Private Number Plates

Private number plates — also known as cherished or personalised plates — are a stylish and memorable way to set your vehicle apart. They can represent your name, your interests, or something uniquely meaningful to you.

What Are Private Number Plates?

Private number plates are vehicle registrations that feature attractive or unique combinations of numbers and letters. These plates give drivers the chance to express their personality on the road and are often conversation starters. Instead of a standard plate, a private plate can showcase initials, names, memorable dates, or witty wordplay.

How Do Private Number Plates Work?

Current style number plates in the UK consist of seven characters, split as follows:

• Two-letter memory tag – based on the vehicle’s registration location
• Two-digit age identifier – based on when the vehicle was registered
• Three random letters – providing uniqueness

The age identifier is particularly important. It depends on the month the vehicle is registered:

• March–August: The identifier reflects the actual year (e.g., "15" for 2015)
• September–February: The identifier adds 50 to the year (e.g., "65" for late 2015)

Private plates often deviate from this current format. They may have fewer than seven characters and often spell out names, phrases, or initials that tell a story about the driver or vehicle.

Is It Legal to Use Private Number Plates?

Yes — private number plates are completely legal and regulated by the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). Anyone can purchase a private registration and assign it to their vehicle.

The process involves submitting a few simple forms. Many providers, including PlusPlates, offer services to handle the paperwork on your behalf.

Important note: A private number plate cannot be used to make a vehicle appear newer than it is. For example, you cannot assign a plate with a newer age identifier to an older car. This protects consumers and preserves the integrity of the registration system.

However, you can buy a plate and choose not to assign it immediately. Registration retention certificates are valid for 10 years and prove ownership even if the plate isn’t currently in use. These certificates can be renewed for free.

Why Buy a Private Number Plate?

• Personal expression
• Unique vehicle identity
• Potential investment — some plates increase in value over time
• Memorable and distinctive combinations
• Perfect as gifts

Whether you're searching for initials, names, hobbies, or even funny or cheeky combinations, PlusPlates helps you browse millions of available options quickly and easily.

Find Your Private Plate Today

Use our search tool to enter the name, word, or phrase you want. We’ll show you hundreds of private registration options that match your criteria — and we’ll help you handle the DVLA forms too.