Cherished Numbers

Why are private registrations sometimes referred to as “cherished number plates”? A personalised number plate is usually something that its lucky owner does indeed cherish. It is unique and personal to the owner and might mean something significant or have a high sentimental value. Sometimes people wait for a long time to secure just the right number plate for them, so it’s a very special moment when they finally get to see it on their own car.

Private registrations may also be cherished for their financial value. Many shrewd business people regard them as a great investment; something that the owner not only gets pleasure from using but may also even make a significant sum of money on in the future if the plate appreciates while they have it. For some, a private number plate is a valuable asset, and it is not unheard of for people to own a complete fleet of cars, each with their own private number plate, or for investors to purchase an entire portfolio of personalised registrations.

Some people like to seek out a matching or complementary pair of cherished registration plates - such as married couples or business partners. The latter may also like to refer to their line of business or company name in the plate they use for their car or van. Otherwise, initials are very popular and can be particularly affordable, while some prefer to look for something that reflects their occupation, personality or interests outside work.

In terms of numbers, the number one is generally the most sought after, followed by anything in single digits. Sometimes numbers that reflect a specific model of car are also highly prized; for example, an Audi Q7 owner might like their plate to contain the number seven, and M3 is very desirable for owners of BMW 3 series performance vehicles. Some might opt for what they consider to be their “lucky number”, or they might want their plate to display a date that holds particular significance.

The term cherished number plate is also commonly used to refer to registrations issued before 1963, when number plates did not reveal the age of the vehicle’s they were assigned to. These dateless plates are often highly prized.

Cherished car number plates don’t have to cost a lot of money. Here at New Reg we list all kinds of plates at various prices, so something that’s unique to you - such as your initials and the day of your birthday - might be far more affordable than you think. If you have any ideas, why not check out the search function now to see what we have to offer?

How to transfer a cherished number plate

There are several ways to transfer a cherished plate, and the most suitable option for you will depend on what you want to do with the number. To transfer it from one vehicle to another, you need to remove it from the vehicle it’s currently being used on and assign it to the other. If you don’t want to use it on a vehicle for the time being, you can place it on retention by obtaining a V778 retention document, which proves you have the right to use the number again in future.

How do I sell my cherished number plate?

If you have a cherished number plate that you want to sell, then we’d be delighted to market it on your behalf. Simply complete our online valuation form and one of our experts will be in touch to give you a free quote. If you agree with the offer, we can then list the plate for sale, putting you in touch with a whole host of potential purchasers.

How much is my cherished number plate worth?

Any number plate is worth the amount someone will agree to pay, and this depends on how popular your particular registration is. More common names and words tend to attract the most interest. Why not request a free valuation from one of our experienced team if you’d like to get an idea of your number plate’s value?