Number plates – we see them everywhere. For some, they're just a necessary evil, but for others, they're an opportunity to express their personality. That's where private number plates come in. Let's dive into the pros and cons of personalised plates and explore what it takes to get your own unique combination.
👉 What is a private car registration?
👉 What are the benefits and negatives of personalised number plates?
👉 The step-by-step process of buying private number plates
👉 Getting a private plate on a car you're financing
👉 Conclusion
👉 Get the perfect car to show off your number plate
Private car registrations are number plates with unique numbers and letters. You can choose a private registration with the standard seven characters or opt for something shorter, even as few as one letter!
Most people use private plates to spell out something personal, like name initials, their surname or favourite numbers, and in some cases, they can represent engine types (V8, V10, and V12). Overall, private plates are a popular way for many to make their car truly their own. Generally, private number plates with fewer characters cost more.
Let’s check out a list by TOPREG of the most expensive number plates in history.
Usually, private number plates cost significantly less than this, but they are still expensive. In some cases, your private registration might end up being worth more than your actual car! Now you know the amount number plates could cost, let’s take a look at the case for and against private registrations.
| Positives | Negatives |
| Chance to personalise your car. | Expensive. Private number plates can be really expensive and, in some cases, worth more than the car itself. |
| Stand out on the road. | Your private car registration can lose value over time. |
| Add a premium feel to your car. | Chance of offending others on the road. |
| Hide the age of your car. Traditional number plates will show how old a car is, whereas a private plate can hide this. |
Getting a personalised number plate is easy. There are only three major steps in getting a private registration, which we’ve taken a look at below.
You can buy a private number plate from one of three places:
At this point, you have two options: register the new private number plate to your car or keep it for use at a later date. If you choose to assign it straight away, you’ll need to do this yourself unless you’ve bought through a private dealer. To register your new plate, you’ll need either the V750 certificate of entitlement or the V778 retention document. From here, how you apply for a new registration depends on your car situation:
You can apply online via the government website.
Once everything is set up, you’ll need to get your number plate built. Luckily, the government website provides a free location check to help you find the closest number plate maker near you.
If you’re interested in purchasing a private plate for the car you are financing, you will need to contact your finance company and ask for permission first. With ownership of the car not passed over yet, you will need to get the go-ahead from your finance company before purchasing a private plate.
A personalised number plate can make your car truly stand out. Getting a private registration is easy, with the main sticking point being price. If you are interested in purchasing a private registration, undertaking plenty of research and comparing the pros and cons is key to getting the registration of your dreams.
Have a plate in mind but are not sure if your current car is up to scratch? Our car marketplace has over 70,000 cars ready for you to browse, and finance is easy to apply for via our 30-second form. We’ll assess your application with no impact on your credit score, getting a pre-approval decision back to you the same day. So, what’s stopping you? Find the perfect wheels to help your private registration pop.