If you want to sell your number plate, you’re in the right place. At New Reg, we offer assistance from our number plate experts. Our experience from selling thousands of plates means we’re very well placed to give a realistic valuation, and then to sell the plate on your behalf. We have in-depth knowledge of personalised plate market trends, and if you want to access more buyers, with the aim of obtaining the highest price possible, then why not get in touch? We offer a free, no obligation number plate valuation service.

How to sell a number plate

Selling a personalised number plate privately can be a time-consuming task, so why not let New Reg deal with the sale? We can attract buyers, answer any questions and do everything we can to make the process as simple and straightforward as possible. If you want to sell a private number plate, why not contact New Reg today?

A free valuation

The first thing you need to do when selling a number plate is to get a realistic valuation, which is why we provide a simple valuation form that takes only a few moments to complete. It’s completely free to use, and you are under no obligation to sell through us. All we need is the private plate you might want to sell, as well as your contact details. Once one of our professionals has valued the registration, they will get in touch with you to provide the quote.

Sell with New Reg

If you decide to go ahead and put the plate up for sale, we can agree a price with you. Only when you’re completely satisfied will we advertise the plate here on the New Reg website, immediately reaching buyers who are searching for the perfect personalised plate. When selling via New Reg, you benefit from exposure to our high rates of site traffic.

How do I sell my number plate privately?

You can of course sell your number plate privately. The main concern here is reaching interested buyers, so you have to think carefully about how you plan to do this. Would you place an ad in a shop window, the local newspaper, or on a social media buying and selling page? If so, you might attract buyers that live near you, but what about the rest of the country?

Supply and demand

Selling a private number plate is all about what someone is willing to pay for it. The price tag generally increases when there is more interest in it, so having access to more buyers is clearly beneficial. You can get your free, no obligation quote from New Reg before deciding how to proceed.

How to sell a number plate on retention

If you have a number plate that’s on retention rather than in use on a vehicle, then the process is very much the same. In fact, it is even simplified by the fact that you do not need to remove that plate from a vehicle at any point as the sale progresses. A number plate on retention can be assigned to another car, van or motorbike right away, so once we’ve found a willing buyer, the sale should progress very smoothly and rapidly indeed.

How to sell a number plate back to the DVLA

The DVLA does have its own dedicated number plate sales website, but doesn’t buy plates from private sellers. In order to sell your plate through a number plate dealer, you need to use a company like New Reg, who can handle the sale on your behalf.

If you are planning to change or get rid of your car, motorbike or van, then you may need to remove and retain a personalised number plate from the vehicle. In some cases, you might be purchasing a private number plate as an investment and not intending to use it on a car, van or motorcycle. The following guide will help if either of these apply to you.

Why retain a private number plate?

Putting a private number plate on retention gives you the right to assign or sell it in future. The majority of private number plates can be placed on retention for use in the near or distant future. The exception is plates that start with “Q’ or “NIQ” .

A V778 retention document can be obtained from the DVLA, and this protects your right to the private registration. The document lasts for a decade, and can be renewed before it expires. If you retain a private plate and the donor vehicle is to be used, it will be given a replacement registration; this is often the one it formerly had.

The alternative to retention is to surrender your right to the private plate. This is not generally advisable, bearing in mind the often high value of personalised registrations.

How to retain a private number plate

A set of conditions relating to the vehicle apply to private number plate retention. It must be DVLA registered. It will also usually require an MOT pass, or in the case of a heavy goods vehicle (HGV), an HGV test pass. It should either have current road tax, or a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). If the SORN has existed for more than five years, the vehicle needs current tax. The vehicle also has to be capable of motion by means of its own power. Sometimes, the DVLA will inspect vehicles. The organisation will get in touch if this is required.

You can apply by post or online, although only by post if the vehicle doesn’t belong to you, as the replacement log book would have to be sent to the actual owner.

How to retain a private number plate online

You can apply for your retention online between 7:00am and 7:00pm on the DVLA website. The log book, or V5C, will be needed. The private number plate will be removed straight away if an inspection is not deemed necessary, so you should be ready. Your vehicle must not be driven with the private number plate once the DVLA has confirmed its removal. Thus, you need to replace the plates with the new registration or you cannot use the car.

