Everything You Need to Know About Personalised Number Plates

Personalised number plates, also known as private plates or cherished plates, have long been a status symbol and a form of self-expression on the road. From witty combinations to initials and even full names, they allow vehicle owners to stand out while adding a unique touch to their car or motorbike.

But how do they work? Do you buy them from the DVLA or a dealer? What paperwork is involved? And are they really as expensive as they sound?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about personalised plates—how to buy them, how dealers operate, how to fit them, and even reveal the 20 most expensive plates ever sold in the UK.

What is a Personalised Number Plate?

A personalised number plate is a registration mark that’s been specifically chosen by the owner, often to represent their name, nickname, business, or something meaningful to them. These plates replace the standard DVLA-issued combination of letters and numbers with something more memorable or distinctive.

They are 100% legal when properly registered, and can be transferred from one vehicle to another or retained for future use.

How Does a Cherished Number Plate Dealer Operate?

A cherished number plate dealer acts as a middleman between buyers and sellers of personalised plates. They either:

• Own a portfolio of plates they’ve bought in advance to resell
  
  
• Broker sales between plate owners and interested buyers
  
  
• List available DVLA plates with a markup
  
  

These dealers often run websites where you can search for plates by letter combination, price, or theme (e.g., business, sports, initials). They also handle much of the admin, such as transferring the plate to your name, offering retention services, and arranging printed physical plates.

Most dealers are registered with the Cherished Numbers Dealers Association (CNDA), which ensures they follow industry best practices.

Do You Have to Buy from the DVLA or a Third Party?

You have two main options when buying a personalised number plate:

1. Direct from the DVLA

• The DVLA runs regular auctions and fixed-price sales through https://dvlaregistrations.dvla.gov.uk.
  
  
• These plates are often cheaper than dealer listings.
  
  
• You deal directly with the government, so there’s no middleman fee.
  
  

2. Through a Private Dealer

• Dealers offer plates that may not be available on the DVLA site.
  
  
• They sometimes hold extremely rare or old plates—especially short dateless plates.
  
  
• Prices can vary significantly based on exclusivity and demand.
  
  

Some people also buy directly from individuals (via eBay or classified ads), but you must ensure the paperwork is genuine to avoid scams.

What Certificate Do You Need for a Personalised Plate?

Once you’ve purchased a private number plate, you’ll receive one of the following legal documents:

1. V750 Certificate of Entitlement

• Issued when a registration is newly purchased from the DVLA.
  
  
• Proves your right to assign the plate to a vehicle.
  
  

2. V778 Retention Document

• Used when a plate is removed from a vehicle and held for future use.
  
  
• Allows you to keep the plate without assigning it immediately.
  
  

These documents are essential if you want to assign or transfer the plate. Keep them safe—they’re proof of ownership.

How Do You Order and Fit a Personalised Number Plate?

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Buy Your Plate

• Choose your plate from DVLA, a trusted dealer, or a private seller.
  
  
• Receive the V750 or V778 document.
  
  

2. Assign the Plate

• Log in to your DVLA account and use the online service to assign the plate to your vehicle using your V5C log book and certificate.
  
  
• Assignment is usually instant.
  
  

3. Order the Physical Plate

• Choose a reputable number plate supplier (must be DVLA-registered).
  
  
• Provide your V750/V778 and proof of ID/address.
  
  
• Choose your plate finish: standard, 3D gel, 4D acrylic, etc.
  
  

4. Fit the Plate

• You can fit it yourself using screws or adhesive pads.
  
  
• Many garages or MOT centres will fit it for you.
  
  
• Remember to notify your insurer of the plate change.
  
  

Your old registration will be automatically held by the DVLA and can usually be reassigned in the future.

Are Personalised Number Plates Expensive?

They can be—but not always.

Prices start at around £250–£300 for entry-level personalised plates from the DVLA. These typically include initials or numbers with limited meaning.

However, plates with:

• Fewer characters (e.g., “X1” or “AJ5”)
  
  
• Popular names (like “BEN 1” or “JON 3S”)
  
  
• Words (like “CEO”, “VIP” or “F1”)
  
  

…can sell for tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds.

The 20 Most Expensive Personalised Number Plates Ever Sold in the UK

Here’s a list of the top-selling personalised plates in UK history:

These prices include VAT and fees, and are often seen as long-term investments.

Interesting Facts About Personalised Number Plates

1. The UK has over 45 million registrations available for personalisation.
   
   
2. The DVLA has raised over £2 billion from private plate sales since the 1980s.
   
   
3. Plates like “F1” and “25 O” have appreciated massively in value.
   
   
4. You can’t create plates that make offensive or inappropriate words—the DVLA bans them.
   
   
5. You can gift a private plate to someone using their vehicle details.
   
   
6. Some plates have celebrity owners—like Roman Abramovich’s “VIP 1” or Afzal Kahn’s “F1”.
   
   
7. Dateless plates (e.g., “A 1” or “B 12”) are the most valuable due to their rarity and versatility.
   
   
8. You can keep a plate forever on a V778 retention certificate—even without a vehicle.
   
   
9. You can buy plates for cars, bikes, vans, and even mopeds.
   
   
10. Some people collect plates like art or classic cars—as investments.
    
    

Final Thoughts

Personalised number plates offer a unique blend of identity, luxury, and investment potential. Whether you're buying your first private plate or searching for a rare gem, it's a fascinating world filled with history, creativity, and a little bit of prestige.

With options to suit nearly every budget—from a few hundred pounds to hundreds of thousands—private plates are more accessible than ever. Just remember to buy from trusted sources, keep your documents safe, and follow the proper process to stay legal.

Whether it’s a birthday gift, a business promotion, or a treat for yourself, a personalised plate is a road-legal way to stand out from the crowd.