Place your number plates on hold/in storage

Introduction

You can put your number plates in storage/on hold for later use. This means they'll be physically stored at a Service NSW Centre until you want to use them.

Eligibility

You can store NSW number plates that are registered in your name if any of the following apply:

• they're currently in use on a vehicle with an active registration
• they were being used on a vehicle that had registration which expired less than 3 months ago
• they have been ordered but are not in use yet.

You cannot reserve the following:

• trade plates
• conditional plates
• consular plates
• damaged plates
• lost, stolen or destroyed plates 
• recalled plates
• plates attached to a vehicle with a cancelled registration.

What you need

• the PDF form – 'Number Plates and/or Cancellation of Registration'
• the number plates you want reserved
• your proof of identity
• your payment
• current certificate of registration (if available).

How to place in storage

If the number plates are attached to a NSW registered vehicle:

1. Download and complete the form Number Plates and/or Cancellation of Registration – PDF.
2. Remove the number plates from the vehicle.
3. Visit the service centre where you want the plates stored and submit the completed form, the plates and your payment (minimum one year).
4. Request general issue plates to put on your registered vehicle, or cancel your vehicle registration.

If the number plates are on order, or brand new and not in use:

1. Download and complete the form Number Plates and/or Cancellation of Registration – PDF.
2. Collect your plates.
3. Visit the service centre where you want the plates stored and submit the completed form, the plates and your payment (minimum one year).

More information

• Both number plates must be stored, not just one. If one of the plates has been lost, stolen or destroyed, you need to report it to the NSW Police and surrender the remaining plate.
• You can store your plates for a minimum of one year and up to 5 years at a time. 
• You’ll also have to pay the annual fee for personalised and custom number plates while they are in storage.
• You'll be sent a notification letter 21 days before the storage period expires to remind you to renew, or to pick up your plates. If you don’t renew or collect, the plates will be destroyed.

Payment methods