How to retain a private number plate by post

If a vehicle inspection isn’t required, the private number would be removed within a couple of weeks. To apply by post, you must send documentation to the DVLA. The organisation will require the log book, or if you’ve just acquired the car, the new keeper slip with a completed V62 form. You also need to send a V317 to the address on the form, enclosing the stipulated fee.

If you must tax the vehicle, you also need to send an “application for vehicle tax” (V10) form, along with the correct amount of tax and the vehicle’s MOT pass certificate.

How much is it to retain a private number plate?

The DVLA charges a transfer fee when you apply for a private number plate retention. At the time of writing, this is set at £80, but this can of course change. You may also need to pay for new number plates to be made up.

If you are thinking of changing your car, or even doing without one for a while, you might wish to retain a personalised number plate that was in use on the vehicle. You may also want to buy one or a series of number plates for investment purposes, without actually putting them onto a car, motorcycle or van. If you need to know how to retain a number plate, the following guide should be helpful.

Why might you retain a number plate?

If you place a number plate on retention, it will remain yours to assign, or sell on, in the future. A retention document protects your right to that registration. It lasts for 10 years, and can also be renewed.

When retaining a private plate, the vehicle will be assigned a replacement number – usually the one it would have been registered with in the first place. Most number plates can be retained for later use or to assign to another vehicle in the near future – unless they begin with “NIQ” or “Q”. Neither of these types of plate can be retained.

The alternative is to give up the right to a private plate if you don’t wish to use it, but in reality this would not be a wise course of action, as personalised registrations can be very valuable.

How to retain a number plate

There are certain conditions that apply to number plate retention, and these depend on the vehicle itself. To be eligible, the vehicle has to be registered with the DVLA. It must be able to move by means of its own power, and be the kind of car, van or motorcycle that normally has to pass an MOT. If it’s a heavy goods vehicle (HGV), it must also have passed an HGV test. It should either have a continuous Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) in place for five years, or should be currently taxed. If a SORN has been in place for over five years, the vehicle has to be taxed when you apply for the retention. In some cases, the DVLA may wish to inspect vehicles, so it must be available if this happens.

You can apply for the retention either by post or online. If it isn’t your vehicle, then only postal applications are permitted, and the new log book would be sent to the owner in due course.

How to retain a number plate online

You can apply between 7:00am and 7:00pm each day via the DVLA website. You will need the V5C, or log book, when you apply. You also have to pay the DVLA transfer fee when applying; this is currently £80 but may be subject to change.

If your vehicle doesn’t need an inspection, the number plate will be removed right away. Therefore you must be prepared before taking this step, as the car or van cannot be driven with this number plate once it has been removed by the DVLA.

How long does it take to retain a number plate?

Your number plate may be removed instantly if you apply online. If you make a postal application, the number plate will be removed within two weeks of its receipt. You will be sent a V778 retention document, your MOT certificate and a new V5C. The latter may take up to six weeks to arrive.

The V778 retains your rights to that number plate for a decade, and you will receive a reminder before expiry. Your right must be renewed if you wish to continue with the retention. It is vital not to sell or otherwise dispose of your vehicle until you get the V778, as you could lose your right to that number plate.

Hi, I’m Steven T. Jackson OBE, founder of NewReg.co.uk. With over 35 years in the number plate industry, I’ve helped countless individuals find their perfect private number plates; and I’ve fixed a fair few to cars in my time in the business too!

Once you’ve secured your ideal plate, the next step is fitting it to your vehicle. This often means removing your old number plates. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best methods to remove number plates, whether they’re stuck on with double-sided tape, fixed with screws, or attached using other methods.

Before You Begin: Assess How Your Acrylic Number Plates Are Attached

The first step is to determine how your front plate and rear plate are fixed to your vehicle. This will dictate the best method for removal. Acrylics are typically attached in one of the following ways:

Understanding the fixing method will help you choose the appropriate removal technique.

