Frequently asked questions

Most Asked

• How do I buy a private number plate?
• How much are private number plates?
• Is my private plate legal?

Finding FAQs

Can I use UK mainland private number plates on my Northern Ireland registered Vehicle?

Yes. The DVLA based here in Swansea has now become the overarching body for all vehicle licensing in the UK, including Northern Ireland. The transfer process for customers in Northern Ireland is now exactly the same as that for customers on the mainland — quicker, simpler and £180 cheaper than in the past! So, if your vehicle is registered in Northern Ireland you can proceed to purchase any GB private number plate (that is suitable for your vehicle’s age) at no extra cost!

Can I use a Northern Ireland (NI) private number plate on my UK vehicle?

Yes. The DVLA based here in Swansea has now become the overarching body for all vehicle licensing in the UK, including Northern Ireland. This means you can easily transfer a Northern Ireland format private numberplate to your UK vehicle. Northern Ireland format registrations don’t carry age identifiers either, so they’re suitable for vehicles of any age.

Can I use an Isle of Man private number plate on my UK or Northern Ireland vehicle?

Combinations of vehicle registrations containing the word ‘MAN’ are only available in the Isle of Man and cannot be transferred to UK or NI registered vehicles. Similarly, private numberplates bearing a three letter sequence ending MN are restricted to Isle of Man vehicles (though a three letter combination beginning MN is allowed in the UK). Although the Isle of Man is part of the British Isles, it effectively has its own Government and vehicle registration system, therefore Isle of Man registrations cannot be transferred to vehicles registered at DVLA Swansea.

Can I use a Channel Islands private number plate on my UK or Northern Ireland vehicle?

Unfortunately not. Jersey registrations, consisting of the letter ‘J’ followed by one to six digits, or ‘JSY’ followed by one to three digits, can only be used in Jersey. Guernsey registrations, featuring up to 5 numbers without any letters at all, can only be used on vehicles registered in Guernsey.

My vehicle has a “Q” prefix registration number plate - can it participate in the transfer and retention processes?

Unfortunately the answer is no. Vehicles are given a “Q” registration mark by the DVLA when the origin or vehicle age is uncertain. “Q” numbers are therefore non-transferable and must remain with the vehicle unless documentary evidence, which confirms the vehicle’s origin or age, comes to the attention of the DVLA. If you are in possession of such documentary evidence then you should contact the DVLA, who may then assign a replacement age-related registration number plate to the vehicle. If the DVLA authorise such a change and your vehicle is assigned a standard registration mark, then your vehicle may take part in the transfer and retention processes, although the registration mark replacing your Q plate will be non-transferrable.

The private number plate that I want is not listed for sale - can you find it for me?

Only the DVLA holds records regarding the vehicle and Keeper history associated with particular registrations. Due to the Data Protection Act they are unable to disclose many details, especially details concerning previous or current Registered Keepers. For more information you can contact DVLA enquiries on 0300 790 6802. Alternatively, contact us on 01792 477316 and we will be happy to assist you with finding an alternative.

Why do I need to check the age of my vehicle?

The majority of registration marks carry an ‘age identifier’ which relates to the date when the mark was released. Our government is keen to prevent fraudsters attempting to make vehicles look newer than they actually are. To prevent this from happening, the DVLA does not permit newer registration marks to be transferred to older vehicles. However, it does permit older marks to be transferred to newer vehicles without hindrance.

Please note that some registration marks do not carry an ‘age identifier’ within their sequence (please see below for examples). This is true of mainland UK registrations released before 1963 and all Northern Ireland format registration marks. These two types of registration mark can be transferred to any age vehicle. All other types of registration marks carry ‘age identifiers’ and so if you choose one of these it’s always best to check if it can be legally transferred to your chosen vehicle before you buy it.

Examples of registration types and age identifiers

Can I invent my own private number plate?

Unfortunately the answer is no. In some countries, such as the USA, your private numberplate can be anything at all (so long as it’s not offensive!). In the UK, however, you cannot simply make up private number plates. This is why there is such a high demand for good private numbers and why many are so valuable.

