Number plates, sometimes referred to as vehicle registration plates, have been used in the UK since 1904. The Motor Car Act of 1903, that became law the following year, required all motorised vehicles to be enrolled officially in the Vehicle Register and made it compulsory for them to all carry number plates. This law was passed to make sure the authorities could trace vehicles easily if they were involved in illegal activity or a road accident.

Whose number plate is this?

Whether you’re looking to sell your personal number plate or are simply curious about its value, a common question among car owners is ‘How much is my number plate worth?’

How much is my number plate worth?

Across our world, different nations have their own system of vehicle registration, and plate colour plays a part in this. Plate colours and their purpose vary from India, where you can tell the President from his red plate and the common man from his black on white registration, to the multi-coloured plates of America, where the verdant state of Vermont issue green-coloured plates to match. Australia has an unlimited palette for their plates with many featuring designs and motifs. While French number plates once resembled ours, they now have a system of their own with black character on white plates at both the front and back.

Why are number plates yellow and white?

While France was the first nation to introduce licence plates in 1893, the United Kingdom caught up in 1904 when the Motor Car Act made registration plates a legal necessity. Ever since, vehicles across the country have had to wear individual number plates, containing a series of specific characters designed to help the authorities identify them in the event of their involvement in accidents or criminal activity. 

When do number plates change?

Learn the rules and options for buying a number plate from a scrapped car, what the law prohibits, and workarounds for private number plates.

Can I buy a number plate from a scrapped car? Answered

Whether you’re worried your number plate is damaged, becoming difficult to read and could land you in trouble with the law or if you’re in the market for a bespoke reg to add a personal touch to your new car, you’ll need to know where to buy a number plate.

Where to buy a number plate

For many car owners here in the UK, acquiring a personalised number plate adds a bespoke touch to a vehicle, for others it’s a statement of status and success, while some use them to mark an occasion. The royal family is no exception with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge pulling away from their wedding in a car bearing the plate “JU5T WED”. In the last 25 years, the UK has seen a boom in the trade of personalised plates with the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA) making a small fortune for the Treasury in sales, not to mention the rare and famous plates that sell at auction for staggering sums.

How to sell a private number plate

Number plates on vehicles serve a common purpose to identify the vehicle on roads in the UK and around the world. Here we take a look at the history of car registrations and the DVLA.

The History Of Number Plates

Most people know that a vehicle’s number plate will tell you when a car was first registered – but fewer people realise that a number plate can actually tell you where a car was registered too.

UK Number Plate Area Codes

Our inventory includes millions of private number plates. Use our powerful search engine to get the lowest personalized plate costs available online, guaranteed.

Private Number Plates - Car.co.uk

Private Number Plates

You cannot reserve a number plate from a scrapped car unless you take action before the vehicle is officially scrapped. The number plate is permanently linked to the vehicle it was issued to and is effectively retired along with the car when it is scrapped.

Once you have successfully applied for retention and paid the £80 transfer fee, the number plate will be held on the retention certificate for up to 10 years. This certificate allows you to assign the number plate to another vehicle whenever you are ready.

You cannot buy a number plate from a scrapped car because the number plate is permanently associated with the specific vehicle to which it was originally assigned.

There are a few key reasons why this is not allowed:

<h3 style="line-height:1.38; margin-top:19px; margin-bottom:5px">Permanent association</h3>

When a vehicle is manufactured, it is assigned a unique registration number (i.e., the number on its number plate). This registration number is linked to the vehicle's identity in official records maintained by the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency).

Once the vehicle is scrapped, the registration number is retired along with the car and cannot be reused or reassigned to another vehicle.

<h3 style="line-height:1.38; margin-top:19px; margin-bottom:5px">Legal restrictions</h3>

UK law prohibits the use of number plates from scrapped vehicles on other cars to prevent issues related to vehicle identification, fraud, and the illegal use of number plates. The DVLA has strict regulations to ensure that each registration number remains tied to its original vehicle to maintain the integrity of vehicle registration records.

<h3 style="line-height:1.38; margin-top:19px; margin-bottom:5px">Vehicle identity and fraud prevention</h3>

Allowing the reuse of number plates from scrapped cars could facilitate various forms of fraud, including cloning vehicles' identities, evading taxes, and bypassing legal and safety inspections. By retiring the number plate with the scrapped vehicle, authorities can prevent such misuse and ensure that every registered vehicle has a unique and traceable identity​.

Personalised number plates are the EXCEPTION. While standard number plates are retired with the vehicle, vehicle owners can retain their personalised number plates if they follow the proper procedures (more on this below).

Whether you're scrapping your current car and want to preserve the number plate or particularly like the number plate on another car, you may be wondering how to purchase a number plate from a scrapped car. The reality is: there are some instances where it's allowed, and others where it's not.

If you want a<a href="https://www.car.co.uk/number-plates" style="text-decoration:none"> private number plate</a>, you'd normally have to go through the DVLA to have it assigned to your car.

However, there are other ways to<a href="https://www.car.co.uk/number-plates/faqs/buying/how-to-find-a-personalised-number-plate" style="text-decoration:none"> find a personalised number plate</a>. Number plate dealers and brokers, who purchase plates to sell on to buyers, have a selection of previously registered plates that can be assigned to a vehicle. You can also find a private seller who is willing to part ways with theirs.

These options are perfect for those who want a specific number plate that someone else has already taken.

If the number plate comes from an already-scrapped car, you're probably wondering if you can buy it from the scrapyard directly.

The answer is: No.

But there are a few workarounds.

<h2 style="line-height:1.38; margin-top:24px; margin-bottom:5px">Can I transfer a car’s number plate to another vehicle?</h2>

Whether it’s to make a return on an investment or because the plate no longer has the same personal value, there comes a time when car owners decide to sell their <a href="https://www.car.co.uk/number-plates">private plate</a>. As with selling any asset, it’s important to be patient and carry out thorough research before any transaction takes place. It’s essential to get an accurate estimation of just how much your personalised registration is worth before you enter into any arrangement either directly with a buyer or with a broker who will manage the sale for you.