Scenario 1: Removing Number Plates from a Previously Owned Vehicle

Step 1: Examine the Fixing Method

If you’re dealing with a second-hand car, chances are the number plates are already attached. Inspect your plates to see how they’re fixed:

• Screws: You’ll need a suitable screwdriver.
• Adhesive Pads: Removal requires a different approach.
• Pop Rivets: May require drilling.

Step 2: Removal

If your number plates are screwed on:

1. Remove Plastic Screw Covers: These are often white, black, or yellow caps that hide the screws for a neat finish.
2. Unscrew the Number Plate: Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws. Turn counter-clockwise.
3. Support the Number Plate: As you remove the last screw, hold the number plate to prevent it from falling and damaging your car.
4. Check for Additional Adhesive: Sometimes, even screwed number plates have double-sided tape or sticky pads for extra adhesion.

For a number plate stuck on with double-sided sticky pads:

If your plates are attached with pop rivets:

1. Prepare a Drill: Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the rivet.
2. Drill Out the Rivet: Carefully drill into the rivet to remove it.
3. Proceed with Caution: Avoid enlarging the existing holes in your car.
4. Consider Alternative Fixing Methods: When attaching new plates, you might opt for sticky pads instead of re-riveting.

Step 3: Clean the Surface

After removing the number plate:

• Remove Residual Adhesive: Gently rub off any sticky residue.
• Use Adhesive Remover: If necessary, apply a suitable adhesive remover.
• Clean the Area: Wipe down with soapy water to ensure a clean surface for your new plates.

 Scenario 2: Managing Number Plates on a Brand-New Vehicle

Step 1: Speak to Your Dealer Ahead of Time

If you’re buying a new car:

• Contact Your Dealer Early: Discuss how you’d like your new number plate attached.
• Request No Drilling: Ask them not to drill screw holes into your bumper.
• Prefer Adhesive Pads: Suggest using double-sided adhesive pads instead.

Step 2: Request Adhesive Pads Instead of Screws

Adhesive pads offer several benefits:

• No Damage to the Bumper: Avoids unsightly holes from screws.
• Clean Appearance: Plates sit flush with the car.
• Flexibility: Easier to reposition if needed.

Step 3: Fix the Number Plates Yourself

If the dealer agrees:

• Have Them Leave the Plates Off: You can attach them yourself.
• Use Quality Sticky Pads: Ensure they are strong and suitable for exterior use.
• Position Carefully: Take your time to align the plates perfectly.

Benefits of Using Sticky Pads

Using sticky pads to attach your new plates:

• Preserves Car Aesthetics: No screws or holes.
• Simplifies Future Removal: Easier to remove plates without damage.
• Provides Strong Adhesion: Modern adhesive pads are very reliable.

Safety Precautions

When removing or attaching number plates:

• Avoid Brute Force: Don’t yank the plates off; use the methods described above.
• Protect Your Car: Be careful not to scratch the paintwork.
• Use Proper Tools: A heat gun or hair dryer should be used cautiously.
• Wear Gloves: Protect your fingers when handling sharp edges or adhesive.

Tips for Installing Your New Number Plates

• Use Your Old Plate as a Template: If drilling screw holes, align them correctly.
• Consider Number Plate Surrounds: These can enhance the look and protect the edges.
• Check Legal Requirements: Ensure your new plates comply with DVLA standards.

Removing and replacing number plates doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding how your plates are fixed and following the right methods, you can safely remove them without damaging your vehicle. Whether you’re upgrading to a personalised number plate or replacing old plates, taking the time to do it properly will ensure your car looks its best.

At New Reg, we’re here to help you every step of the way. From finding your perfect plate to providing advice on fitting, we’ve got you covered.

Note: Remember to dispose of your old plates responsibly, and always ensure your new plates are securely fixed before driving.

At first glance, a car number plate can seem like an arbitrary sequence of numbers and letters. To some degree this is the case, as certain parts of each plate are simply sequences that are random. This is to ensure there are enough unique combinations so that each vehicle is distinguishable from the next.

The format of a plate, however, is not random, and it can tell you a bit about the vehicle. If you know how to read car number plates, you can often use it it determining a vehicles age and where it was first registered. Private plates often ‘hide’ these variables, and this is one of many reasons why they are so prized.