All registration numbers are formatted in a specific way, as per the Government guidelines. There are different style marks, such as Prefix, Current, Suffix, Dateless and Irish Style and you can sometimes choose specific letter/number combinations to find a suitable private number plate. Why not contact us and let us do the search for you? We can send you a list of suggested registrations to suit your criteria.

Why do some of the private number plates say ‘CHECK IT NOW’ next to them?

As you browse through our registrations, you will notice that they are listed with different descriptions such as ‘AVAILABLE NOW or ‘CHECK IT NOW’.

• CHECK IT NOW: These registrations are privately owned and we are acting for the seller as their agent. If you enquire into one of these private numberplates, we will contact the seller to confirm availability and other details, before proceeding.

• NEW - AVAILABLE NOW: You will be the first person to own the exclusive rights to use these registration marks. You can offer to purchase these over the phone or online immediately, with a choice of transfer options.

• PRE-OWNED - AVAILABLE NOW: These registrations are already in private ownership but are available to buy straight away over the phone or online. Some are held on certificates and some are being used on vehicles, so transfer options will vary.

• NEW RELEASE - HOW TO BUY: These registration marks are new-series government releases, which occur twice each year. They have never existed before and will be released as part of the next registration mark sequence.

What transfer rules do I need to consider?

In order to have a private number plate assigned to your vehicle, the vehicle must be: An appropriate age to receive the private number plate. (See ‘Why do I need to check the age of my vehicle?’ above.) Registered, or due to be registered, in Great Britain or Northern Ireland, in your name or in the name of the Nominee. The Nominee name must match the present registered Keeper of the vehicle, which can be you, someone else or a firm such as a leasing company. Taxed, due to be taxed, or have a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) in place at the time of the transfer assignment application. Please note that your vehicle will need to be taxed if it’s had a SORN in place for longer than 5 years. A type that has, or will have, an MOT or Goods Vehicle Test (GVT) certificate. Not registered in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, or carry a Q registration plate.

Can agricultural vehicles take part in a registration transfer?

Only MOT testable vehicles can take part in the scheme e.g. not tractors, road repairing machines or agricultural vehicles.

Do I have to transfer the private number plate straight away?

If the private numberplate you’re purchasing is a previously unissued one (i.e., you’ll be the first owner), then transfers can be completed whenever you’re ready; the registration can be held on a certificate indefinitely (though after ten years you will need to renew your certificate, which may incur an additional cost).

With a pre-owned registration the process is slightly different and some delayed transfers may incur an additional cost. See our Purchase Options Explained or read the information displayed when you view the private number plate for more information.

Buying FAQs

If I include replacement acrylic plates in my order, what identification do I need to send to you?

It is a legal requirement that we see some proof of identification from the purchaser (i.e. the person who places the order, even if it is for someone else) prior to the release of the number plates.

Acceptable proof of identification includes: Driving licence Passport National identity card Bank or building society debit or credit card statement (not online) Utility bill (water, gas, or electricity) (not online), dated within the last 6 months Council tax bill Landline telephone bill Police warrant card Armed forces identity card

You will receive a postage-paid return envelope in your confirmation letter. We accept clear photocopies or even emailed images of the identification. Any original ID sent to us will be returned to you once we have recorded that we have seen it and no personal financial details will be recorded or retained. As soon as we receive one of these documents, we can arrange for your plates to be dispatched by Royal Mail.

Can I have a green flash on my number plates?

Yes, if your vehicle is an electric vehicle (EV) or has zero CO2 emissions. Only these vehicles are allowed to display special green plates. To add the green flash or green flash GB design, simply use the flag options drop-down box when adding plates to your order.

How do I know if my vehicle is zero emissions?

If your vehicle is an electric vehicle (EV) or has zero CO2 emissions you can display the green flash on your number plates. Only these vehicles are allowed to display special green plates. To add the green flash, simply use the flag options drop-down box when adding plates to your order.

