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How do I buy a DVLA registration plate?

DVLA number plates, or as they’re officially known “DVLA vehicle identification plates”, can be purchased right here from us at TopReg. They can be used on any DVLA-registered vehicle, so long as they follow the golden rule of UK license plates — the date on the plate must not falsely suggest the car is newer than it actually is.

What is a DVLA number plate?
A DVLA number plate is a rectangular piece of perspex that displays a vehicle’s registration mark. Each car comes with a standardised DVLA number plate upon purchase, but some owners choose their own custom personalised plates with their name, initials, hobbies or interests to add a real touch of flair.

DVLA registration plates have taken on various formats over the years, including:

  • Cherished plates (pre-1963 number plates that do not have age identifiers and are beloved by the classic car community).
  • Suffix style plates (introduced in 1963, phased out in 1983 and include a year-identifying letter at the end of the mark).
  • Prefix style plates (introduced in 1983 post suffix style, phased out in 2001) and include a year-identifying letter at the beginning of the mark.
  • Current style plates (the current style plates used since 2001).

Choose from the best at TopReg
With TopReg on your side, you can choose from millions of private and personalised DVLA registrations for sale, including the popular dateless styles.

So, if you’re looking to add something unique and personal to your vehicle, we have DVLA private plates for all budgets. Go ahead and use our search bar to explore all the registrations we have on offer.

Number plate styles available

Our enormous range of DVLA plates comes in every style:

Current Style Plates

(Sep 2001 - present)

TP52 REG

2 letters for the registration location, 2 numbers for the registration year, and then a small gap followed by 3 random letters.

  Current Number Plates

Prefix Number Plates

(1983 - 2001)

T123 REG

1 prefix letter for the registration year, a number from 1 to 999, and then a small gap followed by 3 letters for the registration location.

  Prefix Number Plates

Suffix Number Plates

(1963 - 1982)

TOP 944S

3 letters for the registration location, a small gap, a sequence number from 1 to 999, and 1 suffix letter for the registration year.

  Suffix Number Plates

Dateless Number Plates*

(Pre 1963)

TOP 1

1, 2, 3 or 4 numbers, followed by a small gap and then 1, 2 or 3 letters. Can also be reversed with 1, 2 or 3 letters followed by 1, 2, 3 or 4 numbers.

  Dateless Number Plates

* Dateless style plates allow you to hide the age of a vehicle.

FAQs about DVLA Number Plates

  • Do you have to buy private number plates from the DVLA?

    No, you don’t have to buy private or personalised number plates from the DVLA. You can buy your private registration from private dealers, like us here at TopReg.

    TopReg is a leading private plate dealer with a huge collection from which you can choose. Plus, we can also supply you with high-quality perspex plates printed in-house on our specialist equipment — unlike the DVLA, who do not supply the physical plates.

    Want to buy a new plate but don’t want the hassle? Our Fast Track Transfer service will take care of the process of transferring your registration number over to a new vehicle, as well as completing number plate retention assistance for all transactions.

    For more information on private plates and the DVLA, check out our page on How the DVLA Issues Car Registrations.

  • How do you assign a DVLA number plate?

    Once you’ve purchased and received your plate, you’ll need to assign it to your vehicle before you can hit the road. This process is straightforward, but can differ depending on a few factors:

    • If the vehicle is already registered to you, you’ll need to apply via the post or online.
    • If the vehicle is new, you’ll need to give the V750 or V778 document to your car dealer who will then contact the DVLA.
    • If the vehicle is used, you’ll need to wait for the DVLA to send you a V5C form, then apply via post or online.
    • If the vehicle is registered to someone else, but you’re gifting them the registration, you’ll need to apply via post or online.

  • How do you transfer a DVLA Number Plate?

    Transferring a plate from one vehicle is also relatively straightforward. All you’ll need is both vehicles’ valid MOTs and V5 registration forms. Then, simply complete the V317 form and pay an £80 fee which can be done online.

    Once the DVLA have everything they need, they will process the transfer and it is usually completed within 4-6 weeks.

    Don’t fancy the wait? Check out our fast-track transfer service and take the hassle out of buying a new registration plate.

  • How do you retain a DVLA Number Plate?

    Do you already have your dream registration plate but are looking to sell your car? Don’t worry, retaining your plate is simple. The DVLA offer a number plate retention scheme, that ensures you the right to your current registration number. You can apply for the scheme online or via post and receive your V778 Retention Document.

    Alternatively, explore TopReg’s number plate retention assistance. Our express and easy-to-use management service makes retaining your beloved registration plate easier than ever.

  • Can I put my DVLA number plate on straight away?

    Not quite. Before you put on your new plates, you’ll need to have them approved. Once you’ve had the green light from the DVLA, you’re all ready to put your new plates on.

    You can do this by following these simple steps:

    1. Unscrew your existing plates and remove them
    2. Give the area where the new plate will be attached a good clean
    3. Screw the new plates in place securely making sure they’re nicely aligned
    4. Update the V5C to reflect the change and your insurance provider (if required)
  • Do you have to pay to put DVLA number plates on a car?

    No, it’s completely free to apply to change your number plates. Just remember to complete the application form and wait for DVLA approval before you hit the road.

  • Can I put my DVLA number plate on any car?

    Not quite. Registration plates need to adhere to DVLA regulations and meet the correct format they have set.

    While rules around DVLA registration plates are relatively relaxed, there is one rule that all plates and cars must adhere to. The date on the plate must not falsely suggest the car is newer than it is. This means you cannot put a DVLA plate that would make a vehicle appear to have been manufactured in 2024 on a 2018 car.

  • Can I sell my number plate back to the DVLA?

    No, you can’t sell your number plate back to the DVLA. Luckily, there is another option — you can sell your plates to specialist dealers, like us here at TopReg.

    We’ll advertise your plates for free and showcase them at your specific price. Just simply name your price and let us handle the rest. For hassle-free transactions and free advertising, sell your private number plates with TopReg today.

You’ll find answers to other questions on our main FAQs page.

If you need help in finding your dream plate, our friendly sales agents are on hand to assist. Call us Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm on 03303 904222.

Why TopReg should be your #1 stop for buying DVLA number plates

At TopReg, we can help you find your perfect new DVLA plate. We are proud to boast a headache-free service that gives you the following benefits:

  • Over 75 million DVLA and personalised registrations available
  • State-of-the-art and easy-to-use registration search
  • Cutting-edge and industry-leading plate printers
  • 3D-Gel & 4D (True 3D) plates available for all registrations
  • Express and easy-to-use Fast Track Transfer Services
  • Finance options available through Klarna
  • Next-day delivery of physical plates

You can even use TopReg to get involved in the DVLA number plate auctions that are held 5 to 6 times per year — jump in on the fun and purchase a collection of new DVLA registration numbers hot off the press!

TopReg are a fully registered DVLA number plate supplier (#54321) and are listed on the RNPS (Register of Number Plate Suppliers). All plates sold through TopReg adhere to the laws set out by the DVLA, and are 100% road legal.

DVLA Auction

Interested in picking up a bargain from the next DVLA personalised registrations auction? It’s easy and straight forward to bid using our premium bidding service.

Search DVLA Auction

Number Plate Printing

When ordering your new registration through TopReg, why not compliment your purchase with a set of high-quality plates from us. Delivered in the post to you within one business day!

Find Out More