CarReg Review
Nationwide offices across the UK. Est. 1988. 50M+ plates. 4.6/5 Trustpilot.
1988
Established
50M+
Plates
4.6/5
Trustpilot
2,100+
Reviews
Nationwide
Offices
Overview
CarReg has been trading since 1988 and stands out from online-only competitors by operating physical offices across the UK. This makes them one of the few dealers where you can walk in and speak to someone face-to-face.
They offer access to 50M+ DVLA and private registrations, with a MIRAD membership providing industry accreditation. The company provides full transfer handling as part of every purchase.
Their nationwide presence gives them a unique selling point — particularly for buyers who prefer in-person service over purely digital transactions.
Pricing & Fees Breakdown
What you'll actually pay — no surprises
| Fee | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DVLA plates (starting price) | ~£100 | Competitive starting prices. |
| DVLA £80 transfer fee | £80 | Government fee on top. |
| Dealer commission | Commission-based | Added to seller's price. |
| Transfer handling | Included | Full DVLA paperwork included. |
| Selling via brokerage | Free to seller | Commission-based model. |
| Physical plates | Not supplied | Order separately. |
Example total cost: A plate listed at £800 includes the dealer commission. Add £80 DVLA fee. Total: approximately £880.
Pros & Cons
What We Like
- Physical offices across the UK — face-to-face service available
- 35+ years in business — proven track record
- MIRAD member — industry accredited
- Transfer handling included in purchase
- 50M+ plates searchable
- Plate builder tool available
Room for Improvement
- No finance or buy-now-pay-later options
- Physical plates not supplied
- Smaller online stock than top competitors
- Website has limited advanced features
- Trustpilot rating lower than market leaders
- Limited evening/weekend support
Services
Buy Number Plates
Search 50M+ registrations online or visit a local office for in-person browsing.
Sell Your Plate
List your plate for free. Commission model means seller keeps their full amount.
Transfer Handling
Full DVLA transfer service included in every purchase.
In-Person Service
Visit a local office to discuss options face-to-face — unique among major dealers.
Plate Builder
Build and preview plate combinations before purchasing.
Free Valuation
Get your plate valued before deciding to sell.
Our Verdict
CarReg's standout feature is their network of physical offices. In an industry that's almost entirely online, being able to walk in and talk to someone is genuinely valuable — especially for first-time buyers or high-value purchases.
The 35+ year track record and MIRAD membership provide solid trust credentials. Their pricing is competitive, and transfer handling is included as standard.
The trade-offs are a smaller online stock than the biggest dealers, no finance options, and a slightly lower Trustpilot rating. But if in-person service matters to you, CarReg is the obvious choice.
Best for: Buyers who prefer face-to-face service and the reassurance of a physical office.
Key Information
| Trading as | CarReg |
| Website | carreg.co.uk |
| Founded | 1988 |
| Offices | Nationwide UK locations |
| DVLA registered | Yes |
| MIRAD member | Yes |
| Finance | Not available |
| Trustpilot | 4.6/5 (2,100+ reviews) |
Information verified March 2026. Subject to change.