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Number plate search guide

Welcome to our Private Number Plate Search Guide! Whether you’re looking for yourself, a unique gift, a professional touch for your business, or simply want to hide the age of your vehicle, this guide will help you find the perfect option. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the process simple and enjoyable, ensuring you find a number plate that suits your needs and style. Let’s get started on your search!

Areas Covered in This Guide:

1. How to Search (including a step-by-step tutorial)

2. Watch a Video Guide instead

3. Looking for a Non-Personalised Plate? Click here to skip ahead if you’re just looking for something that looks good.

4. Understanding Number Plate Formats


1. Choose what to Search For

This should be the main idea behind your plate (a name, word or initials). Find inspiration below.

Type this into our search bar to get started.

Tip- Entering PETER, for example, will get you better results than searching for P3T3R.

2. Review & Refine

Our Smart Search tool will generate many search strings and show sets of results from each number plate style for you to consider.

You can refine and combine ideas you like to further personalise your search (try adding a lucky number or a fun word)

3. Shortlist and Purchase

Click the heart next to a search result to add it to your Favourites shortlist. You can open the shortlist using the large heart in the bottom left of the website and compare your choices. You can share ideas from here to get a second opinion.

Once you are ready to buy, simply click on the plate to start reviewing your purchase and payment options!

Names & Words

Most people start with a name or word search.

WR71 GHT
XX54 LLY
ST73 FAN
SS12 NGH
CU73 LTD Cute LTD - Business name
FA57 BKE Fast bike - word plate
AN11 MAL For a vet
SP20 UTS For a farmer

A name may take up the whole registration, or just part of it. Simply type a word into our search bar and let our Search engine find the closest matches by swapping letters and numbers. You may wish to combine the name with other ideas such as important dates or filler words.

BO55 JEN Jen, who is a boss
XX24 ZAC Zac, married 2024

Initials

These initials can be from your name, your business, your sports team, etc.

DJ51 DAN Initials, then name
DR22 SCL Title then initials
M14 MLS Name plus initials
YO10 FRG Fun then initials
RWC 14 Investment potential
H20 EPC Option for plumber

Lucky Numbers and Dates

As you’ve seen in previous examples, all UK registration marks include numbers. Many numbers look like letters (A=4 or S=5) but you can also use numbers to represent significant dates or figures.

0018 PAT Pat, married in 2018
P77 RON Ron, Lucky number 7
J22 DFR January 22 + initials
ADZ 1984 Adam's birth year

Partner Plates

These are plates that are either based on, or chosen for, a romantic partner. You can use two names if they are short, or two sets of initials. For the number, you could use 04 as ‘for’, or a number that is significant to the two of you.

BR04 FBR Billy R for Frankie R
FR04 BSR Frankie R for Billy R
TE54 TOM Tessa and Tom
N17 PLT Wedding Anniversary 17th

Filler numbers and letters

For a plate that isn’t too personal and looks good, you can fill in the space with a fun word - we call these fillers. You’ve probably seen some common fillers such as B055 and CU73. Enter your 3 initials and our search system will automatically show you some options with plate fillers under the heading “Popular Choices...”

Tutorial

But how do you put all of this together?

In this example, we are looking for a plate for someone named GEMMA JONES - you can use these techniques to find a plate for you. Or, check out the video version here

We start with a simple search for the name Gemma.

Gemma’s car is from 2016, so we add the vehicle age check filter for a 16 reg.

vehicle age check filter

When you find a plate you like, you can click the heart to add it to your Favourites area.

add a plate to your Favourites area

Then, we try a nickname search for Gem:

And, after saving some of our favourite plates, we complete an initial search for GKJ.

We look for plates that spell fun words, like this one.  plates that spell fun words

We also look for plates with important numbers. Gemma was born in May, so a 05 plate is great!

plates with important numbers

Then you can combine ideas! Search for specifics using the style format search, which can be found by clicking Refine Search. You can change individual characters this way, making searches easier.

For example, this plate is a gift for Gemma’s 18th Birthday, so you could try:

Or, you could do a search where the 6 and the 3 act as the G and the E, with G J at the start for Gemma Jones.