When it comes to parting with your personal registration, you’ll find several options open to you, from managing the transaction yourself to using an online expert, but how to sell a private plate to your best advantage isn’t always clear.

If you’re looking to sell a <a href="https://www.car.co.uk/number-plates">private number plate</a>, you’ll find a host of information in the sections below that will help guide your way. From the best places to sell them to how number plates can be sold if they’re on retention, you’ll find all the answers you seek.

<h2>Can I sell my private number plate back to the DVLA?</h2>

The DVLA keeps the stock of plates termed “Cherished Registrations” that are brand new and have never been issued to date and sells them, but it doesn’t buy private number plates. If you’ve got a personal number plate you want to sell, the DVLA isn’t the solution. However, the good news is there are plenty of other buyers waiting out there and you’ve got a selection of options about how you make contact.

<h2>How to sell a private number plate</h2>

The law states that you’re entitled to sell or gift a private number plate to another. However, personalised number plates must be assigned to a vehicle before it can be put into use.

You have two options to select from when it comes to how you sell your personalised plate. You can either sell through a private dealer or broker who specialises in the selling of personalised number plates or manage the transaction yourself and sell your registration number privately.

If you sell your plate with the assistance of a dealer they will typically locate a buyer for your private number plate, arrange and manage the payment and transfer the registration number to the buyer’s vehicle or, if they’re buying on retention, arrange for the certificate to be transferred over to them.

If you conduct the sale yourself and sell privately, you’ll need to assign your personal registration plate to their car or transfer the certificate to them if the registration number has been put on retention.

Assigning your private number plate to someone else can be done by post or online. To complete this task, you’ll need either your V778 retention certificate or V750 certificate of ownership, along with details found in the logbook or V5C registration document of vehicle it’ll be attached to.

The DVLA strongly suggests, for the sake of security, that you never scan or share either your V75O certificate of ownership or V778 online as it may be possible for someone other than your intended buyer to make use of it illegally and attach the private number to another car.

<h2>Where can I sell my private number plate?</h2>

Depending on the method you use, there are several places where you can sell your private number plate. If you opt for assistance and choose to sell your private number plate through a specialist dealer in plates or online broker, they’ll sell your registration for you by advertising it on their site. Typically, dealers won’t charge you for this service, but they’ll take a commission on the sale, which they’ll deduct from the amount they agree you’ll receive. Sometimes it’s possible to sell your plate on different parts of their site that allows your registration to be better promoted for an additional fee.

If you choose to sell your private plate on your own, then there are multiple options available to you. There are auction-style sites like eBay where you can sell your plate to the highest bidder and set a reserve price to ensure you don’t part with it for less than you’ll be satisfied with or even sell at a fixed price. It’s worth considering, if you’re selling the plate yourself, you should make sure you know how much profit you will receive from the sale made of your plate. Auction organisations always have selling fees, which can often be equivalent to the commissions charged by dealers and online brokers.

You can also sell your private plate in a classified advertisement either in a physical car magazine, auto supplement of newspapers or via online editions of vehicle publications.

<h2>Where is the best place to sell private number plate?</h2>

It’s assumed that unless you’re in a hurry, you’re selling your personalised number plate with the intention of getting the best price possible for it. Before determining where the best place to sell your private number plate is, do some research and work out roughly what your reg is worth and any costs you’ll have to pay to make a sale.

To find out the worth of your plate, collect a wide selection of quotes from as many dealers and brokers in number plates as you can find to create a fair estimate. Bear in mind that some dealers will say your plate may sell for a higher sum than it will in order to encourage you to sell through them.

While dealers in personalised plates rarely charge you anything up front, they will take a commission on what your plate sells for. As they arrange and agree the sale, you won’t have a say in what this is. Selling in an online auction is an option for selling but, as mentioned previously, weigh up the cost of fees as sometimes they can be comparable to commissions from brokers. Unless it’s explicitly stated otherwise, many papers, journals and magazines both online and in print will have a charge if you place an advertisement with them, which can be costly if your plate takes time to sell as you usually pay for the classified space by the week or month.

A dealer in private plates can be the best option if you don’t feel confident in your ability to find buyers or manage the sale. Dealers may have access to a greater number of buyers than you could hope for selling privately; they’re also experienced in haggling and getting the best price for a plate. If you’re uncomfortable with the paperwork involved or making sure the buyer pays, dealers can manage these parts of the arrangement for you and all you need to do is sit back and accept your payment. As they make a commission on each sale, dealers are motivated to get you the most money for your personal plate. They also have knowledge of market trends and selling history of what a plate like yours is likely to sell for, so can pitch the price correctly to attract buyers.

While selling your plate privately via an online auction house like eBay might feel like you’re more in control, it’s worth considering that, unlike dealer sites that specialise in private number plates, they are not as easy for buyers to search when they’re shopping for a specific plate. The superior search facilities on dealer websites allow buyers to see a wealth of results, which may contain yours if your plate fits their criteria.

If you’re confident in the worth of your private plate and your ability to sell and manage the transaction, including essential paperwork transfers and payments, selling a private plate via classified ads may be worth considering. However, selling this way puts not just the responsibilities of the sale in your hands but you must also do the work, which may involve arranging time consuming, multiple communications with many buyers.

<h2>Selling a private number plate on retention</h2>

A car owner can remove the private number plate from their car without attaching it to another. They can keep the number plate to use or sell later; this is commonly called putting a plate on retention. In the same way, it’s possible to buy a personalised number plate either as a gift or as a financial investment and put it on retention.

If you’ve purchased a private number plate that’s on retention, you’ll be issued a V778 certificate from the DVLA. If you choose to sell your plate, you’ll need this certificate to transfer ownership of the private registration to your buyer.

