Private number plates: explained
Private number plates have become incredibly popular with motorists in recent years. It's estimated that the UK's private number plate market is worth an estimated £2 billion. With more people wanting a personalised registration plate, knowing how to go about it and what legal requirements are involved is key to ensuring you are not breaking the law.
Our helpful guide explores private number plates and how you can get one for your vehicle.
What types of number plates are available?
In the UK, four types of number plates are used. These are as follows:
Dateless number plates
Dateless number plates were first introduced in 1903 and are the oldest and most valuable number plates on the market. A dateless number plate contained a mixture of letters and numbers, which could disguise how old your vehicle was.
Suffix number plates
Suffix number plates replaced dateless number plates in 1963. This type of number plate includes a letter at the beginning and end of the plate, indicating the vehicle's age. For example, if the number plate ended with 'M', the plate was registered between 1973 and 1974.
Prefix number plates
In 1983, prefix number plates replaced suffix number plates. The plates started with a letter to indicate the year the vehicle was registered, followed by a randomised combination of three letters and numbers.
Current number plates
Today's current number plates have been featured on UK vehicles since 2001. Typically, these number plates contain seven characters, which include:
- The first two letters tell you which region the vehicle was registered in.
- Two numbers that show the age of the vehicle.
- The final three letters on the number plate are randomised and relate to the dealership where the car was registered.
How do private number plates work?
Private number plates allow you to personalise your car. As these plates can be expensive, you can choose the numbers and letters to display on your vehicle's number plate. Usually, it can include initials, a phrase or a slogan that means something to you.
Where can you buy a private number plate?
There are a couple of ways that you can buy a private number plate for your vehicle. You may decide to buy your number plate either through the DVLA, a broker or on the private market. Buying your private number plate through a broker or the private market can be more expensive than going through the DVLA as these plates can be hard to find.
What rules are in place for private number plates?
Once you've bought your private number plate, you will receive a certificate of entitlement (also known as a V750) from the DVLA. This document will give you permission to display your number plate on your vehicle.
The UK government has strict rules in place when it comes to buying, selling, and displaying your private number plate, such as:
- It must be made from a reflective material.
- Display black characters on a white background on the front number plate.
- Display black characters on a yellow background on the rear number plate.
- The plate must not have a background pattern, altered font or spacing or have the incorrect age of the vehicle.
Can I transfer my private number plate?
Yes, you can transfer your private number plate over to your new vehicle. The DVLA will transfer over your private number plate for £80. You also need to tell your insurer about your personalised registration plate to avoid invalidating your current cover.
Have you recently bought a private number plate? Make sure that your car continues to run smoothly on the road with Setyres. Whether you need a new set of tyres, or your vehicle requires a service, we'll ensure you have a high-quality experience with us. If you have any questions, you can contact our friendly team or visit your local Setyres branch today.
Posted on: 23/04/2024
