Private Number Plates

What are Private Number Plates?

A private number plate - also often referred to as a personalised number plate, private registration, or cherished number plate, is a personalised DVLA registration number issued to your motor vehicle. The Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency, or DVLA, is a government agency tasked with assigning car registrations.

Absolute Reg is a recognised reseller of DVLA Registrations, and we pride ourselves on our outstanding stock of over 50 million private registration plates. So, let us help you find the perfect private number plate for you and your car!

How Do I Buy a Private Number Plate?

1. Search For A Private Number Plate

Use our search bar to find out to search over 50 million private registrations. Whether it is for your business, to match your name, or simply something more personal, finding a private number plate that is as unique as you couldn’t be simpler.

2. Check to see if it is Suitable for Your Vehicle

When you’ve found your ideal number plate, you can check to see what private registrations are suitable for your vehicle. For example, you cannot attach a registration number to your vehicle that is younger than your vehicle (other than Northern Irish registration numbers).

3. Click “View and Buy” and Checkout

Once you’ve found the private number plate of your dreams, simply click the “View and Buy” button and checkout.

That’s it! Buying with Absolute Reg is a simple, effortless process!

Private Number Plates Styles 

Here at Absolute Reg, we cover all the bases with every type of private number plate style you could dream of. This means there are almost endless possibilities when it comes to purchasing your DVLA private plate.

Browse our range of number plate styles and see which one catches your eye.

Current/New Style

Current style number plates (or new style number plates), were first issued by the DVLA in 2001. These new-style registrations were implemented once the DVLA had exhausted the prefix age identifier.

The current style of registration uses two letters at the start, these represent the area in which the plate was issued. This is then followed by two numbers (either a 0 or a 5) and then the year date.

Suffix Style

Suffix-style registration plates use a letter at the end of the registration as an age identifier. These styles of plates were first issued in 1963 and were discontinued in 1982.

The letters at the end of the registration act as an age identifier, for example, registrations that end with an A represented 1983.

Prefix Style

Prefix number plates are by far one of the most popular types of private plates on the market. Similar to suffix registrations, the first character in prefix number plates shows the issue year. For example, B would mean the private plate was issued in 1984.

Prefix number plates were first issued in 1983 to solve the nationwide shortage of private plates.

Dateless

Dateless number plates are exactly how they sound, private registration plates without any age identifiers. 

The first dateless number plates were issued in two phases. First, the normal dateless number plates, and then the reversed dateless number plates.

Northern Irish

Northern Ireland (NI) number plates are dateless private registrations, meaning they are a great way to hide the age of your vehicle. With NI plates you can display your initials, lucky numbers, or even a nickname for a good price.

Northern Irish private registration plates are highly sought after and often increase in value as time goes on.

Why You Should Buy Your Private Number Plate from Absolute Reg

Largest Stock

With over 50 million registrations, we’ve got more plates than any other dealer – including the DVLA!

Price Promise

At Absolute Reg, we refuse to be beaten on price - our price promise guarantees that you will get the best deal on the best selection of private registration plates. 

Found a cheaper number plate elsewhere? Use our price promise form and we will be sure to match it or even beat it by £5 wherever possible.

Lifetime Customer Service

Whether it is 2 weeks after the date of your purchase or 2 years, our friendly after-sales team will be more than happy to help.

Rated Highest On-Time Delivery in 2020

Absolute Reg has been awarded the highest on-time delivery 2020 by Reviews.co.uk. Buy your private number plate online or over the phone today and find out why!

Selling Your Private Number Plate Registration

Absolute Reg is a registered reseller of DVLA registrations, so we are best placed to help you sell your private number plate quickly and easily.

We advertise your number plate across a breadth of channels including our socials and advertising platforms, national newspapers, and more. Ensuring that your private number plate is sold to the right buyer, for the right price.

You’ve got nothing to lose. We help you sell your private number plate at a great price, so what are you waiting for?

Apply for Finance for your Private Number Plate

Have you seen a private number plate that would be perfect for your vehicle, but just out of your price range? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Absolute Reg provides finance options so you can pay for your number plate in easy monthly installments. At the checkout, simply choose the finance option.

You can choose to finance your private number plate anywhere between 2 and 48 months without paying a deposit. 

Private Number Plate FAQs

Is it worth it to buy a private number plate?

To many owners of one, a private number plate is seen as a great investment either because it gives your car a touch of individuality, or as an asset that can appreciate in value over time. 

Can the DVLA create a number plate?

Yes, the DVLA is responsible for the creation of all registration plates in the UK. You can however only use private number plates on taxed UK vehicles.

Can I put my private number plate on straight away?

Before putting your new private number plate on your vehicle, you first need to get it approved. When you purchase a new number plate regardless of style, you need to send off an application to get it approved. Once it has been approved you can go ahead and fit your DVLA registration to your vehicle.

Do you have to pay to put private number plates on a car?

No, you do not need to pay to put your private number plate on your car. You just need to apply by post or online, both of which are free. You will also need the vehicle’s logbook (V5C). 

Can I put my private number plate on any car?

Not quite, there are certain restrictions to adding DVLA number plates to your car. For example, you cannot make the car look newer than it is. So you cannot add an 08 age identifier to a car that was registered in 2006.