There are many different options available when you come to buy your number plate from high-street retail outlets and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (<a href="https://www.gov.uk/buy-a-personalised-registration-number">DVLA</a>) to specialty plate sellers and classified adverts. Buying a private reg is easily done online where different retailers have access to DVLA number plates and their own stock of cherished registrations, amongst others.

From the essential paperwork you’ll need to provide to the different options available depending on your reason for purchase, we’ll investigate the ins and outs of picking up a number plate in the UK. Here at Car.co.uk, you can also <a href="https://www.car.co.uk/number-plates">buy a private number plate online</a> using our custom search engine.

<h2>How to buy number plates</h2>

If you’re buying a replacement plate for your car, you need to gather the appropriate supporting documents that prove who you are and your entitlement to the vehicle. You can then buy a new plate from a variety of different sources.

If you’re looking to buy a personalised plate, you can use the search facility on a variety of sites from the DVLA to companies that specialise in number plates to track down one that represents a name, phrase or word of your choosing.

If you want to transfer the plate to a specific vehicle, you’ll need to provide your V5C registration document along with your proof of personal ID. If you aren’t ready to attach it to a car or are buying it as a gift this can be carried out later.

<h2>Where to buy number plates</h2>

Number plates can be bought from several different sources. Only registered suppliers can make and sell new plates to car buyer, but privately-owned plates can be sold at auctions online, through specialist brokers and even in classified ads in your local paper.

For an inexpensive and easy option, high street auto-retailers like Halfords offer a simple service that’s easy to use and is affordable. If you’re looking for a specific plate number or one that represents something personal to you, first check the DVLA’s offering before looking at private sales.

<h2>What do I need to buy a number plate?</h2>

Aside from the finances to acquire one, you’ll often need some supporting documentation when purchasing a new plate. Whether you’re buying a number plate for yourself or as a gift for a friend or family member, you’ll need to supply proof of identification that includes your photo and states where you live. If you want to attach the number plate to a vehicle, you’ll need to show entitlement to that vehicle with a V5C registration document.

If you buy a registration plate as a gift, you won’t need vehicle paperwork until the plate is transferred to a car. This can be done later by the recipient of the gifted plate.

If you’re buying a rare plate through a broker, either they or the plate owner may want to ask for additional forms of verification from you.

<h2>Where can I buy personalised number plates?</h2>

Personal plates are commonly purchased by three different methods. You can buy your personalised number&nbsp;plates&nbsp;<a href="https://dvlaregistrations.dvla.gov.uk/">directly from the DVLA</a> for a fixed price or at one of its periodic auctions. You can also buy your plates from specialist brokers and companies trading in plates and finally, personalised plates can be bought in a private sale.

Purchasing directly from the DVLA is commonly thought to be your first port of call, especially if cost is a concern as it will avoid you needing to pay any mark-up added on by the middleman. Online you’ll discover the DVLA site has a highly efficient search engine. It’ll allow you to input various criteria to help narrow your search and deliver you results to browse that fit or come close to fitting the plate you’re searching for. The results will consist of plates of the current style used today, which means two letters, then two numbers with a further three letters following. The DVLA will also show plates that were issued before 2001 in the search results. Often referred to as prefix plates these registrations will consist of a single letter, followed by between one to three numbers and then finishing with three letters.

Occasionally, you’ll sometimes see number plates sold at auctions held by the DVLA. These can either be timed auctions or physical auctions where you’re able to bid in real time, either at the auction in person or remotely online. Timed auctions are similar to auction-style sites, such as eBay, where you must set your maximum bid stating the highest price you’re willing to buy the plate for. This price remains unseen by other bidders. The system will then bid automatically for you, until it reaches your stated limit. If you’re the highest bidder by the end of the auction, just as with an auction house, you’ll win the auction and the number plate will be yours.

A higher-priced option to purchase a number plate than via the DVLA is buying through a broker as this will include a markup in price. The number plate broker will usually have bought the plate from the DVLA to sell it on and you’ll pay for that cost too. However, a broker can be a worthy option when you’re hunting a plate you can’t find anywhere else. Do remember though, you will pay extra for it.

Your last choice is buying your registration plate in a private sale. You’ll see advertisements in auto magazines as well as online via car sites with various number plates being sold off by their owners privately. They can be priced in the advert or sometimes welcome offers, but always make certain before any transaction takes place that a number plate fully conforms to the DVLA's regulations. All number plates must comply to specific size heights and widths when it comes to characters and must contain at least one number. All characters must also be of equal height with one and other. It’s well worth remembering that it’s illegal to use a new number plate on an older vehicle to make it appear younger than its age.

<h2>What documents do I need to buy a number plate?</h2>

Whether you’re purchasing a personalised number plate for your car from an online supplier, or replacing a damaged registration plate at an auto store like Halfords, you’ll often need certain documentation to complete the transaction.

Number plate suppliers are required by law to keep a record of any sales of number plates in order for the authorities to be able to trace who they sold them to. For this reason, you’ll typically be asked for proof of your identity when purchasing.

As outlined by the DVLA, the current law states that you’ll have to provide both proof of your identity and official proof of entitlement to the plate registration you require if you want to purchase a replacement plate. No plates will be made before your documents have been verified.

For proof of your identity, you’ll be required to supply both photographic ID, such as passport or your driving licence, and a form of dated documentation with your address on it, such as a bank statement or household utility bill - these must be no older than six months. Other forms of identification considered acceptable include your debit card issued by your bank or an armed forces identity card or police warrant card.

For proof of entitlement you should supply a vehicle registration certificate known as a V5C or logbook or the tear off part from V5C known as section 10. Alternatively, you may have a V778 Cherished Transfer Retention Certificate, a V379 temporary Registration Certificate or a V11 Vehicle Licence Renewal Certificate.

<h2>Can I buy number plates online?</h2>

It’s perfectly possible to buy number plates online and even have them arrive at your home by post. You can buy number plates directly through the DVLA or via one of their online auctions, which happen periodically. Car.co.uk also specialise in <a href="https://www.car.co.uk/number-plates">supplying registration plates</a> and offer advice on the different kinds of plates.

