Private number plates might seem like a luxury, but for many people, they’re also a way to make money. In the UK, demand for personalised registrations continues to rise, with unique or dateless plates fetching thousands of pounds at auction. For some, they’re a passion purchase. For others, they’re an alternative investment strategy.

If you’re wondering whether private plates are a good investment, how to buy them, or how to sell a private number plate for cash, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Why invest in private number plates?

Unlike cars, which usually depreciate, private number plates can hold or even increase in value. Dateless plates — those without an age identifier — are especially attractive, as they can be transferred to almost any vehicle. Plates with common names, initials, or appealing short combinations often achieve the best returns.

For example, short “money number plates” like 1 AB or 777 are highly desirable. Cherished number plates that spell out popular names or words also sell for high figures. With the right choices, investing in number plates can become a lucrative side hustle.

Are private plates a good investment?

The big question many ask is: are private number plates a good investment?

The answer is that they can be — but like any investment, it depends on what you buy and when you sell. Plates linked to common names or catchy words can rise in value quickly. Cheap cherished number plates or dateless plates UK buyers can pick up at auction may be sold on later for profit.

On the other hand, obscure letter and number combinations may not hold their value. It’s about understanding trends and demand.

Buying private number plates

If you want to start investing, the first step is buying wisely. There are several routes:

1. Buy direct from DVLA

The DVLA runs its own marketplace at DVLA Personalised Registrations. Here you’ll find one of the cheapest ways to buy private number plates, with prices starting from £250 plus fees.

DVLA private registrations for sale include brand new plates that have never been issued. You can search online for initials, names or numbers that suit your budget.

2. DVLA private number plate auctions

The DVLA also runs private number plate auctions several times a year, both in person and online. Around 1,500 plates go under the hammer at each DVLA auction. These can include rare and dateless plates UK buyers compete for, and often command high bids.

If you’re after cheap number plates, bidding on less popular combinations can be worthwhile. For rarer plates, expect competition — but this is where some of the biggest profits can later be made.

3. Buy from dealers and resellers

There are specialist dealers who buy and sell private plates, offering everything from cheap private number plates to investment-grade cherished registrations. Dealers often list plates on finance, making it possible to spread the cost of a more expensive plate.

Private number plates on finance are available even if you don’t want to pay the full amount upfront. Some firms even market private number plates on finance with bad credit options, though you should check terms carefully.

4. Buying from private sellers

Sometimes the cheapest private number plates can be found from individuals selling online. Platforms such as Auto Trader, Gumtree, and eBay often feature listings. You may even find plates bundled with used cars.

If a seller has no personal attachment to the registration, you can sometimes negotiate a very good price.

Selling private number plates

Once you’ve invested, the next step is selling a private number plate. There are several ways to do this:

1. Sell privately

You can advertise your plate on online marketplaces, classified ads, or forums dedicated to number plates. When you sell my number plate for cash privately, you keep all the proceeds, but you’ll need to handle the transfer paperwork yourself.

2. Sell through a dealer

Selling cherished number plates through a dealer is one of the most popular methods. Dealers will take care of advertising, paperwork, and finding buyers. However, they’ll take a commission, which can range from 10%–25% of the selling price.

3. DVLA retention and transfers

If you’re selling your car but want to keep the plate, you’ll need to put it on retention. This allows you to keep the plate without attaching it to a vehicle. DVLA charges £80 for this service, and the process usually takes a couple of weeks.

You can then sell a private plate separately or transfer it to a different vehicle.

4. Auction sales

Another option is to sell a private number plate at auction. Specialist number plate auctions, both online and offline, can fetch strong prices for rare plates.

The best place to sell a private number plate depends on its type and value. For standard plates, online classifieds might be enough. For highly desirable plates, auctions or dealers usually achieve higher returns.

Tips for maximising profits

• Buy low, sell high: Look for cheap personalised number plates with strong resale potential.

• Stick to popular formats: Plates that are short, dateless, or spell out names usually sell best.

• Avoid forced substitutions: Plates like “J4MES” can work, but seamless plates (like JAMES) tend to be more valuable.

• Research trends: Plates linked to trending names or words can quickly increase in value.

• Think long-term: Sometimes holding onto an investment number plate for a few years yields the best returns.

How much can you make from private plates?

Profits vary widely. Cheap number plates DVLA sells for £250 might resell for a few hundred pounds, while rare investment number plates can fetch tens of thousands.

In 2022, the plate “25 O” sold for over £500,000 — one of the most expensive plates ever auctioned in the UK. While most plates won’t reach those figures, even modest investments can turn a profit.

Private plates as a side hustle or business

If you’re looking for ways to make money from home, starting a number plate business could be an interesting option. Some people buy multiple cheap cherished number plates and hold them as stock, selling when demand rises.

Learning how to start a number plate business involves:

• Building knowledge of the market.

• Sourcing plates through DVLA, auctions, or private sales.

• Listing plates for sale via dealers, your own website, or marketplaces.

• Managing DVLA paperwork and transfers.

Like any business, success depends on research, timing, and persistence.

Final word: is it worth it?

Private number plates aren’t for everyone, but they remain a fascinating market in the UK. For those with an eye for trends and a willingness to research, buying and selling private plates can be a profitable side hustle.

From picking up cheap private number plates at DVLA to selling cherished personalised registrations at auction, there are many routes to make money. The key is to start small, learn the market, and only invest what you can afford.

With demand still strong in 2025, private number plates are more than just a status symbol — they’re an alternative investment that can generate real returns.