Different Number Plate Types
DVLA Number Plates
Search and buy DVLA number plates from New Reg — a DVLA recognised reseller established in 1990 and the first company to sell personalised registrations online in 1996. We provide access to over 72 million registrations from the DVLA's database of unissued stock, covering current style, prefix, suffix and dateless formats. All purchases include full DVLA transfer handled by our expert team, a price match guarantee, and 0% finance options.
What Are DVLA Number Plates?
DVLA number plates is the term commonly used to describe personalised vehicle registrations that are issued or overseen by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency — the government body responsible for all vehicle registrations in the UK. The DVLA maintains a large database of unissued registrations available for purchase by the public, either directly through its own website or via DVLA recognised resellers such as New Reg.
The DVLA's unissued stock spans all four registration formats — current style, prefix, suffix and dateless — though the majority of available stock consists of current and prefix style plates. Suffix and dateless registrations are older plates that predate the modern age-identifier system and are predominantly traded on the secondary market between private owners and dealers. For a full guide to every UK registration format and the years they cover, see our car registration years guide.
New Reg — DVLA Recognised Reseller Since 1990
New Reg has been a DVLA recognised reseller since 1990, and in 1996 became the first company in the UK to sell personalised registrations online. As a recognised reseller, we are listed on the DVLA Personalised Registrations website and are authorised to sell registrations directly from the DVLA's database of unissued stock.
We are also registered under the DVLA's Register of Number Plate Suppliers (RNPS) — the government scheme introduced in 2003 requiring all suppliers of physical acrylic number plates to meet strict manufacturing and identification standards. This means that when you buy from New Reg, both the registration transfer and the physical plates themselves are handled in full compliance with DVLA regulations.
New Reg is FCA regulated (No. 626225), offers a price match guarantee, and provides 0% finance on eligible registrations. All transfers are handled by our expert team — you do not need to deal with the DVLA directly.
DVLA Number Plate Auctions
The DVLA holds regular online auctions where it sells new and previously unreleased registrations — typically combinations it has identified as commercially desirable, such as short dateless plates or combinations that spell names or words. Auction plates are sold to the highest bidder and popular combinations can reach significant prices. The DVLA has raised over £2.5 billion for the Treasury through registration sales since 1989.
New Reg's stock includes plates sourced from across the market, so if you are looking for a specific combination, our search tool is the fastest way to check availability across both unissued DVLA stock and privately held registrations.
Does the DVLA Buy Back Number Plates?
No — the DVLA does not buy back private registrations. If you want to sell a number plate, you need to use a private dealer or sell directly to a buyer. New Reg offers free plate valuations and can help you sell your registration. Visit our sell my number plate page to get a free valuation.
DVLA Number Plate Formats
| Format | Years | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Current style | 2001–present | AB23 XYZ |
| Prefix | 1983–2001 | C21 JON |
| Suffix | 1963–1983 | JON 321C |
| Dateless | Pre-1963 | JON 321 |
DVLA Number Plates — Common Questions
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What are DVLA number plates?DVLA number plates are vehicle registrations issued or overseen by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. The term is commonly used for personalised registrations available from the DVLA's database of unissued stock, covering current, prefix, suffix and dateless formats. Dealers like New Reg are DVLA recognised resellers, meaning we can sell these registrations directly to the public.
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Can I buy DVLA number plates directly from the DVLA?Yes — the DVLA sells unissued registrations via its own website and through periodic auctions. However, many desirable plates have already been sold and are only available through the secondary market via dealers like New Reg. As a DVLA recognised reseller, New Reg provides access to both unissued DVLA stock and privately held registrations, with 0% finance and full transfer support.
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What is a DVLA recognised reseller?A DVLA recognised reseller is a company approved by the DVLA to sell personalised registrations from the government's database of unissued stock. New Reg has held this status since 1990 and is listed on the DVLA Personalised Registrations website. All transactions are fully DVLA compliant.
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Does the DVLA hold auctions for number plates?Yes — the DVLA holds regular online auctions selling new and previously unreleased registrations, typically combinations identified as commercially desirable. Auction plates are sold to the highest bidder and popular combinations can reach significant prices. The DVLA has raised over £2.5 billion for the Treasury through registration sales since 1989.
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What types of DVLA number plates are available?DVLA number plates come in four formats: current style (2001–present, e.g. AB23 XYZ), prefix style (1983–2001, e.g. C21 JON), suffix style (1963–1983, e.g. JON 321C), and dateless style (pre-1963, e.g. JON 321). Current and prefix plates make up the majority of unissued DVLA stock.
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Will the DVLA buy back my number plate?No — the DVLA does not buy back private registrations. To sell a number plate you need to use a private dealer or sell directly to a buyer. New Reg offers free valuations and can help you sell your registration through our network.
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How do I transfer a DVLA number plate to my vehicle?Once you purchase from New Reg, our team handles the entire DVLA transfer process on your behalf. You will need your V5C logbook and a valid MOT if your vehicle is over three years old. The transfer is completed directly with the DVLA and typically takes 3–5 working days.
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What is the DVLA Register of Number Plate Suppliers?The DVLA Register of Number Plate Suppliers (RNPS) is a government scheme introduced in 2003 requiring all companies that manufacture or supply physical acrylic number plates to be registered with the DVLA. The scheme helps combat vehicle-related crime. New Reg is a registered RNPS supplier.