<h2>Where to buy replacement number plates</h2>

It’s a legal requirement here in the UK that number plates must always be legible. Over time car number plates can become faded or even suffer damage causing them to be obscured. To avoid paying an unnecessary fine, it’s a smart move to get them replaced as soon as you can.

Damaged plates that have been cracked or become difficult to read can be replaced cost effectively at auto stores, and for a small additional fee they’ll usually fit them as well, although it’s a good idea to book this request in advance. They often offer an efficient service that allows you to wait while they make them up, which can be more convenient when you need plates fast.

If you're going to<a href="https://www.car.co.uk/media/guides/scrapping-your-car/how-do-i-scrap-my-car" style="text-decoration:none"> scrap your car</a>, you do not have to scrap your personalised number plate along with it. You can retain your personalized number plate and transfer it to another vehicle or place it on retention for future use.

Here’s how you can do it:

<ol>
	<li aria-level="1" style="list-style-type:decimal">Apply for number plate retention. Before scrapping your car, you need to apply to retain your personalized number plate. This involves filling out a V317 form, which you can obtain from the DVLA website. You must pay a fee of £80 for this service​.</li>
	<li aria-level="1" style="list-style-type:decimal">Fill out a V317 form. The<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-to-transfer-or-retain-a-vehicle-registration-number" style="text-decoration:none"> V317 form</a> allows you to either transfer the number plate to another vehicle immediately or place it on a retention certificate. If you choose the latter, the number plate will be held on a retention certificate until you are ready to assign it to a new vehicle​.</li>
	<li aria-level="1" style="list-style-type:decimal">Gather your vehicle documentation. Ensure you have the V5C logbook of the car from which the number plate is being removed. You will need to provide this documentation to the DVLA as part of the retention process​.</li>
	<li aria-level="1" style="list-style-type:decimal">Notify your insurance company and the DVLA. Tell your insurer and the DVLA about the retention of the number plate. This ensures all records are updated and prevents any potential issues with vehicle identification and insurance claims​.</li>
</ol>

Update relevant applications. You might need to change records that use the vehicle's registration number, like parking apps or toll payment systems, to prevent discrepancies.

<h2 style="line-height:1.38; margin-top:24px; margin-bottom:5px">Can I reserve a number plate from a scrapped car before it's dismantled?</h2>

<h2 style="line-height:1.38; margin-top:24px; margin-bottom:5px">Is it legal to use a number plate from a scrapped vehicle?</h2>

A private reg can hide the age of your car or simply stand out from the crowd…. or buy smart and make an alternative investment. And personalised registrations make an amazing unique gift, one that really can last a lifetime. Search our number plates for sale today!

<h2 style="line-height:1.38; margin-top:24px; margin-bottom:5px">Why can't I buy a number plate from a scrapped car?</h2>

Number&nbsp;plates are allocated to individual vehicles not their registered keepers. This means that when a car owner sells or has a car destroyed, the number plate stays with the car and is either used by its new owner or is scrapped along with the vehicle. It’s possible for a registered keeper to hang onto a licence plate, but they must apply officially to the Driver Vehicle and Licencing Agency (DVLA) and, for a fee, they can retain it and attach it to another vehicle of their choosing.

Number plates can tell you a wealth of information about a vehicle just by looking at them, including the age of a vehicle down to the year and month it was manufactured. It’s also possible to carry out comprehensive checks through Car.co.uk's <a href="https://www.car.co.uk/check-mot-history">MOT Check service</a>. A search of this nature will offer more in depth details on a vehicle, including whether it’s taxed, when its <a href="https://www.car.co.uk/check-mot-history">MOT expires</a>, the date it was initially registered and even its colour and engine size.

This online check through either Car.co.uk or the DVLA won’t answer the question “whose number plate is this?” however. To find out who is the registered keeper attached to a car’s registration number, you must contact the DVLA to request the information, but you’ll need what they refer to as a ‘reasonable cause’ to access this information. Examples of suitable reasons include if the vehicle has been involved in a traffic accident, if you are issuing traffic tickets or giving a notice of trespass charge, or tracing the owner of an abandoned vehicle, among others. If the number plate you’re trying to trace has been involved in a crime, you can also approach the police directly.&nbsp;

If you’re <a href="https://www.car.co.uk/number-plates">interested in number plates</a>, what they can tell you, how to check them and how to discover just who the owner registered to them is, read on for the answers to some commonly asked questions.

<h2>Who owns this number plate?</h2>

Number plates aren’t issued to people but to vehicles in order for the authorities to identify them. These registration numbers are allocated by the Secretary of State who owns them. Today they are used as an integral part of the compulsory process of taxing and registering vehicles. The Secretary of State also has the right to withdraw a registration number.

As number plates are issued to vehicles and not their keepers, they stay with the vehicle until it is destroyed. However, a car owner can apply to officially keep the number plate and attach it to a new vehicle before scraping takes place or if the car is sold. This can be done by applying to the DVLA and sending the appropriate section of your V5C registration document, but it does carry a charge of £80. In effect, car owners have a limited entitlement to display a certain number plate while the vehicle is theirs.

<h2>How to search for a car number plate</h2>

Since September 2001, UK number plates have consisted of seven characters including letters and numbers. The exact format is two letters with two numbers followed by another three letters. The first two letters consist of a DVLA memory tag, the numbers describe the year and months the car was made and the last three letters are randomly assigned to identify an individual vehicle.

If you’re seeking a specific number plate, you can do so online through the government website. There you can easily use the DVLA’s resources to track down a car number plate in use. If you are looking for an unissued number plate then you can search current available stock of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.car.co.uk/number-plates">private reg plates</a>&nbsp;right here at Car.co.uk.

<h2>A number plate check</h2>

Running a <a href="https://www.car.co.uk/check-mot-history">number plate check</a> won’t tell you who the registered keeper of a car is, but you will be able to find out plenty of information about the car in question.

