How to Buy from a Number Plate Dealer

How do I choose a personalised number plate?

The first step in buying from a number plate dealer is to find the private number plate that's suitable for you. People look for plates which contain their name or part of their name, their initials, the make or model of the car, a business name, favourite sport, town they live in, something amusing or anything that they feel will personalise their car. Sometimes plates are purchased as an investment and we've seen the price paid for some plates rise dramatically over the years, but as with any investment, prices can also fall.

Use the search box above to search for your ideal private number plate or just to get some ideas.

Remember you can't use a number plate to make a vehicle appear newer than it is (have a look at the way the year of issue is shown on a number plate). Also, decide on your price range. Private plates are subject to VAT - so check whether this is to be added on or whether it is included in the price already. Beware of some dealers who fail to make the total price clear until right at the end of the buying process.

All transactions are subject to a DVLA fee of £80 per plate. DVLA fees are not subject to VAT. Again, make sure you know what you will be paying in total.

What do I need to do to get my new registration made into number plates for my car?

The actual acrylic plates are often not included when you purchase a registration so you should enquire about these when you buy your registration. All reputable dealers will be able to supply them directly to you as they have the appropriate documentation and they will also have direct access to a registered number plate supplier. Alternatively you can have your own made up at a registered number plate supplier. The supplier will need to see documentation which proves your name and address and that you are allowed to use the registration number.

National Numbers recommends Replace My Plates as a convenient way to purchase road legal acrylic plates of high quality.

Online and Telephone Ordering

Many people buy number plates online and reputable dealers provide their customers with a secure site which allows online ordering. If you are paying online, as with any online purchase, check that the site is secure and that the company is reputable.

If you prefer to discuss your purchase, then most dealers are happy to discuss your purchase on the phone. Dealers have a vast amount of experience at matching plates to people for a range of budgets. Again, don't be afraid to ask about additional payments, timescales and money-back guarantees etc.

How can be sure that a number plate dealer is reputable?

It's a good idea to buy from a member of the Cherished Numbers Dealers Association (CNDA) - this is the main governing body of the industry. CNDA is affiliated to the Retail Motor Industry which provides an arbitration service in the unlikely event that things go seriously wrong and you can't resolve your complaint with the company direct.

Visit the CNDA website.

What can I expect from a number plate dealer?

Dealers should confirm your purchase in writing/email, after asking for a deposit to secure your chosen number plate while you send in the necessary documentation. The deposit should usually be no more than 10% to 20%. This should be fully refundable in the event that the transaction does not proceed. Every number plate is unique and, with registrations being bought and sold all the time, dealers cannot always guarantee that a number plate will be available.

How does the transfer work if the number plate has never been on a vehicle?

If the personal number plate has never been on a vehicle, then it will be supplied as a V75 (Certificate of Entitlement). In this case, you will be asked for a "nominee". This is the name of the keeper of the vehicle to which the registration will eventually be assigned.

Usually, the V75 (Certificate of Entitlement) can be sent to you along with a letter of instruction as to how to assign the plate, however, some V75 (Certificate of Entitlement)'s cannot be released since they are in a "third party" name. If you are not ready to assign the private number plate to your vehicle, ask the dealer if the V75 (Certificate of Entitlement) can be released to you. If not, arrangements can be made to hold the V75 (Certificate of Entitlement) until you can supply suitable documents.

Financing your Private Registration

The majority of dealers accept major debit and credit cards and cheques as payment.

If you have found the ideal personal number plate but you can't quite afford it, ask the dealer if they provide number plate finance. National Numbers provide several finance options, including zero interest finance and normal credit agreements.

The Benefits of using a Dealer

All the above is included for your interest, but remember - when you buy through a dealer, you are buying from the experts. Let them organise everything for you - that's what you're paying them for!

Lastly, it's a good idea to check that your chosen dealer has a good after sales service. National Numbers have achieved a mark of 'Excellent' on TrustPilot, with a score of 4.9 from 4329 reviews.