Private plates before vehicle collection. Can it be done?

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › Private plates before vehicle collection. Can it be done?

Geektastic

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#311249 28-Dec-2023 22:48

I was thinking of surprising my wife by putting a personal plate on our new Motorhome so that when we go to collect it in a few weeks, it has the plate on.

We’re buying it from a dealer not private seller.

Is there any way to arrange this? The usual mechanics appear to require me to already own the vehicle in order to get the plates. I wondered if there’s a way for dealers to do it in advance.

Linux

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#3176089 28-Dec-2023 22:51

Speak to the dealer and see what they say! They should be able to help or tell you nope sorry can't do that

I would be surprised if they can't sort something

jamesrt

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#3176099 29-Dec-2023 08:40

We were specifically asked if we wanted personalised plates when we bought a new car from a dealer a few years ago; so I'd be surprised if the dealer can't arrange this.

eracode

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#3176100 29-Dec-2023 08:45

jamesrt: We were specifically asked if we wanted personalised plates when we bought a new car from a dealer a few years ago; so I'd be surprised if the dealer can't arrange this.

I guess it might depend on whether he's buying a new or used vehicle - new ones need to be rego'ed, used ones already are. OP said 'new' but not whether it's new to them or brand-new - but either way, it seems it's already rego'ed.

We too have been offered personalised plates on new cars and the dealers charge an arm and a leg for them and the service.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

CYaBro

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#3176117 29-Dec-2023 10:48

I’ve done it a couple of times with brand new cars.
Just dropped in the PPs to the dealer and they used those to register them for the first time.

If the motorhome is already registered and in your name you could probably go get the plates yourself at the dealer and take them in and surrender them and register with the PPs.
Then go back and fit them.

Opinions are my own and not the views of my employer.

Goosey

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#3176199 29-Dec-2023 20:42

CYaBro: I’ve done it a couple of times with brand new cars.
Just dropped in the PPs to the dealer and they used those to register them for the first time.

If the motorhome is already registered and in your name you could probably go get the plates yourself at the dealer and take them in and surrender them and register with the PPs.
Then go back and fit them.

this.

ask the dealer if they locally process the rego labels or do they go down to an agent.

from that info I’m sure the both of you can work out the plan (assuming you have the plates in possession).
will also pay to get some extra applicable forms from your local agent to use with the dealer

**** the last time I got plates, the plates issuer sent the plates with the new rego label to replace the existing label.

(maybe work this option with the dealer (obviously they will need to put plates on in your name then replace them with the personalised plates)).

SCUBADOO

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#3176259 29-Dec-2023 22:35

Do you require a vehicle to obtain new personalised plates?

Years ago I purchased second hand number plates FA2SLO via Trademe and transferred ownership with no vehicle involved.

I later registered the new plates, secretly removed the originals from my wifes car parked at Wellington Airport and fitted the new ones. She noticed immediately and it took a few seconds to realise it was her car.

Years later they were removed and stored for a few more years.

Those same plates have now been on our motorhome for the last 9 years.

Another set ISCUBA have been in storage for a LONG time. From memory they cost less than $200 in those days.

It could all be a little more difficult these days?