I’m Steve Jackson OBE, founder of NewReg.co.uk and I’ve been valuing and selling number plates for decades. Over the past 35 years, I’ve immersed myself in the world of private number plates, witnessing firsthand the pride and uniqueness they bring to vehicle owners across the UK.
Whether you’re a new driver at 17 or have been on the road for years, understanding what makes a private number plate valuable can help you make the perfect choice. To delve into the valuation process we must first recap on why people actually buy private number plates in the first place.
Private Number Plates and Status
Private number plates are more than just a combination of letters and numbers; they represent a unique identity, a personal brand, or even a cherished memory. Owning a private number plate allows you to stand out on the road and make a statement about who you are. Like all Veblen goods, personalised number plates attract celebrities and the elite within society, all sharing the desire for the public to see that they are setting new pinnacles of status.
So, if John Smith gets out of a New 2025 Ferrari 12 Cilindri Supercar he’s very cool; if John’s wearing the latest Patek Philippe watch and Louis Vuitton clothing, then he’s even cooler; And if John’s 12 Cilindri displays the registration plate JS 1, he’s ultimately cool! …. because we know the 12 Cilindri is not just borrowed! It’s all about John’s image portraying elevated status.
Disguising Your Vehicle’s Age
Another popular reason for acquiring a private number plate is to disguise your vehicle’s age. By replacing your standard registration mark with a dateless number plate or personalised registration, you can give your car a timeless appeal. For instance, adding ABC 585 assignedto a 2017 vehicle can make it look like a brand-new ride all over again, or at least not give away that it’s years old.
The Appeal of Initials and Names
One of the most common reasons people choose their own personalised number plate is to display their initials or name. For example, Alan Brian Charles could opt for one, two, or three letters to reflect his name:
- A 123 could represent just Alan.
- AC 123 might be perfect for his first and surname, Alan Charles.
ABC 123 would suit his full name, Alan Brian Charles.
These cherished registrations not only personalise Alan’s vehicle but also add a touch of exclusivity.
Creating Perfect Words and Names
Some of the most sought-after and valuable private number plates are those that resemble actual words or names. These unique registrations often attract higher values due to their rarity and desirability, making it easier to find the perfect personalised number plate.
Examples include: DAV 1D (David), 80 XER (Boxer), FET 15H (Fetish), K9 DOG (for dog lovers), F1 SHY (Fishy) and FLY 1N (Flying). These plates all cleverly use numbers to represent letters because of their visual similarity, creating words that resonate with the owner’s interests or identity.
The Art of Number and Letter Substitutions
Understanding how numbers can visually substitute letters opens up a world of possibilities for your new private number plate. It’s one of the singularly most important aspects of why certain combinations are worth tens of thousands instead of much lower valuations.
Here’s a quick guide: 0 = O, 1 = I, 2 = Z, 3 = E, 4 = A, 5 = S, 6 = G, 7 = T, 8 = B, 9 = G
By applying these visual substitutions, you can create plates like: S73 VEN (Steven), K4 REN (Karen) and CLA 55Y (Classy).
The Importance of Rarity and Aesthetics
When it comes to valuing a registration plate, rarity also plays a significant role. Plates with fewer letters and numbers are generally older and more valuable because they are scarce and often more aesthetically pleasing.
For example:
- A 1 is more desirable than A 9999.
- B 2 is considered in the trade to be better and higher value than 2 B, as letters before numbers are often preferred in dateless combinations. Many combinations with numbers first were issued at DVLA Auctions since 1989, whereas most letter-first combinations date back as far as 1903.
Many of these cherished plates have a rich history, being issued to some of the first vehicles registered in the UK.
Supply and Demand: Popular Initials and Numbers
The value of private registration plates can also depend on the popularity of the initials or numbers they contain. Plates that appeal to a broader audience, like those with common initials such as JM and JS, are typically in higher demand than initial with less common names, such as XM and JX.
Similarly, certain numbers carry more prestige:
Single-digit numbers
The No 1 signifies the exemplar, the first or best and often have a much higher valuation than other single digits like 2 or 7. While the lowest numbers usually carry a higher premium, this isn’t always the case for all single numbers. Based on New Reg sales data, many people prefer this order: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 6, 9. Single numbers are always winners because there are only nine of them in total, meaning the plate displays only two or three characters.