It is illegal to use any number plate that would make a motorcycle, van or car seem newer than it really is, so even where personalised registrations are used, you can be confident that the vehicle is the age indicated by the plate – or older. It will not be newer – unless the driver is breaking the law.

How does the number plate system work?

The format of each number plate depends on its age. There are four main types of number plate in use – the current (or new style) plate, the prefix plate, the suffix plate and the dateless plate.

New style plates

The format currently used by the DVLA dates back to 2001, and should remain in use for some time yet to come as it was specifically designed to produce as many plates as possible. This is to satisfy increasing demand.

These plates begin with two letters which indicate the area in which the car or van was first registered. These are followed by two numbers, which denote the year. There is then a gap, followed by three random letters. These are used to give a large number of unique sequences, so that each vehicle has a distinct number plate for identification.

Prefix plates

Prefix plates preceded new style plates. They begin with a letter which once more relates to the year of manufacture. There are then two or three digits between 21 and 999. (Numbers 1 to 20 were reserved by the DVLA for special issue, as were several other numbers such as 40 or 888). After the space, prefix plates end in three letters; the last two often show the location where the vehicle was first registered.

Suffix plates

Suffix plates start with a random three-letter sequence. After the space, there are one, two or three numbers, then the plate ends with the suffix letter. The suffix indicates the age of the vehicle, just as the prefix does on the plates that came later.

Dateless plates

Dateless number plates go back as far as 1903. The sequence starts with one or two letters, which indicate the area of issue. There is then a space, followed by a series of digits between 1 and 9999. In 1932, the dateless plate format was altered, and the plates then began with three letters. They were followed by a space, and finally a three-digit combination between 1 and 999.

How to read number plates

The first step in reading number plate is to establish the type by checking which of the above formats apply. You can then tell the age of the car – although it could be older if a private plate is in use. If you know the area codes, you may also be able to establish the region in which the vehicle was first registered. Beyond these, the combination is a random sequence, enabling a unique number plate to be issued to every single vehicle registered in the UK.

If you have your own private number plate, you may want to know how you can retain this when it comes to the time to scrap or sell the vehicle it’s being used on. Perhaps you want to buy a personalised plate, but not actually assign it to your motorcycle, van or car straight away. Is there any way to keep that private registration for future use? This handy guide will tell you more about the process of putting a number plate on retention.

What does ‘number plate on retention’ mean?

If the car to which your private number plate is assigned is to be scrapped or sold, and you don’t wish to use your private plate with another vehicle right away, then you can apply for a V778 retention document. These are issued by the DVLA. Practically any personalised registration can be put on retention, unless it begins with either “NIQ” or “Q”. If you remove a plate to put it on retention, the vehicle concerned will typically be given the registration number it had originally.

The car, van or motorcycle must be eligible for the retention scheme, and the DVLA outlines the following rules:

Eligibility for retention

The car or other vehicle must be DVLA registered. It should be the kind of motorised tricycle, car, motorcycle, van, moped or Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) that would need an MOT or HGV test.

It should have the capacity to move under its own power and must either be taxed or SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) for five years running. If there has been a SORN in place for more than five years, the vehicle must be taxed when you apply for the retention. The DVLA may decide to inspect the vehicle, so it must be available for this if required. You will be contacted to arrange the inspection if this does apply.

How to put a number plate on retention

As long as your vehicle adheres to the above DVLA conditions, the private plate can be retained. It’s a pretty straightforward process, and can be completed online or by post. You can only apply by post if it isn’t your own vehicle. The DVLA does charge a fee, which is currently £80 but is subject to change. The log book (or V5C) will be required for the application.

Apply online

You can apply via the DVLA website, and this service is available daily from 7:00am to 7:00pm. If an inspection is not required, the plate will be removed immediately from the vehicle and a reference number will be given to you. You might need this later if you want to reassign the private plate.

Apply by post

When applying by post, you must enclose the required documentation by the DVLA. These include the completed V317 retention form and the V5C. If you’ve just bought the car, you can send the ‘new keeper’ slip along with a V62 form. The transfer fee must also be included. If an inspection is not needed, the private number should be removed within two weeks of your application.

