How It Works
Stop visiting dozens of supplier websites one by one. PersonalReg searches them all at once — here's how.
Three Simple Steps
From search to your car in as little as a few days
Search
Use our AI-powered search to find the perfect plate. You can search in plain English — try things like “plates for the name Sarah” or “something short and expensive”.
- Over 75 million registrations from every major supplier
- Plus thousands of private seller plates
- Filter by format, price range, and style
Compare
See the same plate listed by different suppliers, side by side. Compare prices, fees, Trustpilot ratings, and transfer support so you always pick the best deal.
- Prices compared across all major dealers
- Trustpilot ratings and reviews at a glance
- DVLA Government Stock from £250 (plus £80 DVLA transfer fee)
Buy & Transfer
Once you\u2019ve chosen your supplier, they handle everything — payment, DVLA transfer paperwork, and getting the plate on your car. All the major dealers include full transfer support.
- Your supplier handles all the DVLA paperwork
- Most include the £80 DVLA transfer fee
- Plate on your car within days
Number Plate Formats
Understanding the different types of UK registrations
Current Style
2001 onwards
Format: AB12 CDE
Two letters (area code), two numbers (age identifier), then three random letters. The most affordable format, with DVLA Government Stock prices starting from £250 (plus £80 DVLA transfer fee).
Prefix Style
1983 - 2001
Format: A123 BCD
A single letter (year identifier) followed by up to three numbers and three letters. Popular for making names — e.g., M14 KES for 'Mike S'.
Suffix Style
1963 - 1983
Format: ABC 123A
Up to three letters, up to three numbers, then a single year letter. These can spell names and words very effectively — e.g., DAV 1D.
Dateless
Pre-1963
Format: AB 1234 or 1234 AB
No year identifier, so they can go on any age of vehicle. The shortest and most prestigious plates. Single-digit and single-letter combinations are the most valuable.
The DVLA Transfer Process
Transferring a number plate is straightforward. Here's what happens behind the scenes when you buy through a supplier.
Purchase Complete
Once you've paid your chosen supplier, they begin the transfer process immediately. You'll receive a confirmation email with your order details and next steps.
DVLA Application
Your supplier submits the transfer application to the DVLA on your behalf. For DVLA-held registrations, this is done digitally and takes just minutes.
Certificate of Entitlement (V750/V778)
The DVLA issues a Certificate of Entitlement (V750 for new registrations, V778 for transfers). This proves your right to assign the plate to a vehicle.
Assign to Your Vehicle
Using your certificate, assign the plate to your vehicle via the DVLA's online service or by post. Your V5C (logbook) will be updated automatically.
Get Your Plates Made
Order your physical number plates from any registered number plate supplier. You'll need your V5C or certificate as proof of entitlement.
Example DVLA Government Stock cost breakdown:
DVLA Government Stock prices include VAT. The £80 DVLA transfer fee is a compulsory government charge. Some suppliers may include the transfer fee in their advertised price — always check with your chosen dealer.
Common Questions
Everything you need to know about buying personalised plates
How much does a personalised number plate cost?
Prices vary hugely depending on the plate. DVLA Government Stock registrations start from £250 plus the compulsory £80 DVLA transfer fee (total from £330). Short, dateless plates or those spelling popular names can fetch tens of thousands or even millions of pounds.
Can I put any plate on my car?
You cannot make your vehicle appear newer than it is. For example, a 2015 car cannot display a 2020-style registration. However, you can always use an older-style registration on a newer car. Dateless plates can go on any vehicle.
How long does the transfer take?
For DVLA-held registrations purchased online, the digital certificate is usually issued within minutes. Assigning the plate to your vehicle can take a few days. Private transfers typically take 2-4 weeks depending on circumstances.
What happens to my existing plate?
When you assign a new personalised plate, your vehicle's original registration is retained by the DVLA. If you ever remove the personalised plate, the original registration is reassigned to the vehicle.
Can I keep my plate if I sell my car?
Yes. You can retain your personalised registration on a V778 certificate before selling your vehicle. There is a £80 DVLA retention fee. The certificate is valid for 10 years and can be renewed.
Is a personalised plate a good investment?
Many personalised plates have appreciated significantly in value over the years, especially short dateless plates and those spelling popular names. However, like any investment, values can go down as well as up.
Ready to find your perfect plate?
Search over 75 million registrations from every major UK supplier. One search. Every dealer. The best price.