To check the CO2 emissions of your current vehicle, you can use the

DVLA's enquiry service here. (See the boxed area in the picture below for where to find the CO2 emissions information)

Alternatively, check your V5 Registration Document. The picture below shows you where to locate the CO2 emissions information.

If you are purchasing a new vehicle, check with your dealership if it qualifies as a zero emissions vehicle.

How do I use my discount code?

We have recently been notified that there are a few rogue Scam-Sites which offer fake discount codes for use on some of the UK’s most popular websites. The scammers do this to attract large volumes of traffic to their website and then sell advertising space. (Please do be careful if you have experienced this as Scam-Sites are known to pass spyware and viruses on to their visitors.)

While we cannot offer you a discount code, we do check the prices of our personalised number plates on a daily basis to ensure that we are extremely competitive. Prices do vary, and sometimes there can be an opportunity to negotiate a lower price with the seller. Please contact us about the personalised number plate you are interested in and we will look into any available options.

Can I order over the telephone?

Yes, you can buy over the telephone with an advisor at no extra cost. The only exception is if you intend to use finance as a payment method; all finance applications need to be made online, although a telephone advisor will be happy to offer guidance.

What payment options are available?

Our payment options make our personalised number plates affordable and easy to buy. We offer the fullest possible range of payment options, from cheques to bank transfers to debit and credits cards and individual finance packages. We have something to suit every buyer, helping you afford that perfect personalised numberplate.

What happens after I place an order?

Firstly, you should receive an email confirmation of your personalised number plate order sent to the email address you have provided. Once your payment has been cleared by our bank you will receive a second email confirming the order has been processed. If you do not receive these then please check that the email address you have given us is correct and active. Then check that your mailbox is not full so that our mail can be received. If this fails to resolve the problem, please contact us with an alternative email address.

We will also send you a confirmation pack by first class post. This confirmation pack will contain all the information you need to proceed with the transfer.

If you have chosen the Done-For-You transfer service, then in order for us to complete the transfer of your personalised numberplate we will need the original V5C Registration Certificate (also known as the ‘logbook’). (We advise that you make a copy of all documents for your own records before you send them in to us.) Unless you have amended the name and/or address on your V5, there is no need to sign this; simply send the whole document in as it is. If you have amended any details, then please sign Section 8 of the document to authorise the changes.

Please note: After the registration mark has been assigned, the DVLA will send the new V5C directly to the registered Keeper at the address on the V5C. Please consider this if you are applying to assign the personalized number plate as a surprise gift.

Since submitting my documents, a new V5C in the current registration has arrived; what should I do?

If the document you sent to us was a V5C/2 New Keeper’s Supplement and you have since received a new logbook in your standard registration mark, then please let us know so that we can check the progress of your transfer. We will likely need the new V5C to be forwarded to us. The DVLA always needs the most recent keeper’s document for a vehicle in order to complete the transfer of a personalised number plate.

What happens to my old registration mark?

Your existing registration mark will be removed from your vehicle and held in the DVLA’s holding system. If you have the space then put your old number plates into storage because if you transfer your personalised number plate at a later date then the previous age-related registration will most likely be re-instated by the DVLA. Please note, however, that there are no guarantees; you may simply receive a registration mark that relates to the age of your vehicle.

What happens if I change my mind about a personalised number plate purchase?

At the point of placing your order you will have agreed to our terms and conditions of sale, therefore waiving your right to a cancellation or cooling off period.

If the personalised numberplate you have purchased is pre-owned, you will not be able to cancel under any circumstances.

If you have purchased a previously unissued personalised number plate (i.e. you are the first owner), you can apply to cancel your purchase within 8 days of the initial order date. Ultimately, the DVLA will decide the outcome of your application to cancel and we cannot guarantee that it will be successful. Once 8 days have passed, the DVLA will not consider applications to cancel and if you have changed your mind then your only remedy will be to offer the personalized numberplate for sale (though you can claim back the government transfer fee). Similarly, if the personalised number plate has already been assigned to a vehicle then the DVLA will not consider cancellation applications. Initial applications must be received in writing, either by post to our normal address or by email to cancellations@plates4less.co.uk. We will then send you the necessary documentation, which you will need to return within 10 days of the initial order date. Please note: Only the Purchaser can apply for a cancellation; we cannot correspond with the Nominee unless they are one and the same person.