If you must obtain vehicle tax, then you have to send a completed V10 tax application form and the MOT certificate plus the tax amount.

How long does a number plate stay on retention?

Your V778 retention document gives you the right to use or sell that private plate for 10 years. It has to be renewed before expiry or you will lose the right to it. You will also no longer have rights to that number plate if your vehicle is scrapped or sold before the V778 is issued.

If you own a personalised number plate, you may wonder what happens when you come to sell or scrap your vehicle. Do you lose that private registration, or can you keep the number plate once it’s time to scrap or sell your car? Read on to find out more about retaining your number plate for use in the future, or transferring it to another vehicle.

Can I sell my car and keep the number plate?

If you want to sell or scrap the car to which your private number plate is attached, you can usually do so. The only exception to this general rule applies to number plates that begin with either “Q” or “NIQ”. Normally when you remove a number plate from a motorcycle, car or van, it will be issued once more with the registration number it was originally given.

Eligibility

You also need to make sure your vehicle is eligible for the registration transfer or retention scheme.

The vehicle must be registered with DVLA, and capable of moving by means of its own power. It should be the kind of car, van, motorcycle, moped, tricycle or heavy goods vehicle (HGV) that requires an MOT or HGV test pass certificate. It should either have current road tax, or have been subject to a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) for the five consecutive years immediately before taking it off the vehicle. If a SORN has existed for over five years, then the vehicle should now be taxed.

It must also be available for inspection, should the DVLA decide to do so. If this does apply, then the agency will contact you directly to arrange this.

How to keep your number plate when selling a car

If your vehicle satisfies the DVLA conditions and the number plate can be retained or transferred, the process is fairly simple. You can complete the procedure online, or apply by post. The DVLA fee for this is currently £80. You will need the V5C (log book) when you apply. If you do not own the vehicle, then you must apply by post.

Online application

The number plate is immediately removed from the vehicle if a DVLA inspection is not deemed necessary. You will be issued with a reference number once the process is complete, which you will need if you then decide to assign the number plate to a different vehicle. You can apply online daily between 7:00am and 7:00pm.

Postal application

If your car, van or motorcycle does not require an inspection, the private number will be removed within a fortnight of the DVLA receiving your application. When making a postal application, you must enclose all of the required documentation. This includes the V317 form for transfer or retention, plus the V5C or ‘new keeper’ slip from the V5C with a completed V62 form. You must also enclose the transfer fee.

If you need to tax the vehicle at the same time – for example, because it has been SORN for over five years, then you also need to send a completed V10 ‘application for vehicle tax’ form, plus the correct payment. The MOT certificate is also required. You can find the address on the V317.

What happens next?

After removing a private number, you will receive a new V5C; this may take up to six weeks. The MOT certificate will be returned to you, and you will also get the V778 retention document. This proves your right to assign this registration for the next decade, and this can be renewed. A word of warning though – if you sell or scrap the vehicle before you receive the V778, you could lose the rights to that private number plate.

Car number plates, whether private or standard issue, simply provide a way to identify a vehicle, but personalised plates can mean a lot more to their owners than that.

Instead of a random combination of letters and numbers, a private number plate can reflect the occupation, name, initials, interests or even the personality of the motorist. With such a huge choice available, drivers who have private plates are able to make a statement and stand out from others on the road.

There are various options when it comes to the format of a private number plate. Current, or new style, plates are the type currently being issued by the DVLA, and they start with a two-letter area code, showing where the vehicle was initially registered. The following two numbers reflect the age of the car, motorbike or van, and the three letters after the space are randomly selected, giving enough available combinations to ensure every number plate is unique.

Older types of private number plate also exist. Before the new style came the prefix style plate, and this type of registration started with a letter relating to the car’s age. Suffix plates preceded prefixes, and they ended in the year of registration. The oldest style of plates are dateless plates, and on these, either numbers or letters may appear first. These tend to be the most sought-after plates of all.

How much is it to get a private number plate?