Search Plate GJ63MMA

Then, you can view all of your selections in the Favourites tool, send them to friends for their opinion and decide on the best one for you!

Search Results GKJ

We hope this helps!

You can find the Smart Search on our Homepage here to start looking.

If you want some help finding your plate, our search team is ready to assist. Just call us on 01792 477316. Whichever option you chose, you’ll have access to our years of expertise, and helpful people who prioritise excellent customer service.

Buying Guides

Plates for Everyone (Not Personalised to you)

Here are some links to interesting plates that aren’t personalised:

If you are looking for something more generic for privacy reasons, or to disguise the age of your vehicle, try a cover plate. These are also great for keeping track of fleet vehicles.

Or, if you’re looking for a non-personal plate for investment purposes, you could start here.

Understanding Number Plate Formats

Throughout the years, the Government has introduced various formats for registration marks. If you're looking for a specific format or “style”, please select the relevant search option below.

Current Style number plates (issued since 2001)
AA51 ABC SEARCH
OO07 RAY For Raymond, A James Bond fan
AN63 LAJ Angela Jones
YU11 MMY Tasty Plate!
LO12 RYS Haulage Firm
AN11 MAL Sports Car Fans/ Vets
SH12 LEY Best Plate for Shirley
SA12 AHJ Sarah Jayne
BO55 RPJ Boss, Rhys Paul James
JE55 GAZ Jessica and Gary
MR52 DVS Mrs Davies
XK03 JRC XK Jaguar, John Robert Clark
JD04 CPD Mr John Dawson and Mrs Claire P Dawson
FA57 BMW Fast BMW car
BE57 JAG Best Jaguar car
  • Age identifier is the two digit number in the middle
  • No I or Q and Z only in the last three letters
Prefix Style number plates (issued between 1983 and 2001)
A1 ABC SEARCH
L4 URA LAURA
E12 ROR Computer Developers
G3 MMA Gemma
M155 GEG Miss Grace Elizabeth Gallagher
K155 AJS Kiss, Amy Jane Smith
J46 UAR Jaguar
X999 ROB Kiss, For Rob who works in emergency services
N16 GKM Nov 16th (Date of Birth), George K Moore
X40 JHD Kiss, 40th Birthday, Janet Hannah Davies
K8 KLX Katherine (Kate) Lambert, X for a kiss
  • Age identifier is the first letter (prefix)
  • No I, Q or Z in the registration
Suffix Style number plates (issued between 1963 and 1983)
ABC 1A SEARCH
ANG 314D Angela Davies
KEN 1X Kenneth, Number 1, Kiss
JON 3S Jones
EDW 412D Edward
GHO 5T Ideal For Rolls Royce Owners and Supernatural Believers!
RAC 3R Racer
JAC 1P Jack or Jacqueline, Number 1, Peters
CAB 846E Cabbage, For Vegetarians!
TVR 802T TVR
TVR 4X TVR
BMW 763V BMW
COS 74A Costa
JAG 805S Jag Boss
  • Age identifier is the last letter (suffix)
  • No I, Q or Z in the registration
Dateless Style number plates (Mainland UK) (issued between 1903 and 1963)
123 ABC ABC 123 SEARCH
A 1 The Ultimate Registration Mark
25 JR Janet And Ronald's 25th Anniversary
999 ROB Rob The Fire-fighter
TOY 5 Ideal For Toyota or Toy Store Owners
AJL 33 April Jeanette Lee
4 CMP For Christopher Michael Parkinson
ALF 45 Alfred
XMA 55 It's Christmas!
  • Can be transferred to any age vehicle
  • Very rare due to their age
  • Generally the most expensive style
  • No I, Q or Z in the registration
Northern Irish Number plates
ABZ 1234 SEARCH
SHZ 40 Sharon's 40th Birthday Present
BAZ 101 Barry
BIG 8055 Big Boss
GIL 2068 Gillian
GAZ 6468 Gareth
LNZ 12 Lyndsey
OIL 999 Petrol-head
MIG 6857 Cover Plate, Ideal for hiding vehicle age!
  • Can be transferred to any age vehicle
  • Always have an I or Z in the registration
  • A cheaper alternative to a dateless number plate

Search results explained

Plate status descriptions explained

As you browse through your search results, you will notice that the private numberplates are listed with different descriptions such as AVAILABLE NOW’ or ‘CHECK IT NOW’. This guide will help you understand the differences between the different types of private number plate.

