Have you ever wondered what your personalised number plate is worth? Maybe you’ve had it for years and feel it’s time to sell, or perhaps you’re just curious about its value.
Finding out the worth of a private plate in the UK can seem confusing, especially if it’s a novelty registration or has sentimental value. What affects its price? And where can you even sell it? You don’t want to guess or sell it for less than it’s worth. But don’t worry!
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about valuing your private number plate. You will have a clear idea of how much it’s worth and where and how you can sell it if you want to.
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| Did You Know?The reg 25 O is the most expensive private plate ever sold in the UK. It was purchased in 2014 by a classic car dealer and collector, John Collins, for £518,000. The plate’s high value was due to its reference to the most valuable classic cars ever built—the Ferrari 250 TR and Ferrari 250 GTO. John used his pricey plate by putting it on his £10 million 1961 Ferrari 250 SWB. |
Where Can You Sell Your Plate Number?
If you’re considering selling your private plate, you have a few different options, each with its benefits.
- Private Sales: This is one of the most straightforward ways to sell your plate. You can list it on online classifieds like Gumtree or AutoTrader. The benefit is that you can negotiate directly with potential buyers. However, you might have to wait longer to find someone willing to pay your asking price.
- Number Plate Dealers: There are many specialised dealers across the UK who focus on buying and selling personalised plates. Dealers like Regtransfers and New Reg will give you a quote for your plate and handle all the paperwork. The downside is that they may charge a commission or offer you a lower price compared to private sales.
- Auctions: An auction could be your best bet if you have a rare or highly desirable plate. DVLA regularly holds auctions where private plates are sold, sometimes fetching thousands of pounds. Be prepared for bidding wars and auction fees, though!
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Factors Affecting the Price of Your Number Plate
Several factors can influence how much your private plate is worth. Some are straightforward, like the plate’s age, while others, like the match quality, require more explanation.
Number Plate Age
Older plates, especially those with fewer characters, tend to be worth more. For example, plates from the 1960s or 1970s that feature short combinations of letters and numbers are highly sought after. A plate like “A1” or “S 1” could fetch a huge sum because it’s both short and old. In contrast, a newer plate like “XX19 ABC” may not be as valuable due to its modern format.
Rarity of Number Plates
Like any collectable, the rarer your plate, the more it’s likely to be worth. Plates that feature unique letter and number combinations or stand out for their originality are in high demand. For example, plates with few characters (like “1 AB” or “A 2”) or uncommon names can drive up the value significantly.
Popularity of Names and Initials
Plates that include common names or initials are often worth more because they appeal to a broader audience. If you own a plate like “JON 1” or “SUE 2,” it could be worth a lot since it’s personalised for many people named Jon or Sue. The more universal your plate is, the higher the chance you’ll find someone willing to pay top dollar for it.
Numbers
Shorter numbers or those with symbolic meanings can increase a number plate’s value. Single or double digits are usually more valuable. For example, “7” is a lucky number and highly prized. Repeated numbers like “111” or “999” also fetch higher prices.
Letters
Specific letters can also affect the value of your plate. The rarer the letter combination, the more desirable it becomes. If your plate spells out a recognisable word, name, or something that holds significance, such as “VIP” or “CEO,” it could be worth much more.
Private Plate Price Trends
The market for private plates has grown significantly over the years. Celebrities and car enthusiasts have increased demand for personalised plates, which has skyrocketed the value of some plates.
Keep an eye on current trends by checking auction results or looking at listings on specialised websites like SmartCarCheck.uk. If your plate is trendy or matches a popular name or phrase, its value may rise even more.
Match Quality
A crucial factor in valuing a plate is how well it matches a name or phrase. Perfect matches are more valuable than close or partial matches. For example, a plate like “CHR 1S” would be a perfect match for someone named Chris, making it highly desirable.
On the other hand, a plate like “J17 MES,” intended to represent “JAMES,” might not be as valuable because the “17” doesn’t look exactly like an “A.” Close, but not perfect.
Other examples:
- G16 LLL – intended match: “GILL,” but the number 6 and repeated L’s detract from its value.
- S4 RAH – intended match: “SARAH,” a fairly good match but not perfect.
Number Plate Styles
There are different styles of plates in the UK, each affecting their value. A “dateless” plate, which doesn’t have an age identifier, is usually worth more because it can be used on any vehicle without revealing its age.
Plates with prefixes or suffixes, which indicate the year of issue, might be less valuable but can still attract buyers, especially if they spell out something unique.
Type of Match
A plate that closely resembles a common word, name, or phrase is typically worth more. The closer the match, the higher the value. For instance, plates like “CEO 1” or “DOC 2” can easily be linked to professions, making them more desirable.
However, a plate with mismatched numbers and letters, such as “L15 AON” intended to spell “LISA,” may not be as valuable since the “15” doesn’t perfectly represent an “I” or “S.”
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Conclusion
Figuring out how much your private number plate is worth involves various factors. From the age and rarity of your plate to how well it matches a name or phrase, every detail plays a part in determining its value.
If you’re thinking about selling, consider your options carefully—whether through private sales, number plate dealers, or auctions.If you’re also selling your car or buying from a seller, you can determine its value using our car value check tool, which provides real-time market value data. Just type in your registration number and provide your email address, and you’ll get a quick estimate of what the car could sell for.
