National Numbers Review
The UK's most accredited dealer. Est. 1981. 71M+ plates. 4.8/5 Trustpilot.
1981
Established
71M+
Plates
4.8/5
Trustpilot
8,200+
Reviews
4
Memberships
Overview
National Numbers has been trading since 1981, making them one of the longest-running number plate dealers in the UK. They hold membership in four separate industry bodies: MIRAD, CNDA, CNG (Cherished Numbers Guild), and RMI — more than any other dealer we've reviewed.
With 71M+ plates searchable and a DVLA auction bidding service, they offer a comprehensive buying experience. The company has built a strong Trustpilot reputation with a 4.8/5 rating from over 8,200 reviews.
Their approach is traditional and service-focused. They handle the full DVLA transfer process and offer a plate builder tool for previewing combinations.
Pricing & Fees Breakdown
What you'll actually pay — no surprises
| Fee | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DVLA plates (starting price) | ~£150 | Starting price for basic registrations. |
| DVLA £80 transfer fee | £80 | Government fee on top. |
| Dealer commission | Commission-based | Markup added to seller's price. |
| Transfer handling | Included | Full DVLA paperwork included. |
| DVLA auction bidding | Commission-based | They attend DVLA auctions and bid on your behalf. |
| Selling via brokerage | Free to seller | Commission added to buyer's price. |
| Physical plates | Not supplied | Order separately. |
Example total cost: A plate listed at £1,000 includes the dealer commission. Add £80 DVLA fee. Total: approximately £1,080.
Pros & Cons
What We Like
- Member of 4 industry bodies — most accredited dealer in the UK
- 40+ years of trading history (since 1981)
- Excellent Trustpilot: 4.8/5 from 8,200+ reviews
- DVLA auction bidding service available
- 71M+ plates searchable — comprehensive stock
- Transfer handling included in purchase
- Plate builder for visual previewing
- Seller-friendly: no fees deducted from seller's payout
Room for Improvement
- No finance or buy-now-pay-later options
- Higher price point than budget competitors
- Physical plates not supplied
- Commission structure not fully transparent upfront
- Website could be more modern
- No online chat support
Services
Buy Number Plates
Search 71M+ registrations. Full range of dateless, prefix, suffix, and current-style plates.
Sell Your Plate
Free listing. Commission added to buyer's price — seller receives full agreed amount.
DVLA Auction Bidding
Professional bidding service at DVLA auctions for rare and premium registrations.
Transfer Handling
Complete DVLA transfer service included in every purchase.
Plate Builder
Design and preview plate combinations before committing to buy.
Free Valuation
Get your plate valued before listing for sale.
Our Verdict
National Numbers is the most accredited dealer in the UK market. Membership in MIRAD, CNDA, CNG, and RMI means they've been vetted by every major industry body — that's a level of trust that's hard to match.
Their 40+ year track record and 8,200+ Trustpilot reviews tell a consistent story of reliable service. The DVLA auction bidding service adds genuine value for buyers hunting specific plates.
The premium pricing and lack of finance options are the main trade-offs. If you're looking for the cheapest option, look elsewhere. But if industry credentials and a proven track record matter to you, National Numbers is hard to beat.
Best for: Buyers who prioritise maximum industry accreditation, trust, and a long track record over lowest price.
Key Information
| Trading as | National Numbers |
| Website | nationalnumbers.co.uk |
| Founded | 1981 |
| DVLA registered | Yes |
| MIRAD member | Yes |
| CNDA member | Yes |
| CNG member | Yes |
| RMI member | Yes |
| Finance | Not available |
| Trustpilot | 4.8/5 (8,200+ reviews) |
Information verified March 2026. Subject to change.