  • NEW – AVAILABLE NOW: You will be the first person to own the exclusive rights to use these private number plates. You can purchase these over the phone or online, immediately, with a choice of transfer options.
  • PRE-OWNED – AVAILABLE NOW: These private number plates 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.
  • PRE-OWNED – CHECK IT NOW: These private numberplates are already privately owned and we are acting for the seller as their agent. If you enquire into one of these we will contact the seller to confirm availability and other details before proceeding.
  • NEW RELEASE – HOW TO BUY: These private number plates 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.

Click the View button to

  • See your chosen private number plate on a selection of example vehicles
  • Learn about and choose additional purchase options
  • See the full price for the private numberplate, including VAT and the Government Transfer Fee*

*As with all other private number plate transfer agents, prices are initially shown excluding VAT and Government Transfer fees by default.

A brief history of number plates

The UK number plate system was introduced in late 1903 with the registration ‘A1’, debatably, being the first. Registration marks were issued in sequence and related to the geographic area they were issued. The registration system has undergone many changes since then. We have put together a brief guide to the different private numberplate styles for you below.

Dateless Style number plates (Mainland UK) (issued between 1903 and 1963)

123 ABC ABC 123
A 1 The Ultimate Registration Mark
25 JR Janet And Ronald's 25th Anniversary
999 ROB Rob The Fire-fighter
TOY 5 Ideal For Toyota or Toy Store Owners
AJL 33 April Jeanette Lee
4 CMP For Christopher Michael Parkinson
ALF 45 Alfred
XMA 55 It's Christmas!
  • Can be transferred to any age vehicle
  • Very rare due to their age
  • Generally the most expensive style
  • No I, Q or Z in the registration
Dateless Plate Quote

I wanted a Dateless plate to cover the age of my vehicle and that would hopefully act as an investment. Plates4Less suggested BB 1967, BJB 808 and XOX 222.

Our Dateless Number Plates area is the most comprehensive in the industry, including lots of useful tools, check out these areas (these links open in new window):

Suffix Style number plates (issued between 1963 and 1983)

ABC 1A
ANG 314D Angela Davies
KEN 1X Kenneth, Number 1, Kiss
JON 3S Jones
EDW 412D Edward
GHO 5T Ideal For Rolls Royce Owners and Supernatural Believers!
RAC 3R Racer
JAC 1P Jack or Jacqueline, Number 1, Peters
CAB 846E Cabbage, For Vegetarians!
TVR 802T TVR
TVR 4X TVR
BMW 763V BMW
COS 74A Costa
JAG 805S Jag Boss
  • Age identifier is the last letter (suffix)
  • No I, Q or Z in the registration
Suffix Plate Quote

Plates4Less offered me SAL 19Y which was a great option for us. suggested BB 1967, BJB 808 and XOX 222.

Here are interesting areas for you to look at (these links open in new window):

Prefix Style number plates (issued between 1983 and 2001)

A1 ABC
L4 URA LAURA
E12 ROR Computer Developers
G3 MMA Gemma
M155 GEG Miss Grace Elizabeth Gallagher
K155 AJS Kiss, Amy Jane Smith
J46 UAR Jaguar
X999 ROB Kiss, For Rob who works in emergency services
N16 GKM Nov 16th (Date of Birth), George K Moore
X40 JHD Kiss, 40th Birthday, Janet Hannah Davies
K8 KLX Katherine (Kate) Lambert, X for a kiss
  • Age identifier is the first letter (prefix)
  • No I, Q or Z in the registration
Prefix Plate Quote

I wanted a fun plate for my new car. Plates4Less found K155ESS for me which I love!