If you are unable to cancel, you can always sell the personalised number plate. We have a free seller’s service on our website.

Using FAQs

How do I change the Nominee name on my V750 Certificate of Entitlement?

In order for a transfer to be successful, the nominated user on the V750 Certificate of Entitlement must match the registered Keeper on the V5C Registration Certificate. If you need to make any changes to the V750 then you will need to send us your Certificate of Entitlement with the completed ‘Application to change nominee’ slip, which is part of your ‘Using your Certificate of Entitlement’ letter. We must apply to the DVLA to process the application on your behalf, as they will not accept any applications to make changes to the certificate without our authority.

Please note: if we have already signed Section 6 of your V750 Certificate of Entitlement then you can simply complete Section 2 with the appropriate Nominee name and send the certificate directly to the DVLA with your V5C to assign the registration mark.

Can I put a personalised number plate on a leased or Motability vehicle?

We always advise you speak with your leasing or Motability Company prior to purchasing a private registration; it’s important to confirm that there are no restrictions in assigning a personalised registration mark to your vehicle.

Often, leasing and Motability companies are happy to assign private registrations to a vehicle but will request to handle the transfer themselves. Therefore, you should always check to see if they require your details or their own to be printed on the government certificate as the ‘nominated’ user. (In order for the transfer to be successful, the nominated user name should match the registered Keeper.)

If you are looking at purchasing a private registration which is listed as pre-owned on the website, we advise you contact a member of our sales team who will be able to discuss the options available to you for your chosen registration mark. This is because, due to data protection laws, the process can vary for pre-owned registrations.

We also advise you speak with your leasing or Motability company to confirm that the private registration will be retained into your details once it has been removed from the vehicle in the future.

I have received my number plates - when can I put them on my vehicle?

You are unable to display your plates on your vehicle until the transfer of your private registration is complete.

If you have ordered the Do-it-Yourself transfer, it takes an average of 5-10 days to get the V750 Certificate of Entitlement to you. You will then need to apply to the DVLA directly to assign the private registration by sending them the certificate along with the receiving vehicle’s documents and wait for notification that the transfer has been completed. You will know the transfer has been completed when you receive your new V5C Registration Certificate, bearing the new registration mark, in the post. (Time scales will vary depending on the DVLA workload and Royal Mail.)

If you opted for the Done-for-You Transfer, it generally takes up to 2 weeks from the date we receive your vehicle documents for us to complete the transfer (unless you were instructed otherwise). We will send an email confirmation when the transfer is complete, and you can then display your new plates. (You will receive a new V5C Registration Certificate from the DVLA, but our email allows you to put the plates on while waiting for this document to arrive.)

Please note: all time scales represent an average and are for guidance purposes only.

I have received my new V5C Vehicle Registration Certificate (the ‘logbook’) - when will I receive my MOT certificate?

The DVLA do not issue replacement MOT certificates. Your MOT (and road tax records) will be updated electronically as part of the transfer and will remain valid until the current expiry date.

How will my road tax be affected?

Your road tax (and MOT) will be updated electronically as part of the transfer and will remain valid until the current expiry date.

Do I need to inform my insurers that I have a new private registration?

Yes, as they will need to update your records for accuracy. We also advise telling them that in the event of a ‘total loss claim’, whereby the insurance company effectively buys your vehicle from you due to theft or as a ‘write off’, the private registration mark will remain your property. Ask them to acknowledge this request in writing. They do not normally make a charge for issuing a new cover note in these circumstances or for complying with this request.

Can I use my private registration abroad?

Using a private registration mark internationally will depend upon where the vehicle is registered. If you have the vehicle registered to an address in the UK but use the mark abroad, this is perfectly acceptable as the vehicle is still subject to the registration number rules and regulations put in place by the DVLA.

