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Cherished Number Plates Search
To find a list of private registrations that meet your requirements, just indicate the desired number of digits, letters, or numbers. This search method is particularly useful for potential investors who are seeking affordable cherished dateless plates..
Prefix Private Registration Plates
Prefix number plates are a popular and eye-catching style of vehicle registration. They were issued between 1983 and 2001, and the prefix indicates the year of registration. The first letter on the plate signifies the year in which the vehicle was registered, followed by a unique combination of numbers and letters. Prefix plates have become highly sought after due to their distinct design and age-related significance. Additionally, they offer personalisation options for drivers looking to add a unique touch to their vehicles.
Suffix Private Plates
Suffix style registration plates were introduced in 1963 and were in use till 1983. The registration plates comprise three letters, one to three numbers, and a final letter indicating the year of registration, starting with "A" for 1963, "B" for 1964, and so on. If you are interested in purchasing a suffix private plate, you can utilise our easy-to-use suffix plate builder that provides instant results at an unbeatable price. With our platform, you can customise your plate by selecting your preferred letters and numbers to create a unique registration that reflects your personality. Our suffix plates are high-quality and legal for use on UK roads, so you can be sure of getting a great value for your money.
Current Style Car Registrations
The existing style of number plates is made up of seven characters. It starts with two letters, followed by a two-digit number and ends with three more letters. These registration plates can still be used to spell out words, for example: DE51 RED. This type of new number plate allows for a much larger number of combinations compared to the previous versions that were available before 2001. However, the letters "I" and "Q" are not allowed, but the letter "Z" can appear as part of the last three characters.
Personalised Number Plates
Search and buy personalised number plates from New Reg — the UK's most trusted
private plate dealer. Established in 1991 and the first company to sell personalised registrations
online in 1996, we list over 72 million DVLA plates across all styles
and price ranges. Whether you're looking for a current style plate with your initials, a cherished
dateless registration, or a unique combination that means something special, our search tool makes
it easy to find exactly what you're looking for. All plates come with a price match
guarantee, 0% finance options, and full DVLA transfer handled by our
expert team.
A personalised number plate — also known as a private registration or cherished
plate — is one of the most popular ways to add a personal touch to your vehicle. Unlike a standard
DVLA-issued plate, a personalised registration lets you choose a combination of letters and numbers
that reflects your name, initials, profession, or interests. New Reg is a DVLA recognised
reseller and FCA regulated (No. 626225) dealer, giving you complete
confidence when you buy. Personalised plates can also be a shrewd investment — many increase in
value over time — and they make truly memorable gifts.
Private number plates
are available in a range of styles to suit every taste and budget. Use our search tool above to
find the perfect combination — by name, initials, word, or number — and browse matching
registrations with prices clearly displayed.
Types of Personalised Number Plates
Current Style Number Plates
The current style — introduced by the DVLA in 2001 — is the most widely recognised format
on UK roads today. Each registration begins with two letters denoting the region of origin,
followed by two numbers indicating the vehicle's age, then three random letters to create a
unique identifier. Current style plates are the most affordable entry point for a
personalised number plate and are ideal for spelling out initials or short words.
Browse current style plates.
Prefix Private Plates
Prefix number plates are highly popular among those investing in personalised registrations.
The sequence starts with one letter relating to the vehicle's age, followed by up to three
numbers, a space, then three letters — ensuring a unique combination. Issued between 1983 and
2001, prefix plates offer a great range of personal combinations at competitive prices.
Browse prefix plates.
Suffix Private Plates
Suffix number plates preceded prefix plates — introduced in 1963 to increase the number
of available combinations. The year letter is placed at the end of the sequence rather than
the start. Due to their age and limited availability, suffix plates tend to be among the more
sought-after styles of personalised registration and can represent excellent long-term value.
Browse suffix plates.
Dateless Number Plates — Cherished Registrations
Dateless registrations are among the most prestigious and desirable type of personalised number
plate. Active on UK vehicles from 1903 to 1962, they carry no age identifier — meaning they can
be placed on any vehicle regardless of age. They can display letters or numbers first; the latter
is known as a reversed dateless plate. Their rarity and prestige make them a popular investment
choice. Browse dateless plates.
Irish Personalised Number Plates
Irish number plates — issued by the DVLNI (Driver & Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland) —
are prized because they carry no age identifier and can be displayed on any vehicle without
revealing its age. Usually consisting of three letters representing the area followed by a
sequence of up to four numbers, Irish plates offer a unique and affordable way to personalise
your vehicle. Browse Irish number plates.
Buying a Personalised Number Plate
Buying your personalised number plate is straightforward at New Reg. Simply use the search
tool to find the combination of letters and numbers you want — such as your initials, name, or
a meaningful word — and you'll be presented with a list of matching registrations and their
prices. Once you've found the right plate, our expert team handles the entire DVLA transfer
process on your behalf. Transfers typically take 3–5 working days where payment clears
successfully and all documentation is provided correctly. In some cases we are able to conduct
the transfer online, making the process almost immediate.
How Much is a Personalised Number Plate Worth?
A personalised number plate is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. The most
desirable plates — those featuring common names, short words, or low-number combinations —
command the highest prices due to demand. Prices at New Reg start from as little as £99, with
rarer dateless and cherished registrations reaching into the thousands. Many personalised plates
increase in value over time, making them a popular alternative investment as well as a stylish
addition to any vehicle.
Selling a Personalised Number Plate
New Reg can provide you with a free, no-obligation
valuation of your private registration number.
Simply enter your registration mark and provide your contact details and we'll send you a quote.
We deal with all styles of registration — from dateless, suffix and prefix plates to current
style sequences. If your registration is on a vehicle and the buyer is having it transferred to
a certificate, you will be paid when we receive the new certificate from the DVLA correctly.
We are able to pay via bank transfer (BACS) or cheque, whichever you prefer.
Personalised Number Plates — Frequently Asked Questions
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Personalised number plates at New Reg start from as little as £99. Prices vary depending on the style, rarity and desirability of the combination. Current style plates tend to be the most affordable, while dateless and cherished registrations can reach into the thousands. All prices are displayed clearly with no hidden fees.
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You can transfer a personalised number plate onto any vehicle as long as the plate does not make the car appear newer than it is. Dateless and Irish plates carry no age identifier so can go on any vehicle. Current, prefix and suffix plates must not be assigned to a vehicle registered before the plate's issue date. New Reg's expert team will guide you through the process to ensure full DVLA compliance.
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No — you do not need to own a vehicle to purchase a personalised number plate. You can buy a plate and place it on a DVLA retention certificate, keeping it yours for up to 10 years until you're ready to assign it to a vehicle. This also makes personalised plates an ideal gift.
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Yes — New Reg offers 0% finance on personalised number plates. You can spread the cost over monthly payments with no interest charges. Finance is available on plates over a certain value and is subject to status. Select finance at checkout when you find your perfect plate.
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Once you've purchased your personalised plate from New Reg, we handle the entire DVLA transfer process on your behalf. You'll need to provide your vehicle's V5C logbook and a valid MOT if applicable. The process typically takes 3–5 working days and we'll keep you updated throughout.
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Many personalised number plates — particularly dateless, cherished, and low-number combinations — have increased significantly in value over time. Unlike most purchases, a desirable private plate can appreciate in value, making it both a personal statement and a potential investment. New Reg has been helping customers buy and sell plates since 1991 and can provide free valuations on request.