Take a look at the useful features within our Prefix Style Area (opens in new window)

Current Style number plates (issued since 2001)

AA51 ABC
OO07 RAY For Raymond, A James Bond fan
AN63 LAJ Angela Jones
YU11 MMY Tasty Plate!
LO12 RYS Haulage Firm
AN11 MAL Sports Car Fans/ Vets
SH12 LEY Best Plate for Shirley
SA12 AHJ Sarah Jayne
BO55 RPJ Boss, Rhys Paul James
JE55 GAZ Jessica and Gary
MR52 DVS Mrs Davies
XK03 JRC XK Jaguar, John Robert Clark
JD04 CPD Mr John Dawson and Mrs Claire P Dawson
FA57 BMW Fast BMW car
BE57 JAG Best Jaguar car
  • Age identifier is the two digit number in the middle
  • No I or Q and Z only in the last three letters
Current Plate Quote

I was looking for a plate that spelled my name exactly. Plates4Less suggested the ultimate 'Shirley' plate, SH12LEY.

Find your perfect plate by searching in our Current Style Area (opens in new window)

Northern Irish Number plates

ABZ 1234
SHZ 40 Sharon's 40th Birthday Present
BAZ 101 Barry
BIG 8055 Big Boss
GIL 2068 Gillian
GAZ 6468 Gareth
LNZ 12 Lyndsey
OIL 999 Petrol-head
MIG 6857 Cover Plate, Ideal for hiding vehicle age!
  • Can be transferred to any age vehicle
  • Always have an I or Z in the registration
  • A cheaper alternative to a dateless number plate
Irish Plate Quote

I wanted to get my husband a unique gift. Plates4Less suggested DAZ 84 which is perfect as it's his nickname and year of birth!

Find your perfect plate by searching in our Irish Style Area (opens in new window)

Search Help

Video guides

Video guides for can be viewed using the following links

Click a plate or press View to see

  • Your purchase options, our transfer services & compulsory government charges.
  • The number plate on a car.
  • Finance options (with no application or administration fee).

Filters allows you to change how you see your results

Price toggle (Base Price / Government Charges)

Most number plate dealers display the “base price” on search pages and, when you proceed to checkout, the VAT and government fees are added on which can come as a shock.

We like to give our customers the option of viewing all fees at the point of searching for a registration mark.

The total price is determined by which transfer options you choose and as such, we cannot give you a total figure until you decide on these options.

Vehicle age filter

One of the most important rules regarding personalised registrations is that you cannot make a vehicle look newer than it is. The reason for this is to stop fraudsters mis-selling vehicles to unsuspecting buyers, and in turn promotes the sale of new vehicles when the new age identifiers are released. Because of this it is vital that when you are looking at purchasing a personalised registration you check the age of your vehicle.

The Vehicle Age Filter will grey-out number plates which are too new for the vehicle age you choose. You can still buy them and keep them on certificates for later use.

You can find the age of your vehicle by looking on the V5C log book, or if you know the number plate then you can look online here.

Choosing your favourites

You will see a heart icon next to your search results. If you click this, it will turn red and the registration mark will be added to your favourites. When you have selected your favourite options, you can view them all in your Favourites area by clicking the red heart icon on the bottom left of the screen

In your Favourites area, you can easily compare multiple registration marks, view them on a wide range of popular vehicles, and share them on social media or by email for later reference.

Plate status explained

AVAILABLE NOW

You can view more information about the registration mark and the purchase options by clicking the ‘View & Buy’ button. Here you will find your transfer options, information about the extras you can purchase, and information about our finance options. You can also view the registration mark on a wide range of popular vehicles.

CHECK IT NOW

If the registration mark is pre-owned, you can click the ‘View & Check’ button. To check current price and availability or to request a call back, you can complete the enquiry form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Help finding results

If you cannot find what you are looking for or would like some help with your search results then simply complete the Search Assistance form and one of our friendly, expert sales team will contact you with some ideas.

Any other Query

If you require any further assistance or need help with any other queries, click on a Request Help button to submit your details for our friendly, expert sales team to contact you. Alternatively call us on 01792 477316.

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