By running a check on a vehicle’s registration number, you can discover whether it’s taxed and if so, what its current tax rate is and when its tax runs out. You can also see if the vehicle has a valid MOT and when this is due to expire. The date when a vehicle was first officially registered can also be found through its number plate as well as the year it was manufactured. Additionally, a number of the vehicle’s basic specifications, like colour and engine size, can be quickly through the use of a number plate check, along with its carbon dioxide emissions statistics.

When a vehicle isn’t being used on the road, whether it’s being repaired, sold for parts or just sitting in a driveway or garage, it may have a Statutory Off Road Notice (SORN) attached to it. This can be seen by running a check of the number plate too.

<h2>How to check a number plate</h2>

Checking a number plate is a relatively simple task. The quickest way is online using the government website. You’ll find a page online where you are asked to enter the vehicle’s registration displayed on its plate. The online form is then sent to the DVLA’s data banks and instantly you’ll be supplied with a list of various details about the vehicle in question, from its colour to whether it’s completed its annual MOT. However, this check will not disclose the owner of the vehicle.&nbsp;

While checking a number plate is free online through the government website, for a fee you can also carry out an HPI vehicle history check, which may tell you far more about the vehicle. Along with discovering if there are any finance agreements attached to a specific car, an HPI check can tell you many other useful details about a vehicle’s history. If it’s been reported lost or stolen, or been involved in a crime or major accident, this will also be shown. HPI checks are always recommended before purchasing a car whether it’s from a dealership, private seller and especially when bought at auction. A fee of just £25 can buy you some peace of mind when you’re trying to make a purchase. Bear in mind, it’s worth checking what useful information the government can supply for free before running a paid HPI check.

<h2>Find a car owner by number plate</h2>

Under data protection laws, which protect an individual’s right to privacy, it’s not quite as simple to identify the owner of a specific number plate, and a quick registration plate check online via the DVLA will not turn up any results.

There may be many reasons you might like to find out who the owner of a car with a specific number plate is. You could be trying to find information on a vehicle that seems to have been abandoned near your home or maybe you want to trace a car that damaged your own in a collision, but either way you’ll need to take a different approach to discover who the car’s owner is.

You’ll need a valid reason for wanting to identify the number plate’s current owner and you’ll have to fill out the appropriate application form and make a payment for the service.

<h2>Check number plate owner</h2>

When you visit the government website page, which deals with checking number plates, you’ll see a section with information about identifying the registered keepers - both current or previous - of a vehicle. If you follow the link, you’ll find directions on how to request information on the car owner from the DVLA.

This application for information has to be made in writing and you must have what the DVLA describe as ‘reasonable cause’. Examples of these include if you’re trying to locate a car that was involved in a traffic incident or you’re looking to find the registered keeper of a vehicle that’s been abandoned. If a car has been left on your private land and you want to identify its owner this is also an acceptable reason for such a request.

Criminal issues, such as trying to trace number plates associated with drivers taking goods or services without payment, or those involved in insurance fraud, are other valid examples.

If you’re employed to issue parking notices or trespass notices, then you can request the registered keeper of a number plate from the DVLA, but your organisation must be a member of either the International Parking Community or the British Parking Community.

If you are an individual making a request to identify the registered keeper of a car you should apply by filling in a V88 form. If you’re part of an organisation tracing parking or trespass issues, then you should use a V88/3 form instead. There will also be a charge for this service outlined on the application form.

While you cannot buy a number plate from a scrapped car, there are options for retaining and transferring personalised number plates. These safeguards help the DVLA prevent fraud, maintain accurate vehicle registration records, and ensure each vehicle has a unique identifier.

If you're thinking of scrapping your car, make sure to follow the proper procedures for retaining or transferring a personalised number plate to avoid losing the rights to it. And when you're ready to scrap it,<a href="https://www.car.co.uk/scrap-my-car" style="text-decoration:none"> use our free service</a> to get an instant quote, arrange a free collection, and get on-the-spot payment.

In the UK, it is illegal to use a number plate from a scrapped vehicle on another car. When a vehicle is scrapped, its registration number is effectively retired along with it, as it is permanently associated with that specific vehicle. Using a number plate from a scrapped vehicle can result in fines up to £1,000 and potentially other penalties.

A plate belongs to the vehicle,not an owner, and there’s much we can tell from today’s car number plates, from where a vehicle was registered to <a href="https://www.car.co.uk/media/blogs/general/what-year-is-my-car">how old it is</a>. Plates carry a series of characters that includes both letters and numbers helping both officials and owners identify and keep track of them. Being able to tell so much about a car just from its number plate can be invaluable, particularly if you’re looking to purchase one. Not only can you quickly assess its age, but by entering the registration number into the DVLA search engine online you can access all kinds of information about it, from when its MOT or tax expires to the size of its engine.

Here in the UK, newly registered number plates change on two dates every year to make it easier for both the authorities and buyers to identify a car’s age, and it is strictly prohibited by law to put a new number plate on an older vehicle to make it seem younger than it actually is. If you are looking to buy a new registration then you can <a href="https://www.car.co.uk/number-plates">buy a private registration</a> through Car.co.uk.

If you’ve ever wondered when and why number plates change in the UK, read on for a full explanation. You’ll also find out how number plates changing can affect the price you pay for a new car.

<h2>New number plates</h2>

Since their inception, number plates have been through a variety of different formats. The first plates featured the smallest number of characters. They began with one or two letters indicating the local authority in which the car was registered followed by a number in a sequence, running from 1 to 9999. The letters used corresponded to a code, based often on the importance or size of a local council, for example, London was denoted by an A.

By the year 1932, the number of free codes had diminished, and a new system was put in place acting as an extension. A serial letter was added before the letters, and the number would now only go up to 999. Due to the popularity of cars, by the 1950s this series had already run out of road. The next scheme was known as prefix registration. This featured a letter which indicated the year, for example an X reg indicated the year 2000, followed by a number, of one to three digits and finished with a three-letter code to identify where the car was registered to.

