Buy a private plate
Find the right private number plate — all sold by Plate Base
Every registration on Plate Base is sold by us, whether it comes from our own collection or is sold on behalf of a private owner. Search by name, initials, format or car model and buy with confidence.
- Every plate sold by Plate Base
- Checked registrations, delivered ready to assign
- Every plate mapped to a fair-market valuation
- DVLA transfer guidance included
One seller, one simple process
Every plate on Plate Base is sold by us. Some registrations are owned by Plate Base outright; others are sold on behalf of private owners. Either way you buy from Plate Base: fixed prices, offers where invited, and a team that manages the transfer for you.
What to look for in a good plate
The strongest plates spell a real word or name, use short dateless or prefix formats, and either match the buyer personally (initials, name, hobby) or reference a desirable brand. Our valuation report on every plate shows exactly why it is priced where it is.
How the purchase works
- Pick a plate and buy or reserve it.
- We initiate the transfer with the DVLA.
- You either assign it to a car straight away or keep it on retention.
- Order your physical acrylic plates and swap them on the vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
- Is it safe to buy a private plate online?
- Yes, provided you buy through a reputable source. On Plate Base every plate is sold by us — you deal with one team, and we manage the sale and transfer from start to finish.
- How is the plate transferred to me?
- Ownership transfers via the V750 (certificate of entitlement) or V778 (retention document). You either assign it straight to your vehicle at the DVLA, or hold it on retention.
- Do I need my V5C?
- Only when you are ready to assign the plate to your car. You do not need the V5C to buy or hold a plate on retention.
- Are there ongoing fees?
- The DVLA charges an £80 fee to renew a retention certificate after 10 years. Otherwise the plate is yours indefinitely once transferred.