How to Sell a Number Plate
Your options for selling a personalised registration — direct, consignment, or auction.
Selling Options
There are three main ways to sell a personalised number plate in the UK: direct sale (you find the buyer yourself), consignment (a dealer lists and sells the plate for you, taking a commission), and auction (either DVLA auctions or private auction houses).
Each method has trade-offs. Direct sales give you full control and no commission, but require marketing effort. Consignment is hands-off but involves commission fees (typically 10-20%). Auctions can achieve premium prices for rare plates but come with uncertainty.
How to Value Your Plate
Before selling, you need an accurate valuation. MONIKR offers free, instant valuations that analyse your plate's readability, format rarity, market demand, and comparable sales. This gives you a realistic price range to work with.
Be wary of sellers who promise inflated valuations to win your listing. The market for personalised plates is well-established, and most plates have a fairly predictable value range based on their format, length, and readability.
Preparing to Sell
To sell your plate, you'll need to either have it assigned to a vehicle with a valid V5C in your name, or hold it on a retention certificate (V778). If the plate is on a vehicle you're selling, you'll need to place it on retention first (£80 fee).
Gather any documentation including the original purchase receipt, current V5C or V778, and any valuation certificates. Having these ready speeds up the sales process and gives buyers confidence.
The Sale Process
If selling through a dealer like MONIKR: submit your plate details, receive a valuation, agree on terms, and the dealer handles everything from marketing to buyer transfer. You'll receive payment once the sale completes.
If selling privately: advertise the plate with clear photos and your asking price, verify potential buyers are genuine, agree a price, and either transfer the plate directly or arrange for the buyer to handle the transfer. Consider using an escrow service for high-value transactions.
Commission and Fees
Consignment commission rates vary between dealers, typically ranging from 10% to 20% of the sale price. Some dealers charge upfront listing fees. DVLA auction commission is typically 7-8% for the seller plus VAT.
Remember that the buyer pays the £80 DVLA transfer fee in most cases. When comparing offers from different dealers, check whether their quoted commission includes VAT and any additional fees.