How to sell a private number plate

May 21, 2025 by Siobhan Doyle

Want to earn some extra cash and sell your number plate? This guide tells you everything you need to know about selling a private registration.

Thinking about selling your number plate but not sure where to start? Whether you’re looking to cash in on a unique registration or simply no longer need it, understanding how to sell a private number plate can make all the difference.

Don’t risk underselling your valuable asset. Read our complete guide on how to sell a private number plate and get the best deal with confidence.

Can I sell a private number plate?

Before looking into how to sell your number plate, it’s important to first confirm whether you’re allowed to sell it under current regulation.

You can sell your number plate if it’s either:

Assigned to a car registered in your name, and you golf the logbook (V5C), or
Held on either a Certificate of Entitlement (V750), or Retention Document (V778).

If the registration is currently on a car, check the V5C document for the words “non-transferable.” If you see this, then unfortunately the number plate cannot be transferred or sold.

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Where to sell a private number plate

So, you’ve decided to sell your number plate – and you’re allowed to. Happy days! Here are some options for where you can sell it:

Number plate dealers

Think of number plate dealers as estate agents. They act like the intermediary between you and the buyer. They set a target return for your plate, advertise it, handle buyer inquiries, take payment, and handle the paperwork. This means that you’ll have a hassle-free, hands-off process.

But convenience comes at a cost. Dealers typically add a markup of around 30% for their services. For example, if your plate were to sell for around £10,000, you may only receive around £7,000. You might also have less control of your registration’s selling price, as the dealer managed the sale on your behalf.

If you choose this route, consider a dealer who’s a member of the Cherished Numbers Dealers Association (CNDA). This group, backed by the Retail Motor Industry Federation, follows a strict code of conduct to instil confidence in the selling process.

Private sale

Much like selling a car privately, we can get better deals selling number plates privately too. Be aware, though, that a little bit more work is required on your part to get a sale through, but by cutting out the middleman and dealing directly with the buyer of your number plate, you can avoid giving away a large percentage of your number plates’ selling price.

Online marketplaces

There are several ways to sell your number plate privately, but be mindful of the fees involved. For example, auction sites such as eBay will let you deal directly with buyers, but you’ll face listing and re-listing fees, plus a 10% ‘final value fee’ if your plate sells. That can add up – especially if your plate is worth thousands.

If fees put you off, free sites such as Gumtree may be a good option. However, these platforms tend to attract fewer serious number plate buyers, making a sale less likely. Sellers also report dealing with “time-wasters,” though that’s not always the case. There’s no harm in trying it, though.

Another online alternative is to sell your plate through a dedicated number plate classified site. Here’s a list of websites that are part of the CNDA for you to hander at:

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How to sell a number plate on retention

When selling a private number plate, there are two ways to go about it: selling it on retention or selling it while it’s still assigned to a car. Each method has its own process and implications.

Selling a private number plate on retention

Selling a number plate on retention means that the registration number is not currently attached to any car. Instead, it has been officially placed “on retention” through the DVLA, and the seller holds a Retention Certificate (V778). This certificate serves as legal proof of ownership and allows the number plate to be assigned to a car at a later date.

This method is often preferred due to its simplicity. The buyer can assign the number plate to their own car whenever they choose, making the transaction more flexible and appealing. Since the number plate is not tied to a specific car, the sale typically involves less paperwork and can be completed more quickly. To transfer ownership, the seller simply provides the buyer with the Retention Certificate or updates the certificate with the buyer’s details and gives the accompanying authorisation code.

Selling a private number plate assigned to a car

In contrast, if the number plate is currently assigned to a car – for example, the seller’s car – you may need to take some additional steps. The buyer may either need to buy the car with the plate or arrange for the number plate to be transferred to their own car via the DVLA.

If the buyer is only interested in the number plate, the seller must either transfer it to a retention certificate first or complete a direct transfer to the buyer’s car. This process can involve more paperwork and take longer to complete, making it somewhat more complicated than selling a plate on retention.

Here’s a quick recap on the difference between the two:

Aspect	On Retention	Assigned to Vehicle
Ownership Proof	Retention certificate (V778)	Vehicle logbook (VC5)
Flexibility for Buyer	High – can assign any time	Lower – must transfer from vehicle
Ease of Sale	Easier and cleaner	More paperwork and time
Typical Process	Transfer certificate to buyer	Transfer plate or put in retention first

Selling a private number plate FAQs

Can I sell my private plate back to the DVLA?

No, unfortunately you cannot sell a private number plate back to the DVLA. The DVLA does not buy used number plates, even though they are the issuing authority. However, the good news is that there are plenty of other ways to sell your number plate, such as a dealer or selling privately.

Do private number plates go up in value?

Yes, private number plates can go up in value over time, especially if they are unique or have desirable features. For example, factors such as rarity, type (dateless, suffix, prefix, length, and resemblance to an easily recognisable word can highly impact a number plate’s value.

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Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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