Private Number Plates: A Beginner's Guide to Buying and Transferring
By RegXperts
A private registration is one of the simplest ways to make a car feel like yours. If you've never bought one before, here's everything you need to get started.
What is a private plate?
A private, personalised or cherished plate is simply a registration you choose, rather than the one originally issued to a vehicle. It might spell a name, initials, a word or a memorable combination.
The main styles
- Dateless — the classic style with no age identifier; can go on almost any vehicle.
- Prefix and suffix — a letter at the start or end indicating an age.
- Current style — the modern two-letter, two-number, three-letter format.
The one rule to remember
A registration must never make a vehicle look newer than it is. Always check a plate is age-compatible with your car before you buy.
How buying works
Once you've chosen a registration, it needs to be assigned or transferred to your vehicle through the proper DVLA process. There's paperwork involved, but a good supplier handles the heavy lifting for you.
Make it easy
RegXperts can help you find a registration and guide the transfer from start to finish. Browse our private plates, or tell us what you're looking for and we'll help you track it down.