The price of any private number plate is determined by a simple rule of economics; it will be worth the amount that someone would be willing to pay for it. As a general rule of thumb, the most popular plates are often those that feature common names or words. This is because a high number of people will want such a combination. An increased demand thus results in a higher price tag.

It’s not all about demand; supply also comes into the equation. Those plates that are in shorter supply will be more expensive. This is because – simply put – there are fewer of them to go round. In practice, the age of the plate has some bearing here. As the oldest plates are the rarest, they tend to be the most pricey.  If you require more information how to register your private plate.

How to get a private number plate off retention

If you own a private number plate that has not been in use for some time, then when you do want to use it you will need to know how to go about this. Fortunately, the procedure is extremely straightforward. Once you obtain the V778 retention document that confirms your right to use or sell the number plate in future, most of the work is done.

Assigning that number plate to a vehicle is very simple, as long as certain conditions are satisfied. Firstly, you cannot put a number plate on a vehicle if it would make the car or van appear newer than it really is. Secondly, you must have a current MOT and road tax, or a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN), for the relevant vehicle. The vehicle must also be available for inspection in case the DVLA decides to do this.

Assuming you satisfy these conditions, the procedure then depends on the vehicle. If it is a brand new car, the dealership should apply for you. Otherwise, you can apply online or by post as long as you have the V5C document (log book) as well as the retention certificate. Provided an inspection is not required, the registration will be assigned immediately when applying online, so make sure you have the new plates ready to fit before proceeding.

Hello, I’m Steve Jackson OBE, founder of NewReg.co.uk. Over my 35 years in the number plate industry, I’ve helped countless individuals find their perfect private number plate. One question I often hear is, “How can I check if a number plate is available?” If you’ve thought of the ideal registration to personalise your vehicle, here’s a straightforward guide to help you find out if it’s taken.

Searching for Your Exact Registration Online

The quickest way to check if a number plate is available is to search online. At New Reg, we’ve developed an easy-to-use system:

Enter the Registration: Simply input the exact registration mark you’re interested in into our search box:

How to Check if a Number Plate Is Available

Hello, I’m Steve Jackson OBE, founder of NewReg.co.uk. Over my 35 years in the number plate industry, I’ve helped countless individuals find their perfect private number plate. One question I often hear is, “How can I check if a number plate is available?” If you’ve thought of the ideal registration to personalise your vehicle, here’s a straightforward guide to help you find out if it’s taken.

Searching for Your Exact Registration Online

The quickest way to check if a number plate is available is to search online. At New Reg, we’ve developed an easy-to-use system:

1. Enter the Registration: Simply input the exact registration mark you’re interested in into our search box.
2. Immediate Results: If the number plate is available, it will appear at the top of the list as an ‘exact match’ along with the asking price.

1. Alternative Options: If it’s taken, we’ll show you similar private plates that might match your preferences.

The Advantage of Using New Reg

One of the benefits of using New Reg over other online systems is our personalised service:

• Expert Assistance: Our team is highly experienced in tracking down the perfect private number plates for our customers. Not all combinations are listed, but we have millions of records, from previous sales to accessing the databases of other dealers and the DVLA.
• Creative Suggestions: We might suggest alternatives you hadn’t considered, helping you find a plate that suits. For example, you may want CLA 55, and CLA 5S or CLA 55Y could equally be combinations for you to consider.
• Competitive Prices: We offer a vast selection of number plates at a wide range of prices. So if you’ve a budget in mind we can help either deliver the registration or manage your expectations.

Checking Using An MOT Or TAX Database

Another method is to check an MOT checker database:

• Vehicle Enquiry: While primarily designed to request information like make, model, taxation status and MOT, it can indicate if a number plate is assigned to a vehicle.
• Understanding the Results:If Assigned: The search will display information about the vehicle it’s assigned to.If Not Found: You’ll see the message such as, “Vehicle details could not be found,” meaning the number plate may no longer exist, may be on retention or was never issued. This is where liaising with the New Reg team can become very helpful.

Registering Your Interest

If your desired registration isn’t available, don’t lose hope:

• Keep Updated Feature: On our search results page, click the “Register Interest” button
• Simple Form: Fill in your name, phone number, and email address and submit your details.