However, if you export the vehicle to an address in another country then the vehicle will be subject to the rules and regulations of the governing body of that country, including the registration number policies of that country. Therefore a British registration will not normally be able to be applied to the vehicle in the longer term. NB: this is also true of the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.

What happens to my private registration when I sell my vehicle?

When you change your vehicle, you’ll probably want to keep your private registration. To do this, you will need to apply to the DVLA to retain the registration number. Simply complete a V317 form, which is available to download from the DVLA’s website and from larger post offices and send this with the required fee of £80 payable to DVLA.

You can either apply to transfer the private registration mark directly onto another vehicle or you can apply to put the registration onto a Retention Certificate. Both of these options will require a fee of £80 payable to the DVLA.

You can remove the registration from your vehicle using the DVLA’s online system.

NB: If you do not retain your private registration before selling the vehicle it’s registered to, then the registration will be sold with the vehicle and become the property of the new Keeper.

Can I transfer my private registration mark to another vehicle?

Yes, you can, provided it’s of a suitable age to receive the mark and is taxed and MOT’d. To transfer the private registration mark, simply complete a V317 form, which is available to download from the DVLA’s website and from larger post offices. The completed form must be sent with both V5C Registration Certificates for the vehicles involved, along with the required fee of £80, payable to DVLA.

I used to own a registration mark - can I get it back?

It depends on the circumstances regarding the loss of the registration mark:

If your vehicle was stolen and not recovered, you may be able to get your private registration back via the DVLA, but only if the vehicle was taxed, held a valid MOT test and you reported the theft to the police. The DVLA will need to hold a record of the theft for 12 months, but for no longer than 3 years. You can contact the DVLA directly on 0300 790 6802 for more information. You cannot get your private registration back if you sold the vehicle to your insurance company as a ‘write off’, unless you stipulated that the sale did not include the registration mark. You may already have acknowledgement of this (see the advice in ‘Do I need to inform my insurers that I have a new registration mark?’ above). If the vehicle was scrapped then the private registration is lost, similar to as if you had sold it to your insurance company as a ‘write off’ (see above). If you sold your vehicle privately, with the private registration still assigned to the vehicle, then it’s possible the registration may become available again in the future should the current owner decide to sell it. Only the DVLA hold records on the vehicle and Keeper history and due to the Data Protection Act they are unable to disclose many details, especially details concerning the previous or current Keepers. You can contact DVLA enquiries on 0300 790 6802.

In the examples noted above, with the exception of loss via theft, it’s possible to keep your private registration if you transfer it to another vehicle or certificate first. To do this, simply complete a V317, available to download from the DVLA’s website and from some post offices and send this with the required fee of £80 payable to DVLA. You can do this online using the DVLA’s online system.

Selling FAQs

Can I sell my cherished registration mark with you?

Yes, of course. Please note the following procedural rules:

If your cherished registration mark is on a vehicle: You must be the Registered Keeper of the vehicle or be acting with the complete consent of the Keeper in order to sell the registration mark. Please note that the Registered Keeper will need to agree to the selling Terms and Conditions in the event of a sale.

In order to comply with the regulations of the government Cherished Registration Mark Transfer Scheme, all vehicles must be taxed (or tax exempt), have a current MOT (if of the required age) and be easily identifiable from their chassis numbers.

Please check your Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C or V5NI) does not say ‘Non-transferable registration mark’. This information will be listed under Section 3 - Special Notes, on the front cover of your Registration Certificate. A non-transferable registration mark cannot be sold or transferred but you may transfer another registration to a vehicle that has such a mark.

If your cherished registration mark is held on a government certificate: The certificate must be within its expiry date, i.e. currently valid and you must be recorded as the Grantee or the Purchaser, or be acting with the consent of the Grantee or Purchaser, in order to sell the registration mark. Please note that we will usually need to speak with the named Grantee to confirm that they agree to the selling Terms and Conditions.

How do I sell my cherished registration mark with you?

