Do Private Number Plates Go Up in Value?

Private number plates aren’t just a way to make your car stand out – they can also be a good investment. Over the years, private number plates have become a valuable asset for many owners, with some plates worth a few hundred pounds and others selling for high prices at

DVLA auctions.

At RegHunters, we’ve seen how the market has evolved and which registration numbers hold or increase in value. Whether you’re buying your first personalised number plate or looking to sell one you’ve owned for years, understanding how plate values rise can help you make the perfect

choice.

Can Private Number Plates Really Increase in Value?

In short, yes, the right private plate can absolutely go up in value. Because there’s a limited range of combinations, demand often exceeds supply, especially for common names, initials, and dateless number plates.

When buyers compete for the same short, catchy, or rare plate numbers, prices rise. For example, plates featuring two letters and two numbers are highly sought because they look clean, exclusive, and are easy to remember. The most expensive number plate ever sold in the UK went for over £500,000, proving that the market for unique registrations is thriving.

At RegHunters, we regularly see private number plates appreciating in value by 10–20% over recent years, particularly among dateless and name-based options.

What Makes a Number Plate More Valuable?

Not all plates increase in value at the same rate. Several factors influence how desirable and valuable your registration might be:

1. Rarity and Format

Dateless number plates (issued before 1963) often command high prices because they don’t show the vehicle’s age. A short registration number with just two letters or three letters and two numbers looks prestigious and works on any vehicle, regardless of age.

2. Popular Names and Initials

Personalised plates that include common names like BEN, SAM, or JON, or simple initials such as AB or DJ, often see higher demand. As more people search for similar combinations, prices rise, it’s simple supply and demand.

3. Easy-to-Read Combinations

A plate that spells out a word or resembles a full name (like “JON 500N”) is instantly more memorable. Plates that form desirable or funny words are easier to sell, particularly to private buyers and collectors.

4. Vehicle Neutral Plates

Some plates don’t tie to a new registration year or vehicle licensing agency code. These are popular because you can assign them to any car, making them flexible and ideal for private sale or long-term ownership.

5. Market Trends

As with any form of investing, current trends play a role. In recent years, we’ve seen rising interest in plates that reflect electric cars (EV), luxury brands, and short combinations that mirror stock codes or social media handles.

Do All Private Plates Go Up in Value?

Not always. While many personalised plates hold or increase in value, others may remain steady.

Generally speaking, a plate that’s short, simple, and meaningful to more than one person has better long-term potential than one that’s overly specific (for instance, “TOM 23X”).

If you’re unsure, our free valuation service can tell you whether your private number is likely to grow in value or is best to sell now while prices are strong.

How to Check Your Number Plate’s Value

At RegHunters, we make it easy to discover how much your private registration is worth. Our FREE number plate valuation tool gives you an instant estimate based on current market demand, similar sales, and buyer interest.

Here’s how the process works:

Enter your registration number on our website.
Get a no-obligation valuation.
Our team of dealers and experts will help you decide whether to hold, sell, or upgrade.

With over 25 years’ experience and access to one of the UK’s largest databases, we know how to find the best deal for every private seller.

Real-World Examples of Number Plate Value Growth

To show how private plates can appreciate, here are some examples from the UK market:

Plate Example	Type	Original Cost	Current Value
JON 500N	Name-Based	£2,000	£6,000
VIP 1	Dateless	£25,000	£300,000+
AB12 REG	Current Style	£399	£850

This shows how even plates bought for a few hundred pounds can rise significantly with the

right demand and market conditions.

Tips for Choosing a Plate That Holds Its Value

Keep it short: The fewer characters, the better.
Pick popular names or initials: These appeal to a wider range of buyers.
Avoid year identifiers: Dateless number plates hold long-term value.
Stay flexible: Choose plates that can move between vehicles easily.
Use our search filters: RegHunters’ plate search tool helps find rare combinations at competitive prices.

Selling Your Private Number Plate

If you’re ready to sell your private number plate, we can help from start to finish. Our expert team manages the entire process, from number plate valuation to DVLA transfer, so you can focus on getting the best price.

We’ll advertise your registration to our extensive database of buyers, increasing your chances of a fast and smooth sale. Whether it’s an expensive number plate or one worth a few hundred pounds, we’ll help you achieve the best deal possible.

A Smart Way to Invest in Something Personal

Owning a private number plate is more than a way to personalise your car – it’s a chance to make a number plate investment that could increase in value over time. With current trends showing consistent interest in personalised plates, there’s never been a better time to explore the market.

At RegHunters, we make it simple to buy, sell, and value your private number plate. Enter your registration today for a FREE valuation and see how much your plate could be worth.

FAQ: Do Private Number Plates Go Up in Value?