Cherished plate

I usually ask for documents in that situation, but if not available you just create a new record I personally don't like doing it but it's test as presented.and that makes sense what gaz is saying

Just spotted your post.

He can put whatever plates on the vehicle he is entitled to, don't worry about what they may be but test it with whatever is attached at that time and only enter the same (no matter what he thinks or wants). Tell him that!

If it shows as not recognised by the system, then after 3 attempts at entering VRM/VIN you will be able to (and should) 'create a record'.

BUT, you are gonna need a reasonably accurate date of first use and full VIN. Be very sure you make no mistakes or there will be problems later which will almost certainly come back to you!

I am just about to make myself really unpopular here, but this 'cherished plate' and personalised plate nonsense just makes things unnecessarily complicated. I have said it before, registration plates are not fashion accessories. New car gets registered with the next available registration number, keeps it till it's scrapped. How difficult is that? I will now cut and run.