Decide on your price, complete a short form online and follow the instructions to complete our account registration process. As stated, this is a free selling service. In return, all that we ask is that, if you no longer wish to list it for sale, you remove your cherished registration from our website (by logging into your selling account). Please also keep us updated regarding any changes to your details or your asking price.

How much is my cherished number plate worth?

We don’t presently give valuations but we will let you know if we feel you are asking too much, or too little!, for your cherished numberplate.

Most of our sellers have a good idea of how much they wish to sell their cherished number plate for. This will often be based on what they paid for it and how long they have owned it as cherished registrations often increase in value as the years go by.

To get an idea of its value, you can enter your cherished registration into our Smart Search on the website. It won’t provide an exact match (because it’s your registration and not currently for sale!) but the results will provide a list of similar registrations and their prices, which you can use to make an informed decision regarding the value of your own plate.

The key to selling your cherished numberplate in a reasonable time is to be realistic with the price and not to over-value it.

Do you buy cherished registrations into your own stock?

We don’t currently buy cherished registrations into stock, but we do offer a free sellers’ service. For more information on selling through us, please see the ‘Can I sell my cherished registration mark with you?’ and ‘How do I sell my cherished registration mark with you?’ questions above.

Do you offer an exchange or part-exchange, service? ?

We don’t offer an exchange or part-exchange service. We do offer a free sellers’ service if you no longer wish to keep your cherished registration mark. For more information on selling through us, please refer to ‘Can I sell my cherished registration mark with you?’ and ‘How do I sell my cherished registration mark with you?’ above.

What else should I consider when deciding an asking price for my registration?

When the buyer clicks to view your cherished registration they will be presented with a price breakdown, including the Department for Transport transfer fee and any applicable VAT. When you sign up for a seller’s account you can experiment with your asking price to see what the final advertised price would be, before you submit your personalised registration for sale.

Elements that make up the sale price: Base price: The base price is made up of your selling price (the amount you require upon sale of your registration) and our service charges, less any pre-paid government fees.

Compulsory Government Charges: This includes the Department for Transport transfer fee .The transfer fee is the standard DVLA charge for changing the details of the vehicle(s) involved in the transfer and producing replacement documents, such as the V5C. The compulsory government charges also include any applicable Value Added Tax (VAT).

How much will it cost to advertise my cherished registration mark for sale through you?

You can advertise and sell with us in the complete confidence that it won’t cost you anything more than the price of a few letters and if you need them, the cost of a new set of Acrylic Number Plates, once the sale is completed.

We believe it’s very important that selling prices offer good value for money, so we keep our service charges as low as possible. This means that our prices are lower than elsewhere (hence the name Plates4less!) which in turn means quicker sales, happier buyers and very satisfied sellers.

Unlike many other firms, we will not charge you (the Seller) to list and sell your cherished number plates through us, provided you act in an honest and timely manner throughout the sales process. Our administration fees are paid by the buyer. You would only need to pay a fee should you fail to supply us with the required documentation within the agreed time scale or change your mind about selling once a sale agreement has been made. Naturally, if you change your mind after this contract is formed, then your buyer will be left disappointed and we will require you to pay the full service fees that your buyer would have otherwise paid, as we will have already completed the bulk of our agreed work. This fee must be paid within 14 days according to the following charging scale:-

Seller’s asking price	Seller’s Administration fee for sale cancellation (inc vat)
£0 - £500	£120.00
£501 - £1,000	£210.00
£1,001+	£300.00

How will my cherished registration be advertised?

We advertise throughout the whole of Britain and Northern Ireland, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year, attracting in excess of 17,000 private number plate buyers to our popular website per day. Our nationwide marketing expertise uses the most effective search engines and specially formulated marketing campaigns, to place us high on the first pages of the most popular search results, for the most effective number-plate-specific, web searches.

With your permission, we will also pass details of your cherished numberplate (but not your identity or contact details) to our carefully selected trade a, so that you receive full ‘blanket’ coverage of the whole UK private number plate industry. All enquiries will come right back to us so that you have one certain point of contact for your sale. This is essential for you when negotiations begin as we will instantly be able to tell you how many buyers are involved and negotiate the best sale price on your behalf. We will make all of the approaches to other agents for you and you will see your registration on every reputable website. Once your registration is sold we will make sure all the other agents are updated and asked to remove your registration mark from their sales listings.