Double numbers
Such as 11, 22, 33 are also highly sought after. This is normally based on visuals, as 11 looks better than 12, and 22 better than 23. However, this is just a general valuation guide in the world of autonumerology.
Ten Multiples
Such as 10, 20 100, 1000 are also more sought after than random number such as 27 or 86.
Understanding Different Private Number Plate Types
The UK has several types of registration plates, each offering a variety of personalisation options and unique appeal.
Dateless Number Plates – Often the category with the highest pricing
- Format: Letters followed by numbers (e.g., AB 123) these DVLA number plates date back as far as 1903, with many being issued at DVLA Auctions since 1989.
- Value: Highly prized due to their age and the absence of a year identifier, these really define the ultimate registration mark.
- Examples: A 1, AB 1, CLA 55.
Suffix Registrations
- Format: Three letters, followed by up to three numbers and one final letter representing the year identifier (e.g., ABC 1A).
- Value: Popular for creating names or words using the letters.
- Examples: DAV 1D, HUS 541N.
Prefix Registrations
- Format: A letter representing the year, followed by up to three numbers and three letters (e.g., A123 ABC). The issue of these DVLA personalised registrations was a catalyst for rapid growth in the registration number industry.
- Value: Popular for creating names or words using the letters.
- Examples: S73 VEN, K1 NKY.
Current Style Registrations
- Format: Two letters, two numbers, and three letters (e.g., AB12 ABC).
- Value: Useful for longer names or words combinations, when incorporating number and letter substitutions.
- Examples: DE51 RED, AL15 ONS.
‘Irish’ Personalised Number Plates
- Format: Three letters, typically including an I or Z with up to four numbers (e.g., BAZ 1234).
- Value: Often more affordable than dateless, making them a great option for those on a budget looking to hide their vehicle’s age.
- Examples: SIJ 1012, BAZ 2769.
Tips For How To Buy A Private Number
Finding the perfect plate can be an exciting journey, here are some tips to help you along the way:
1. Consider Your Initials or Name
Start by looking for private plates that include your initials or name. Remember to explore different formats and substitutions to expand your options.
2. Think About Hobbies and Interests
If you’re passionate about a particular hobby or interest, consider number plates that reflect that. For example, MU51 CAL(Musical) for music enthusiasts.
3. Consider Number and Letter Visual Substitutions
Get creative with substitutions to form words or names. This can unlock unique private plates that others might overlook.
4. Set a Budget
Personalised plates can range from affordable to incredibly expensive. Establish a budget to help narrow down your choices.
Investing in Personalised Registrations
Beyond personal enjoyment, selling private number plates can be a solid investment, offering the potential to make money or upgrade to a new registration. Private registrations like B 1, S 1, or RR 1 have seen significant increases in value over the years. While not every private registration plate will appreciate, selecting ones with broad appeal or exceptional rarity can be financially rewarding.
How New Reg Can Help You
At NewReg.co.uk, we’re dedicated to helping you find the perfect private plate. Our extensive database includes a vast array of registrations, from affordable options to exclusive cherished plates. Here’s how we can assist you to buy a private plate:
- Expert Advice: Leverage our 35 years of experience to guide your selection.
- Valuation Services: If you have a private registration to sell, we’ll provide an accurate and fair valuation.
- Custom Searches: Use our search tools to explore various combinations and find your ideal plate.
- Competitive Prices: We offer competitive prices to ensure you get the best deal.
- Excellent Service: Our dedicated sales team is here to assist you throughout the process.
Summary – How We Value Private Number Plates at New Reg
You’ll appreciate that the full formulas used at New Reg would fill 20 pages of content, so this is just a general guide to some of the parameters used. Although there are certain factors that normally apply to all combinations when valuing private plates:
- Desirability: How appealing is the plate to potential buyers?
- Rarity: Is the combination of letters and numbers unique?
- Aesthetic Appeal: Does the private plate look good visually?
- Initials and Names: Does it contain popular initials or resemble common names?
- Potential for Word Formation: Can numbers be substituted to create words?
Our decades of expertise allow us to accurately assess the value of a private plate, ensuring both buyers and sellers receive fair pricing. Private plates are a fantastic way to express your individuality and make your vehicle truly yours. Whether it’s showcasing your initials, disguising your car’s age, or displaying a clever word, there’s a world of options available.
At NewReg.co.uk, we’re here to make the process enjoyable and straightforward. With our expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction, you can trust us to help you find a private registration plate that you’ll cherish for years to come.
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