Select Number Plates Review
The UK's oldest plate broker. Est. 1978. 40M+ plates. MIRAD & CNG member.
1978
Established
40M+
Plates
4.5/5
Trustpilot
600+
Reviews
47 years
Trading
Overview
Select Number Plates has been trading since 1978, making them the oldest plate broker in the UK. Nearly half a century in business is a remarkable achievement in any industry.
They hold memberships in both MIRAD and the Cherished Numbers Guild (CNG), providing full industry accreditation. Their approach is traditional and personal — this is a boutique dealer, not a tech-first operation.
With 40M+ plates searchable, they offer a good selection. But their real value is the depth of experience and personal service — they've been doing this longer than any competitor.
Pricing & Fees Breakdown
What you'll actually pay — no surprises
| Fee | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DVLA plates (starting price) | ~£200 | Higher starting price reflecting premium positioning. |
| 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 added to buyer's price. |
| Physical plates | Not supplied | Order separately. |
Example total cost: A plate at £1,500 plus £80 DVLA fee. Total: approximately £1,580.
Pros & Cons
What We Like
- UK's oldest plate broker — trading since 1978
- MIRAD and CNG member — full industry accreditation
- Nearly 50 years of specialist expertise
- Personal, boutique service approach
- Transfer handling included
- Deep knowledge of rare and premium plates
Room for Improvement
- Higher starting prices than budget competitors
- Smaller online presence
- No finance or buy-now-pay-later
- Physical plates not supplied
- Fewer Trustpilot reviews than bigger dealers
- Website lacks modern features
Services
Buy Number Plates
40M+ registrations with specialist expertise in rare and premium plates.
Sell Your Plate
Free listing with commission-based pricing. Expert advice on plate values.
Personal Service
Boutique, hands-on approach — speak directly to experienced plate specialists.
Transfer Handling
Full DVLA transfer service included in every purchase.
Free Valuation
Expert valuations drawing on nearly 50 years of market knowledge.
Retention Help
Assistance with DVLA retention certificates.
Our Verdict
Select Number Plates is the industry elder. 47 years of continuous trading means they've seen every market condition, handled every type of plate, and built relationships that newer dealers simply can't match.
Their approach is personal rather than digital. If you want a conversation with someone who truly understands the plate market — particularly for rare or premium registrations — this is where to go.
The higher price point and smaller online presence are trade-offs. This isn't the dealer for budget buyers or those who prefer a slick digital experience. But for expertise and personal service, they're unmatched.
Best for: Buyers seeking personal, expert service — particularly for rare or premium registrations where specialist knowledge matters.
Key Information
| Trading as | Select Number Plates |
| Website | selectnumberplates.co.uk |
| Founded | 1978 |
| DVLA registered | Yes |
| MIRAD member | Yes |
| CNG member | Yes |
| Finance | Not available |
| Trustpilot | 4.5/5 (600+ reviews) |
Information verified March 2026. Subject to change.