the VRN of your vehicle before it is transferred or deregistered, or after you have deregistered it. You have 1 month to retain the VRN after you deregister a vehicle.
Retaining your VRN before transferring or deregistering your vehicle
Before you retain your VRN, you must first settle any outstanding fees, taxes and charges. There are 2 ways you can retain your VRN before transferring or deregistering your vehicle.
Use the digital service to retain the VRN of your existing vehicle.
ESAs can help you retain your current VRN.
Retaining your VRN after deregistering your vehicle
You have 1 month to retain the VRN after you deregister your vehicle. You can retain the VRN of your vehicle online after it is deregistered.
Fees involved when retaining and using your retained VRN
For the fees, there are two separate parts that you need to take note of.
Part 1: To retain your VRN, you will need to pay a fee.
Part 2: To use your retained VRN on another vehicle, you may have to pay a top-up fee or you may receive a partial refund.
If you are retaining a VRN from a vehicle before transfer or deregistration:
Upfront fee to retain your VRN from a vehicle before transfer or deregistration Part 1: $1,300 |
|
|---|---|
If this VRN is used to register a new vehicle under your name, we will refund you $1,200. You will receive the refund after you have registered your new vehicle with this VRN
Part 2: -$1,200 (Refund)
|
If this VRN is used on an existing vehicle belonging to you, there is no further charge, and there is no refund
Part 2: $0 |
Total cost: $1,300 - $1,200 = $100 (*) |
Total cost: $1,300 + $0 = $1,300 |
You need to inform your motor dealer to use your retained VRN on your new vehicle, before it is registered and automatically assigned a number. Your motor dealer will then help you register your new vehicle with the retained VRN.
Please note that once a vehicle is assigned a vehicle number, it will not be considered a new vehicle. |
You can use your retained VRN to replace the VRN of your existing vehicle online. |
* if you are retaining your VRN through a motor dealer authorised as an Electronic Service Agent, and the retained VRN is immediately used for another vehicle, you will only need to pay an upfront fee of $100. In other words, you do not have to pay the $1,300 upfront fee and wait for the $1,200 refund when you register your new vehicle with the VRN. Please note that if the retained VRN is labelled for immediate use, you have to use your retained VRN to register a new vehicle within 14 calendar days. Otherwise, the VRN’s validity will be automatically extended to 12 months from the retention date and you will need to pay an additional $1,200 to use it. You will still get back a refund of $1,200, if you use it on a new vehicle.
If you are retaining a VRN from a deregistered vehicle:
Upfront fee to retain your VRN from a deregistered vehicle Part 1: $100 |
|
|---|---|
If this VRN is used on a new vehicle, there is no further charge
Part 2: $0
|
If this VRN is used on an existing vehicle belonging to you, you have to pay an additional $1,200
Part 2: $1,200 |
Total cost: $100 + $0 = $100 |
Total cost: $100 + $1,200 = $1,300 |
You need to inform your motor dealer to use your retained VRN on your new vehicle, before it is registered and automatically assigned a number. Your motor dealer will then help you register your new vehicle with the retained VRN.
Please note that once a vehicle is assigned a vehicle number, it will not be considered a new vehicle. |
You can use your retained VRN to replace the VRN of your existing vehicle online. |