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.
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.
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:
You must register an account on dvlaauction.co.uk before you can bid. Registration is free.
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:
Always factor the buyer's premium into your maximum bid so your actual cost stays within budget.
DVLA auctions offer all four formats of UK personalised registration. Understanding the types helps you know what you're bidding on:
For more on registration formats, see our guide to registration types.
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If no bid meets the starting price, the lot is withdrawn unsold. Withdrawn lots sometimes appear on the dealer market afterwards.
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.
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:
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 1990. 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.
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.
For step-by-step instructions on the transfer process, see how to transfer a number plate.
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.
The guidance on this page is based on the following official government and DVLA publications:
New Reg Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (No. 626225).
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