Can I list my cherished registration for sale elsewhere?

Absolutely. We only ask that you notify us should the registration no longer be available for sale so we can keep our records up to date and try to avoid disappointing potential buyers.

Can I be selective regarding who sees my advertisement?

We know that some sellers prefer to sell their assets quietly and somewhat ‘off the radar’. We keep a separate list of available highly desirable cherished number plates, which we make known only to serious enquirers and our qualified associates. Please let us know if you wish to be included in this bespoke ‘on the QT’ service by emailing us at ontheqt@plates4less.co.uk

We only recommend this service for distinct and rare combinations as your exposure to buyers will be considerably reduced.

How long will it take to sell my cherished registration mark?

Because private registrations are personal, they don’t suit every buyer who’s in the market at any given time, so it’s impossible to give an accurate answer here. Cherished number plates can take weeks, months and sometimes even years of advertising (if their appeal is very specialised), before the right buyer comes along to purchase them.

However, prospective buyers will find your cherished registration online easily, as we use the most advanced industry-leading search technology available. Our Smart Search is easy to use and our website is optimised and regularly updated for use on all internet browsing devices, including smartphones. You found us and your buyer will too!

The most important factors in selling any cherished registration mark within a reasonable time are: Accurately gauging its level of desirability Getting the asking price right, based on your own research Constantly advertising and marketing the registration mark to prospective buyers Assessing the changing conditions in the registration marketplace (and the wider UK economy) and responding accordingly Making it as easy as possible for the buyer by accepting the most popular methods of payment.

We advertise throughout the whole of Britain and Northern Ireland, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year, attracting in excess of 17,000 cherished number plate buyers to our popular website per day. Our nationwide marketing expertise uses the most effective search engines and specially formulated marketing campaigns, to place us high on the first pages of the most popular search results, for the most effective number-plate-specific, web searches.

With your permission, we will also pass details of your cherished registration mark (but not your identity or contact details) to our carefully selected trade associates so that you receive full ‘blanket’ coverage of the whole UK cherished number plate industry. (All enquiries will come right back to us so that you have one certain point of contact for your sale. This is essential for you when negotiations begin as we will instantly be able to tell you how many buyers are involved and negotiate the best sale price on your behalf. We will make all of the approaches to other agents for you and you will see your registration on every reputable website.) Once your registration is sold we will make sure all the other agents are updated and asked to remove your registration mark from their sales listings.

Our payment options make your cherished numberplate affordable and easy to buy. We offer the buyer the fullest possible range of payment options, from cheques to bank transfers to debit and credits cards and individual finance packages. We have something to suit every buyer, helping them purchase your cherished registration mark.

Buyers will often make offers if they like your registration mark but cannot afford your asking price, or have seen similar marks for lower prices elsewhere. We will contact you with any reasonable offer received.

Can I sell my cherished registration privately?

Of course you can advertise your cherished registration mark privately and then request our involvement once a buyer has been found, if you wish. This gives you the confidence of having a qualified, government-regulated team of experts working for you.

Important advice: Please do not display or share any photos of your government certificates or registration documents on line for your own security. We also recommend that you do not release any of your documents to buyers and instead request their documents to conduct the transfer, but only after you have received cleared funds from them into your own bank account. Please also be aware that if they send funds to your Paypal account they can ask for all this money to be refunded, even after the sale is completed, leaving you with nothing.

Using a reputable intermediary such as ourselves, can prevent these problems and is highly recommended .

What is the VRM Swansea Commission List and how does this benefit my sale?

With your permission we will circulate your sales advert(s) with our reputable associates in the industry so that you have complete market coverage of the UK and Northern Ireland. Please rest assured that we will not share your personal contact details with any other party. All enquiries will come back to you only through us as your trusted appointed main agent. This naturally saves you the time and effort of registering your cherished registration mark for sale with several different companies and allows a larger audience of potential buyers to view it. This also greatly helps us determine how many buyers are interested in your number plate, which in turn helps us negotiate the best possible sale price for you when offers begin coming in.

