Sell my number plate
A private number plate can be sold in three ways: an outright sale to a dealer, a commission listing with a dealer, or a private sale you handle yourself. Answer three questions and we will point you to the route that suits you.
Options for selling a private plate
If you sell through a dealer, you have two options. Some dealers pay you straight away when they take a plate outright for stock. Regtransfers, for one, reports that most of its buys are good dateless numbers. A commission listing is the second option. Most dealers find a buyer, sort out the payment and move the number onto the buyer's vehicle for you, as GOV.UK explains. The dealer takes a commission out of the price.
A private sale means the dealer's cut stays in your pocket. Find a buyer, agree a price, then record them as nominee on your V750 or V778 so the plate can go on their car. Until payment arrives, keep every picture and scan of the certificate to yourself.
Any route you take, begin with a fair figure. Similar plates and their listed prices appear on our valuation page. Dealer comparison shows who you could sell through.
Before you sell: what to have ready
For a plate that is off a car, you need a V750 certificate of entitlement or a V778 retention document. First, check the expiry date. Renewal is free and applications can go in up to 28 days before that date, though if it expires the number is lost to you. View the V750 certificate.
Your car's log book (V5C) is what you need while the plate stays fitted. Removing the number from the car costs £80, and you get a V778. Before the car is sold or scrapped, you must hold the V778 and the new V5C for that car, or the number is lost. Find out how to retain a number plate.
Common questions
Where is the best place to sell my number plate?
It comes down to speed against price. Fastest and lowest is what an outright dealer sale gives you; a commission listing or private sale brings more and takes longer.
What price will my number plate sell for?
The prices advertised online sit above what you can expect. Those advertised prices include VAT, plus the £80 DVLA fee, and a dealer also takes a margin or commission out of the sale.
Can I sell a plate while it stays on my car?
Yes, you can. Removing the number from your car comes first, before it goes on the buyer's vehicle, and taking it off costs £80. Hold on to the V778 and the new V5C for that car before the car is sold or scrapped.
Which approach sells a private number plate safely and works best?
Pick a dealer you have checked. Otherwise, wait until payment is complete before naming a private buyer as nominee. Never send anybody a picture or scan of your V750 or V778.