From 2001 to the present day, number plates feature two letters to show where the car was registered followed by two numbers to indicate its age and then the last three letters are randomly issued to car dealerships to identify an individual vehicle.

When looking into how number plates change and how often this takes place, it’s the two numbers showing a car’s age that are important to study. Twice a year, once in spring and then again in autumn, these numbers will be different on new registration plates issued.

<h2>When do number plates change?</h2>

Every year the new number plates issued in the UK undergo a change, so when do new number plates come out? New number plates are issued in <a href="https://www.car.co.uk/media/blogs/general/what-year-is-my-car">two sets each year throughout the UK</a>.

On March 1st, the first new plates for the year will come out. Then in autumn, on September 1st, the second set are released. Since the system for number plates was initiated back in 2001, the first set of new plates issued from March to September feature the last two digits of the year as the third and fourth character displayed.

Plates issued from March 1st until August 31st will take these two characters from the last two digits of the year. For example, for the year 2019 all number plates issued will have 19 on them.

From September 1st until the end of February each plate will take the last two digits of the year and add 50. Therefore, for the year 2019 all new plates issued from September 1st until 2019 will feature the number 69. From the March 1st, 2020, the new plates will then feature the number 20 and after September the number 70 and so forth.

This means that plates issued in January and February of any year, will bear the numbers of the previous period, i.e. the number issued in September.

<h2>Why do UK number plates change after 6 months?</h2>

Unlike many other licence plates around the world, UK registrations include an age identifier. The system isn’t just an effective way of ensuring a constant supply of new numbers for the ever-expanding car market; it’s also an easy way for car buyers and authorities to assess <a href="https://www.car.co.uk/media/blogs/general/what-year-is-my-car">how old a vehicle is</a>. With number plates changing the characters that indicate a car’s age, we can work out how old a vehicle is to within six months at a glance. For example, if you see a car with 18 on its plate you know immediately it’s from 2018 and if it has a 68 on it, the same is also true but it was issued after September.

Due to the popularity of finance deals in today’s economy, car buyers are often letting go of brand new cars within the first few years of possessing them. This means the term ‘used cars’ is no longer the stigma it perhaps once was. Often in perfect working order, sometimes still inside their original warranty, used cars are a more financially viable solution for many when buying personal transport. With new cars facing a drop of value of up to 60 percent in their first three years, many car buyers are happy to let someone else take the hit and purchase a second hand car instead. With this growing market for used cars, the ability to identify vehicle age accurately has never been more necessary.

<h2>When is the best time to buy a new car?</h2>

There are lots of tips and strategies offered by experts when it comes to the best time on your calendar for purchasing a brand new set of wheels. When the new number plates are issued, it’s always worth looking at them because this can have an impact on the kind of deals available.

In the months prior to a change in number plate, you may find that dealerships are often slashing their prices and offering considerable bargains. Why is this? To answer that question, we need to remember that many buyers in the market for a new car, as opposed to a used one, are looking for the very latest model available. Whether they plan to keep the car or trade it in after a couple of years, they want to ensure that it’s as up to date as possible to add to its value. Many buyers will wait for the new plates issued in March and September, which causes a lull in sales in the immediate months prior, February and August. Picking up a car in either of these months could save you money on a new car while sales at the dealership are slow and they’ll often be offering discounted deals.

However, only buy during this time if you’re seeking a bargain and don’t need the very latest vehicle to be content or have concerns about your car depreciating in value.

Sales employees at dealerships work on quarterly sales to get their commission, so every three months you’ll find more deals offered. June and December are historically the best for discounted prices as dealers face the halfway and end point of their sales year and are eager to meet their targets.

Just what kind of car you’re looking for and what season of the year it is can also have an impact when you’re seeking the ideal time to buy a brand new vehicle. Convertibles are a popular purchase in summer, so if that’s what you’re looking for try buying in winter and you’re likely to be offered better deals. In turn, four-wheel drives tend to peak in sales in the colder months of the year, so if you’re after a vehicle with a bit more traction and need to get off road, visit the dealerships over summer.

<h2>2020 number plates</h2>

The first 2020 number plates were issued on March 1st and featured the number 20 to mark the new year. Number plates issued in the autumn of 2020 from September 1st until March of 2021 will have the number 70 displayed.

Plates issued in January and February of 2020 will still feature the numerals to indicate the second half of 2019 and will display 69.

<h2 style="line-height:1.38; margin-top:24px; margin-bottom:5px">Do I have to scrap my personalised number plate along with my car?</h2>

There are a multitude of reasons why a car owner might want to identify the value of a <a href="https://www.car.co.uk/number-plates">number plate</a> in their possession. Perhaps you’re planning to scrap your car and are wondering if it might be advantageous holding onto your number plate or you are looking to sell a vehicle, but you think selling its registration plate separately might be more profitable? 
After all, if your number plate spells out a version of a name or popular phrase, in the right market, it might be in very high demand.

Regardless of your reasons for looking into what people might pay to purchase your plate, you’ll find plenty of information on the subject below. From ways you can evaluate your plate to how much it might be worth, along with the many factors that affect its price we’ll discuss all the ins and outs you need to be aware of when investigating the value of your car number plate.

<h2>Find out how much a number plate is worth</h2>

The most common step for most people looking for a quote for their number plate is to approach either a physical dealer in registration plates or one based online. Sometimes dealers will have dedicated phone numbers you can call for a quote, but online you’ll often find most sites that trade in number plates feature an online calculator that can offer you a quick evaluation.

For the most part, these estimated values are given freely and with no obligation to sell. If you’re dissatisfied with the quote given, you’re then typically encouraged to contact the dealer to discuss. For example, you may feel your number plate has a unique selling point the online calculator has missed, and a call can provide an opportunity to clear this up for a more appropriate estimate.

If you opt to take advantage of the free service of a number plate valuation, you’ll be asked for some details on both you and your car. Your name and how best to contact you will be needed along with your registration number. If the number plate is presently attached to a vehicle, you’ll be asked to provide expiry dates for both MOT and vehicle tax. If the registration number is on a certificate, you’ll also be asked for the date this expires as well.