This service often results in a quicker sale for you. It also saves you the inconvenience of calls you would otherwise receive when a buyer enters the market and begins ringing around many dealers to check on prices and availability. Once your registration is sold we will make sure all the other agents are updated and asked to remove your registration mark from their sales listings.

It is not compulsory to register your mark with our list and you may still approach other dealers or advertise independently if you so wish even if you are on the list.

What is the step by step process for selling my cherished registration?

Upon a sale being agreed (with yourself accepting the proposed amount), the following steps take place:

1. Terms & Conditions and proof of ownership exchanged Once you have confirmed your agreement to our Terms & Conditions and we have taken an order on your behalf, you must supply us with a copy of your proof of ownership of the registration mark. This can be via email or post and must be a valid most recent copy of one of the following government documents: V5C Vehicle Registration Certificate (or V5NI) V778 Certificate of Retention V750 Certificate of Entitlement

2. Payment secured The buyer’s payment is secured and held for you until the transfer is complete.

3. Contracts drawn up and mailed out A contract is sent to you, confirming the offer, along with a set of instructions for your formal acceptance and signature.

4. Transfer documents received by us When your vehicle/registration documents are received, they are checked by an expert transfer agent and held securely until the buyer’s documents are received and similarly scrutinised for suitability in the transfer process. Your documents and information will only be seen by VRM Swansea and Government personnel.

5. Transfer completed at DVLA Swansea vehicle office. An expert transfer agent will personally deliver your documents to the DVLA headquarters in Swansea to complete your transfer.

6. Payment made Payment is sent to you by cheque on the same day that we receive notification from the DVLA that the transfer is complete.

The entire process can take between 4 and 6 weeks. We always endeavour to complete the transfer and make payment to you as soon as Government confirmation allows us to do so.

What can I trust you to do when selling my cherished registration?

Our promises to you are that: Your cherished registration will be advertised for free until it’s sold, or you ask us to remove it from sale We will endeavour to secure a sale as soon as possible You will pay no sales commission to us We will contact you as soon as any reasonable offer is made We will conduct the entire transfer for you when a buyer is found You will receive your funds as soon as the transfer is complete

What do you expect from me when selling my cherished registration?

We expect you to: Act honestly with us Instruct us in the sale, only if you have full authority to do so Notify us immediately if you wish to remove your cherished registration from sale Notify us as soon as possible if any of your personal details change so we can ensure our records are accurate and relevant Keep your word once you have agreed to your sale Send us the correctly signed documents quickly and securely to enable us to complete your sale and process your funds

What if I want to change the details of my sale?

You can manage your advert online, remaining in control throughout the selling process. You won’t have to call us to change the price of your cherished number plate or to remove it from sale; with your unique log-in details, you can make instant changes yourself. We only ask that you do not increase your price once we have found a buyer as this is likely to cause bad will and deter them from purchasing.

How will my personal details be used?

We will conduct all contract negotiations for you, with expertise designed to ensure your safety, security and peace of mind throughout the entire process. You won’t have to deal directly with time wasters, or disclose your personal details or documents to complete strangers. We will check that your buyer is able to pay before the transfer is lodged with the government and your funds will be conveyed to you as soon as the successful transfer is confirmed.

What are the Terms & Conditions of using VRM Swansea’s sellers’ service?

Administration fees

Please note: If we find you a buyer and you agree to sell but then subsequently change your mind, or fail to supply us the required transfer documents within the agreed time scale, you will be required to pay an administration fee.

Seller’s asking price	Seller’s Administration fee for sale cancellation (inc vat)
£0 - £500	£120.00
£501 - £1,000	£210.00
£1,001 +	£300.00

Once we have found a buyer for your cherished registration, you will need to agree to the Terms & Conditions with one of our sales team regarding the sale. They will read the following script and await your agreement: