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.
DVLA Number Plate Auctions: How They Work
The DVLA releases thousands of personalised registrations for public sale each year through a series of timed online auctions, operated by John Pye & Sons at dvlaauction.co.uk. Whether you're after a dateless cherished number, a prefix plate with your initials, or simply want to understand how DVLA auctions compare to buying from a dealer, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Who Runs the Auctions?
Despite being called "DVLA auctions," the events are run by John Pye & Sons, a long-established auction house that manages the bidding platform on behalf of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. The DVLA decides which registrations to release and sets the starting (reserve) prices; John Pye handles registration, bidding, payment and transfer documentation.
How the Bidding Works
All DVLA auctions are now conducted as timed online events — there are no physical auction rooms. Each auction typically runs for several days, with lots closing at scheduled times. Two key features set DVLA auctions apart from a simple countdown:
Max Bids — you enter the maximum amount you're willing to pay and the system automatically outbids competitors up to your limit, one increment at a time.
Sliding End Times — if any bid is placed in the final minutes of a lot's closing time, the deadline automatically extends. This prevents last-second "sniping" and gives all bidders a fair chance to respond.
You must register an account on dvlaauction.co.uk before you can bid. Registration is free.
Buyer's Premium and Fees
All lots carry a buyer's premium of 3% plus VAT. This is added on top of the hammer price (the winning bid) and is charged to the buyer at checkout. For example:
Hammer price: £5,000
Buyer's premium (3%): £150
VAT on premium (20%): £30
Total payable: £5,180
Always factor the buyer's premium into your maximum bid so your actual cost stays within budget.
Types of Registration Sold
DVLA auctions offer all four formats of UK personalised registration. Understanding the types helps you know what you're bidding on:
Dateless registrations (e.g. 122 A, 1 AA) — the most prestigious format, carrying no age indicator. Can be assigned to a vehicle of any year. Typically achieve the highest prices at auction.
Prefix registrations (e.g. A1 ABC) — issued 1983–2001. The letter prefix indicates the year of issue.
Suffix registrations (e.g. ABC 1A) — issued 1963–1983. The year letter appears at the end.
Current-style registrations (e.g. AB12 ABC) — issued from 2001 onwards. The two-digit number indicates the half-year of issue.
Starting prices are set by the DVLA and represent the minimum the agency will accept. In recent auctions (event B282, May 2026), starting prices ranged from approximately £200 for ordinary current-style plates up to £2,500 and above for dateless combinations. Popular initials, low numbers, and short combinations frequently attract competitive bidding that drives the final hammer price well above the starting figure.
If no bid meets the starting price, the lot is withdrawn unsold. Withdrawn lots sometimes appear on the dealer market afterwards.
How Many Auctions Per Year?
The DVLA holds approximately nine timed online auctions per year — roughly every five to six weeks. Each auction features several thousand registrations. The schedule is published at dvlaauction.co.uk.
Auction vs. Buying from a Dealer
Buying at DVLA auction is not always cheaper than buying from a dealer. Auction prices are driven by competitive bidding, and popular plates regularly sell for more than equivalent plates available through the dealer market. Dealers carry a mix of plates purchased from private sellers, previous auctions, and their own stock — which can mean better value on less-sought-after combinations.
The key advantages of auction are:
Access to newly released plates before they reach dealers
The chance to acquire a plate close to the DVLA's floor price if competition is light
Transparency — you can see exactly what others are bidding
The key disadvantages are the buyer's premium (3% + VAT), the competitive bidding environment on desirable plates, and the inability to negotiate.
New Reg has been buying and selling personalised registrations since 1991. If you find a plate you like at auction but aren't sure about its value, our valuation guide can help you assess what it's worth before you bid.
What Happens When You Win?
After winning a lot you'll receive a V750 Certificate of Entitlement from the DVLA, valid for two years. This gives you the right to assign the registration to a vehicle. To assign it, the vehicle must be UK-registered, have a valid MOT, and be taxed or SORN'd. You can also renew the retention certificate if you're not ready to assign it immediately.
DVLA auctions are operated by John Pye & Sons on behalf of the DVLA. John Pye manages the bidding platform at dvlaauction.co.uk; the DVLA decides which registrations to release and sets reserve prices.
3% plus VAT, added on top of the winning bid at checkout. On a £5,000 hammer price that adds £180, making the total £5,180.
If a bid is placed within the final minutes of a lot closing, the deadline automatically extends. This prevents last-second sniping and ensures fair bidding for everyone.
Yes. Dateless registrations carry no year indicator so they can be assigned to a vehicle of any age — including brand new cars. This is one reason they command a premium over prefix and suffix plates.
A V750 Certificate of Entitlement from the DVLA, valid for two years. You then apply to assign it to a vehicle, or renew the certificate if you want to hold the plate without assigning it yet.
Approximately nine times a year — roughly every five to six weeks. Each event features several thousand registrations across all plate types.
Not always. Competition drives popular plates well above their starting price, and the 3% + VAT buyer's premium adds to the cost. Dealers often have better value on less-sought-after plates. The main advantage of auction is early access to newly released registrations.
Starting prices range from around £200 for standard current-style plates to £2,500+ for dateless combinations. Starting price equals the DVLA reserve — if it's not met, the lot is withdrawn unsold.
No. Once you place a bid at a DVLA auction it is binding and cannot be retracted or cancelled. You should only bid if you are committed to purchasing the registration at your maximum bid amount plus the buyer's premium (3% + VAT). If you win and fail to complete the purchase, you may be barred from future auctions.
NewReg.co.uk - The UK's most trusted private number plate supplier.
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Established as a recognised DVLA reseller in 1991, by 1996 New Reg became the first company to sell private number plates online: Paving the way online for DVLA New Reg has become the firm favourite, for anyone buying or selling personalised number plates.
DVLA is a registered trade mark of the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency. New Reg is not affiliated to the DVLA or DVLA Personalised Registrations. New Reg is a recognised seller of DVLA Registrations. * Credit is provided subject to affordability, age and status. Minimum spend applies. Not all products offered by Secure Trust Bank PLC are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