After supplying this data you’ll receive a reply, often by email, with an appraisal of your plate’s estimated value, as well as all your available options if you intend to sell the registration. Typically, an account will be created for you to sell through the online site, which will also allow you to amend the details of the plate, such as the selling price and if you’d like to increase or decrease the amount used for the advertisement.

The quote you receive for your number plate is normally the exact sum you’ll be awarded after a successful sale with no further deductions to account for. The dealer will usually add their own commission on top of this figure when the item is sold. While this is the usual method for such transactions, always make sure you get to grips with the terms and conditions of any sale, ensuring you understand exactly how selling fees and commission charges could affect the final sale price.&nbsp;

<h2>Number plate price check</h2>

Valuing the worth of a number plate prior to selling isn’t a simple task to perform on your own as you’ll find there are several different factors that come into play when making an estimate. These factors include the number of characters on the plate and if popular names or common words or phrases are indicated by the numbers and letters.

If you’re seeking to sell or are simply curious on price, it’s a wise idea to get some expert assistance from dealers who trade in number plates. Always choose a free service that advertises no obligation to sell and make sure you research your dealer well, checking both credentials and reputation.

The selling of private plates has been known to generate large rewards with personalised plates bought for up to tens of thousands of pounds. While a comprehensive valuation for your number plate is always the best way to assess its value, here are a few of the deciding factors involved, which can increase or decrease the price your plate may sell for. While not an accurate assessment, they may give you a hint of the selling potential of your own unique number plate.

Two factors that could help show how much your number plate’s worth are how often individuals are searching online for it and how common it is. If there are many number plates similar to yours, this will detract from its value when sold. However, if it features commonly sought-after initials or names it could be worth a lot more.

While every single number plate is unique and therefore rare, there are some registrations considered rarer than others that command higher prices when sold.

Some names for example, can be described on number plates using a variety of different combinations of characters, so if your registration features a name with multiple possibilities it’ll usually be priced lower than one that bears a name that’s difficult to represent. Popular names in demand, such as John or Sarah, are often well priced too.

If your plate is personalised and clearly spells out a name, word or phrase then it’ll typically be expected to claim a higher price tag than a standard registration plate. When plates have numbers on them, the lower they are the higher the price they fetch. The numeral “1” is usually the most coveted and will add significant value to your number plate when present.

The number of characters on a plate must also be taken into consideration when working out its worth. As a rule, shorter plate numbers are normally worth more. The reason for the popularity of plates with fewer characters is they tend to be older registrations. Shorter plates are not discovered in circulation as commonly as the more modern and longer plate numbers. First utilised over a century ago, they are considered a rarity and priced accordingly as they are highly prized by those who specialise in registration numbers.

The value of your number plate can also be assessed by studying what comparable registration plates are selling for presently or have sold for in the past. A specialist dealer in registration plates will research this history and use it to make an appropriate appraisal of your number plate’s worth. They’ll also be aware of trends in the market and take this into consideration.

Of all the factors when trying to sell a private number plate, price is the most important aspect to get right when looking to achieve a successful sale, so remember to be realistic when deciding on this amount. Acquiring an experienced dealer’s assistance is always advised to get the best possible price for your plate.

If you’re curious to know what a dealer might charge to help sell your registration plate, you’ll be pleased to know this is typically free. However, you also might have the option of a premium paid-for service. Such a service will normally include your number plate being promoted more prominently on the dealer’s site to better attract interest from buyers.

<h2>What happens when selling my number plate?</h2>

If you decide to go ahead, your number plate is then listed for sale on the dealer’s website. When someone buys your registration, they’ll be required to pay the amount you’re asking and a commission payable to the dealer along with a fee to the DVLA who process the transfer of the plate to the new owner.

Before the deal takes place, you’ll receive confirmation in writing of the whole process. The dealer will request from you the V5C Registration Document, commonly called a logbook, attached to the number plate. If the registration is not on a vehicle but on certificate, you’ll be asked instead for either a Retention Certificate (V778) or Certificate of Entitlement (V750) along with the appropriate authorisation for administration of the certificate.

The dealer managing the transaction should ensure they’re holding fully cleared funds from the number plate buyer before going ahead with the transfer of ownership and should inform you clearly when you’ll receive your payment in full for the sold registration.

It’s the dealer’s responsibility to ensure all pertinent documentation is checked and submitted to the DVLA. They should also keep you informed every step of the way during the process and ensure that you fully understand the procedure of selling your number plate before the deal is finalised.

Using the steps outlined above, you can also transfer a car's number plate to another vehicle. A seller can do the same when<a href="https://www.car.co.uk/media/blogs/general/6-best-ways-to-sell-your-car-in-the-uk" style="text-decoration:none"> selling a car</a> by retaining the number plate and assigning it to their new vehicle.

If you plan to do this, or you're working with a seller to secure their number plate, be sure to finish the entire process before scrapping it. Otherwise, you will lose the rights to that number plate.

We’ve made buying your perfect private registration cheaper and easier than ever before.&nbsp;

We use the latest technology to search through over 50 million plate combinations and then refine results to suit you.

Car.co.uk sells DVLA registrations that have never been assigned to a vehicle as well as antique cherished British and Irish registrations.

We’ll supply DVLA registrations at less-than the issue price and promise never to be beaten on price, so you know that you’ll never find the same registration number cheaper anywhere else. And if you like, for a small fee we can &nbsp;handle the full transfer procedure for you and manage all legal documentation, as well as supplying the physical number plates.&nbsp;

We can even arrange for the registration to be placed on a retention certificate or for number plates to be gift-wrapped. Whatever you need, we’re here to make it personal.&nbsp;

<h2 style="line-height:1.38; margin-top:24px; margin-bottom:5px">The bottom line</h2>

While it hasn’t always been so, cars on UK roads today feature two colours of number plate. Yellow plates must be affixed to the back of vehicles with characters shown in black and the number plate at the front must be white with black characters. Laws regarding registration plates in the UK are very strict and infractions could cost you a failed MOT and a fine of up to £1,000. From the exact height and width of the characters to the material they’re crafted on, number plates have several rules car owners need to stick to. They even have their very own font known as Charles Wright. Although thanks to technology there’s a little room for customisation with 3D and 4D printing, when it comes to the colour of your plates, the Driver and Vehicle licensing Agency (DVLA) won’t budge.