• Stay Informed: We’ll notify you if your desired registration becomes available for purchase.

Thinking Outside the Box

Sometimes, the exact number plate you’re after is taken. The good news is that the NewReg.co.uk search engine is designed to ‘search anything’ from letters, numbers, names etc, so ideal to explore other options:

• Use Initials: Instead of a full name, try searching for your initials. If you’ve three or more to your name, you can hide the middle ones from the search to create more options. Some people even like single letter combinations, to match only their first or surname. i.e. A 1 would be perfect for Andrew or Atkinson.
• Reflect Interests: Consider plates that represent your children, pets, hobbies, profession, family birthdays and anniversary date or even favourite sports team.
• Explore Similar Plates: Our system suggests similar number plates that might appeal to you.
• Popularity Matters: Common names or words are often already taken due to high demand.
• Unique Combinations: Think of creative or less common combinations to increase the chances of availability.
• Periodic Releases: New registrations are released periodically, so it’s worth checking back regularly.

The Importance of Timing

• High Demand: Private number plates can be highly sought after, but it’s also true to say that as people get older, a registration number can vary in its appeal. Quite often a person that’s held their ultimate numberplate for 30-years plus, will consider parting with it, to pay for more pressing matters that come with age, such as retirement and bank of mum and dad!
• Act Quickly: If you find a private number plate you like, consider purchasing it promptly before someone else does. It’s quite possible that you’re not the only person looking for that special combination and with tens of millions of drivers in the UK, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to secure your dream plate, especially if you’ve been waiting a while to get your hands on it!
• Think Ahead: Every year millions of new reg’s are issued to the DVLA Personalised Registrations range of new style combinations. By registering your interest in advance you’ll have the best chance of checking if the mark you want is being released.

Assistance with the Purchase Process

At New Reg, we make the purchasing process seamless:

• Secure Transactions: We ensure your purchase is handled securely and registered correctly with the UK authorities.
• Transfer Assistance: We’ll help with assigning the number plate to your vehicle or placing it on retention for future use.
• Customer Support: Before, during and after you’ve secured your personalised number plates, our team is here to answer any questions you may have, or provide subsequent services.

Benefits of a Private Number Plate

• Personal Identity: Make your car, motorcycle or HGV uniquely yours.
• Investment Potential: When purchased, some number plates can appreciate in value over time. Whilst not investment advice, New Reg are best equipped to make suggestions and to check if number plate is available.
• Gift Idea: They make memorable gifts for loved ones and a reminder of your gift each time they use their vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find out who owns a number plate?

• Privacy Laws: Due to privacy regulations, owner details are not publicly accessible, however, extensive databases such as those held by New Reg and vehicle licensing agency databases such as MOT and road taxation data, can help us to trace and contact an owner on your behalf.
• Focus On Availability We can help you find out if a plate is potentially available, but we will not share the data of who owns it. We often know if a particular combination has been registered in history, so can confirm if available or not.

What if the plate was never issued to a car?

• Unissued Plates: Some combinations were never released by the DVLA. These could be considered offensive or in bad taste, one example being S4TAN. However, with millions of possible combinations, it could simply be that DVLA have not got around to issuing it yet. You can register with DVLA directly and request it be issued. If you’re lucky, it’ll go to a forthcoming auction, where you can bid direct. There’s no other method of having DVLA issue a previously unissued combination, as they must adhere to rules of fair play, to obtain best price for the treasury.
• Alternative Options: Our team can help you find similar registrations that are available. Using the example above, S4TAN was never issued, but historically SAT4N was. New Reg subsequently secured this combination and sold it to ‘Church of Satan’, who we believe still retain this today. Another classic example that personalised number plates have appeal to many people from all walks of life.

Start Your Search Today

Visit NewReg.co.uk to begin your search, as we scour many online systems, secondary market combinations and those featured on the DVLA website. With our extensive database and personalised service, we’re confident we can help you find the ideal car number plate for your vehicle.

Alternatively, feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance. At New Reg, we’re committed to helping you every step of the way in acquiring your perfect private number plate.