Private Car Numbers Review
Trading since 1983. MIRAD member. One of the UK's oldest plate specialists.
1983
Established
30M+
Plates
MIRAD
Memberships
40+ years
Experience
Included
Transfer
Overview
Private Car Numbers has been trading since 1983, making them one of the longest-established personalised number plate dealers in the UK. Over four decades of specialist experience gives them deep market knowledge.
As a MIRAD member, they hold one of the industry's key accreditations. Their database includes over 30 million registrations, and they take a traditional, service-focused approach to plate dealing.
This is a dealer that's survived multiple decades of industry change by building strong relationships and delivering reliable service. Their approach is personal and consultative rather than tech-driven.
Pricing & Fees Breakdown
What you'll actually pay — no surprises
| Fee | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest plate | ~£150 | Entry-level registrations start around this price. |
| DVLA transfer fee (£80) | On top | Standard DVLA fee charged separately. |
| Transfer handling | Included | Private Car Numbers handles the DVLA transfer process. |
| Seller listing | Free | No charge to list your plate for sale. |
| Seller commission | Commission-based | Commission added to buyer's price — seller receives full asking amount. |
Example total cost: A plate listed at £150 + £80 DVLA fee = £230 total. Personal service from one of the industry's most experienced dealers.
Pros & Cons
What We Like
- 40+ years in business — one of the UK's oldest
- MIRAD member — industry accredited
- Deep specialist knowledge and expertise
- Transfer handling included
- Free seller listings
- Personal, consultative service
Room for Improvement
- Smaller online presence than major competitors
- No finance or payment plan options
- No physical plate manufacturing
- Basic website design
- Higher starting prices than budget dealers
- No online chat support
Services
Plate Search
Search over 30 million registrations with expert guidance available.
Transfer Handling
Full DVLA transfer service included with every purchase.
Sell Your Plate
Free listings with commission added to the buyer's price.
Free Valuation
Expert plate valuation from one of the UK's most experienced dealers.
Retention Help
Guidance and support with DVLA retention certificates.
Specialist Advice
Personal consultation with dealers who have over 40 years of market experience.
Our Verdict
Private Car Numbers is one of the grand old names in the UK plate market. Forty-plus years of continuous trading is a testament to their reliability and the trust their customers place in them.
They won't wow you with technology or modern checkout features, but they bring something many newer dealers can't — decades of genuine expertise and MIRAD accreditation.
If you want to deal with someone who has seen it all and knows the market inside-out, Private Car Numbers is a strong choice. Particularly good for complex or high-value plate transactions where experience matters.
Best for: Buyers seeking experienced, MIRAD-accredited specialists for personalised or high-value plate purchases.
Key Information
| Website | privatecarnumbers.co.uk |
| Established | 1983 |
| Memberships | MIRAD |
| Finance | Not available |
| Physical plates | Not available |
| Phone support | Mon–Fri |
Information verified March 2026. Subject to change.