But exactly why are number plates yellow and white here in the UK? If this is a question you’ve been curious about, then read on for some enlightening information on the two plates our cars carry everyday. From the laws that govern them to a history of plate colours you’ll find out everything you need to know about the current colour scheme of UK plates.&nbsp;

<h2>Number plate colours in the UK</h2>

Older <a href="https://www.car.co.uk/number-plates">number plates in the UK</a> were once black with either silver or white characters showing the alphanumerical registration display. In 1972, this style of plate was on its way out but still legal on cars and other vehicles up until the year 2012, when they were permanently phased out. Before 2012, this style of plate was accepted as legal if it was registered before January 1st 1973.

From the year 1979, all standard vehicles that didn’t come under this category had to carry the plates we see on our roads today, white at the front and yellow at the back.

Military vehicles still carry black plates with white or silver characters and, unlike the legal plates carried by our cars, aren’t fashioned from reflected material. This is to keep them safe and avoid them being targeted by laser sighted weapons, which can make use of a reflective finish to take aim.

<h2>What colour number plates are legal?</h2>

While the individual rules for registration plates can often feel complicated, it’s important you fully understand them to sidestep an unnecessary difficulty or financial loss. If you should fail to follow the government guidelines you might find yourself facing penalties that could include a fine of up to £1,000 for being caught by officials on the road or failing your essential MOT test.

The present format for number plates here in the UK consists of two letters then two numbers followed by three letters. The first two letters are called the memory tag from the DVLA and show the location of a car’s first registration. The two numbers that then follow state the vehicle’s age. If a car is registered between March and September it takes the last two digits of the year, for example in 2019, these would be one and nine. If the car is registered from September to March, it takes those two digits and adds fifty. So, cars registered after September in 2019 will have a six and a nine for the third and fourth numbers on their number plate. The final three letters on the plate are random and issued to dealerships and identify different vehicles.

To be considered legal, a number plate will comply with all the rules on size, spacing, margin requirements as well as font. It’ll also stick to the rigid requirements involving no patterns and set colours to make certain it’s always fully legible for both the authorities and other drivers to read. Some car owners who do not own the personalised plate they want might be tempted to add a black bolt close to a letter or number on a plate, so it better resembles the one they want, creating a phrase, word or name. However, the rules of number plates are so precise that they even specify the correct colour of screws used to bolt a plate in place. The use of black fixings on a plate are not allowed if they are close to the characters and interfere with how they’re read.&nbsp;

Here in the United Kingdom, it’s required by law that all cars carry two number plates - one at the front and one at the rear. The registration plate fitted to the front of the car must always be white in colour and display its characters in black. At the rear end of the vehicle the number plate must be yellow with black characters.

While this is non-negotiable, it’s possible to add a little colour to your number plates in the form of a selection of specific flags, which can be displayed on your registration. Drivers in the UK can choose from the blue and white of the St Andrew’s cross for Scotland, a red and white St George’s Cross for England or even the red Welsh Dragon. The white, red and blue of the Union Jack is also open to drivers if they desire.

You may have come across the term “Show Plates”. When drivers are displaying their vehicles, they sometimes dress them with show plates, often made of the same materials as regular number plates they allow for a more personal approach when it comes to design. As they’re for cars that aren’t on the road, they don’t need to adhere to the rigid rules that govern registration plates in this country. There’s no limit to the possibilities for these plates, they can use any colour they like for the background or the characters and can even contain a pattern. A motif or illustration, something which would be illegal on a UK plate, isn’t uncommon either on a show plate. The fonts used for the alphanumerical characters can also be bespoke creating unique designs for car owners to wear on their vehicles.

<h2>Why are number plates yellow and white?</h2>

You’ll often see online car forums discussing in depth the question why the UK has yellow and white number plates. Some car owners believe the yellow plate was chosen because it’s illegal to show a white light at the rear of your vehicle. All registration plates must be made from reflective material, so if your rear plate was white it might reflect a white light, which is against the law. Others think it’s a style we inherited from the French, who used registration plates long before us and once had yellow rear plates too. This changed in 2009 when France adopted black on white plates at both the front and rear of their vehicles.

According to the DVLA, the plates every car carries in the UK are different in colour for a simple reason. By having a yellow number plate at the rear and white plate at the front other drivers can quickly assess at a glance if they’re looking at the front or rear of a vehicle. This information then allows them to weigh up the likelihood of the vehicle either coming towards them or moving away from them.

The white background with black alphanumeric characters affords those viewing a vehicle the best opportunity of reading the registration clearly due to contrast so was picked for the front plate. For the rear plate, yellow was chosen as, after white, it was the next clearest colour for the human eye to read black characters on.

<h2>What’s the difference between white and yellow number plates in the UK?</h2>

The difference between the white and yellow plates on UK cars isn’t to do with the plates but where they’re placed. Since 1973, the white number plate with black characters must be fixed to the front of your car and the yellow to the back.

If you’re looking to get a set of yellow and white number plates made, they’re not difficult to come across. However, you’ll need some supporting documents to prove your identity and that you’re the registered keeper of the car. For proof of identity you’ll need photo identification, like your driver’s licence or passport, and some proof of where you live. This should be a bank statement or utility bill, but must be less than six months old. For proof of entitlement of the registration you’ll need your V5C registration document also known as a logbook. If you’ve misplaced this document, don’t worry it can be replaced. You can apply to the DVLA for a new one for a fee of £25.

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