Personalised & Private Number Plates Easily Explained by The Experts – CarReg UK
Since 1988, CarReg has been at the forefront of the private number plate industry in the UK. With nearly four decades of expertise, we’ve helped thousands of customers find the perfect personalised registration — whether for identity, privacy, status, or investment.
In this expert guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about personalised & private number plates: what they are, the different types available, why people buy them, and how CarReg makes the process seamless from start to finish.
What Are Private Number Plates?
Private number plates, also known as personalised, custom, or cherished registrations, are unique vehicle registration marks that allow individuals or businesses to display a chosen combination of letters and numbers on their vehicle. Unlike standard government-issued plates, these registrations can reflect a person’s name, initials, nickname, business, or even a memorable word or date. Personalised number plates tend to be more personal to the user of the vehicle, private number plates would be none personalised, more ascetically pleasing.
They are legal and fully compliant with DVLA regulations — and can be transferred between vehicles or held on certificate.
The Different Types of UK Private Plates
Not all private plates are created equal. The UK has several different styles of registration formats, each with its own appeal, price range, and history.
1. Current Style Plates (Post-2001)
- Format: AB51 CDE
- These are the plates currently issued by the DVLA and incorporate a region identifier and age code.
- Popular for combinations like BO55 CAR, DA11 LEE, or MU11 BMW.
2. Prefix Plates (1983–2001)
- Format: A123 XYZ
- The first letter shows the year of registration. These are affordable and often used to create name-like formats such as P3 TER or J4 MES.
3. Suffix Plates (1963–1983)
- Format: XYZ 123A
- The suffix letter indicates the year of issue. These are popular with classic car owners or collectors.
4. Dateless Plates (Pre-1963)
- Format: A 1, 123 AB, or XY 999
- These do not include a year identifier, making them suitable for any vehicle.
- Considered the most desirable and prestigious — often commanding high prices (e.g. 1 E, F 1, or A 1).
5. Northern Irish Plates
- Format: ABC 1234, often including I or Z
- These plates are dateless and typically lower in price.
- A budget-friendly way to obtain a private plate that hides a vehicle’s age.
Why Do People Buy Private Plates?
Personal Expression
Whether it’s your initials, name, nickname, or something clever, a private plate lets you make a statement.
Status & Exclusivity
Exclusive plates like VIP 1, CEO 1, or LAD 1 project success and individuality.
Hide the Vehicle’s Age
Dateless or Northern Irish plates can disguise a car’s registration year, giving it a cleaner, newer look.
Gifting
Private plates make exceptional gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, or business milestones.
Investment Potential
Rare plates appreciate over time — especially dateless, low-digit, or one-letter/one-number combinations. Plates like 25 O, 1 D and F 1 have fetched six and seven-figure sums at DVLA auction. Dealers have also sold short plates for high amounts.
How to Buy a Private Plate with CarReg
CarReg makes buying and assigning a private plate easy and hassle-free. Here’s how it works:
Search Online
Use our advanced search tool to browse plates by name, initials, budget, or plate style.
Buy Securely
Our website allows safe and secure transactions, with flexible payment options including credit card, PayPal, and finance (Klarna).
Transfer Service
We handle all DVLA paperwork, including assignment to a vehicle or retention certificate. Number plate transfers are our speciality.
Number Plate Manufacturing
Need the actual plates for your car? We supply road-legal, BS AU 145e-compliant acrylic plates — delivered nationwide, we are also a DVLA registered supplier.
Why Choose CarReg UK?
- Established in 1988 – over 35 years’ experience
- DVLA-recognised number plate supplier
- Thousands of plates in stock and available instantly
- Excellent reviews and five-star customer service
- Nationwide offices: London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and more
- Free UK delivery on physical plates
- Money-back guarantee for peace of mind
Frequently Asked Questions
Are private number plates legal?
Yes, as long as the plates follow the DVLA’s display regulations and spacing rules. We ensure all plates sold through CarReg comply with the law.
Can I transfer a plate to a new vehicle?
Yes. Plates can be reassigned to a new vehicle or held on a certificate (V778) until you're ready.
How much do private number plates cost?
Prices start from under £200 and can range to hundreds of thousands depending on rarity and demand.
Can I buy a plate as a gift?
Absolutely. We offer gift certificates and can help you complete the transfer after the occasion.
Get Started with CarReg Today
CarReg UK is the trusted name for private and personalised plates. Whether you are buying your first plate or expanding your collection, we’re here to help with expert advice, exclusive stock, and exceptional service.
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Call our friendly team on 01902 791 997
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