The number plate of your car is one of the first things that people notice about it, so you’ll want to make sure that yours stands out from the crowd and really represents who you are as an individual. However, with over 200 number plates available in the UK, it can be difficult to find just the right plate for you, especially if you don’t know where to look! Here are some tips on how to buy & sell private number plates successfully, so that your perfect plate isn’t wasted on someone else.
What is a private number plate?
A private number plate is a metal or plastic plate attached to a vehicle, used instead of, or alongside, a standard number plate. These plates can display any alphanumeric text, with some restrictions (e.g., in Ireland you cannot have 25 as it might be mistaken for 2K, which could cause confusion). Most countries do not require registration numbers for road use.
Who can buy one?
The DVLA has certain criteria for individuals who can buy private number plates: you must be over 18, a British citizen or resident, have a full UK driving license, have held a UK license for at least three years, and be in employment (though students qualify if they have been in higher education for at least two years). If you meet these requirements, go ahead, but make sure you check with your insurance company that they won’t void your policy.
Where to get them?
With their expansive range of private plates, CarReg is perfect for buying private number plates. Their website makes it easy to search through hundreds of listings and find just what you’re looking for. If you want more choices, check out their auction which also boasts a vast selection of number plates. Auctioning off your private number plate can fetch you much more money than selling privately. For example, one bidder paid £78,000 for BMW 1 in 2016.
