Find GuideSmart Search Guide
Helpful tips
- If you need guidance, you can access the Information Centre for relevant help by clicking this icon
- To find out which registration marks are suitable for your age of vehicle, use our handy transfer age checking tool
About the Smart Search
Our unique system generates all the private number plate searches possible, based on your input and then checks our huge database of over 50 million plates for matches.
The system does all the work so that you don't have to. However, if you don't see anything you like online, you can always fill in a short enquiry form for one of our expert staff to do more searching for you!
How to use the Smart Search
To start, simply type in what you are looking for whether it is a name, a word, a special number sequence, initials etc. Then our smart search will do the work for you and generate results tailored to your particular search.
If you would like to search a little deeper for something more specific just click on the advanced options tab which will allow you to filter the search results by plate style, plate status, budget etc. This is a great option if you have something specific in mind that you would like to purchase.
Helpful tip
- If you are searching for a word, let us work out the number/letter swaps for you. e.g.Entering PETER will get you better results than P3T3R
Find GuideSearch Results Explained
Plate Statuses explained
As you are browsing through the results, you will notice that the registrations are listed with different descriptions such as 'New—Available now' or 'Pre-owned—Check it now'. This guide will help you to understand the difference between the different types of registration mark.
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New - Available Now: You will be the first person to own the exclusive rights to use these registration marks. You can purchase these registration marks online immediately with a choice of transfer options.
Pre-Owned - Available Now:: These registrations are already in private ownership, but are available to buy straight away online. Some are held on certificates and some are being used on vehicles.
Pre-Owned - Check it Now:: These registrations are already privately owned and we are acting for the seller as their agent. If you enquire into one of these registrations, we will contact the seller to confirm availability and other up to date details.
New release - How to buy:: These registration marks are twice yearly new-series government releases. They have never existed before and are releases of the next registration mark sequence.
Click a View button to:
- See your chosen registration on a selection of vehicles.
- Learn about and choose additional purchase options
- See the full price for the registration mark, including VAT and Government Transfer Fees*
*As per all other cherished transfer agents, prices are shown excluding VAT and Government Transfer fees by default.
Find GuideA brief history of number plates
The UK number plate system was introduced in late 1903, with the registration 'A1' (issued in London) debatably being the first. Registration marks would be issued in sequence and relate to the area in which they were issued. The number plate system has undergone many changes in the last 100 years. We have put together a brief guide for you below.
Plate Styles
Dateless Style number plates (Mainland UK) (issued between 1903 and 1963)
- 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
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.
Brett James Brown, DOB 1967, Accountant
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)
- Age identifier is the last letter (suffix)
- No I, Q or Z in the registration
Plates4Less offered me SAL 19Y which was a great option for us.
Tom, searching for a present for Sally
Here are interesting areas for you to look at (these links open in new window):
Prefix Style number plates (issued between 1983 and 2001)
- Age identifier is the first letter (prefix)
- No I, Q or Z in the registration
I wanted a fun plate for my new car. Plates4Less found K155ESS for me which I love!
Amy, looking for a plate for her new car
Take a look at the useful features within our Prefix Style Area (opens in new window)
Current Style number plates (issued since 2001)
- Age identifier is the two digit number in the middle
- No I or Q and Z only in the last three letters
I was looking for a plate that spelled my name exactly. Plates4Less suggested the ultimate ‘Shirley’ plate, SH12LEY.
Shirley, looking for the perfect plate for her name
Find your perfect plate by searching in our Current Style Area (opens in new window)
Northern Ireland Format Number Plates
- Can be transferred to any age vehicle
- Always have an I or Z in the registration
- A cheaper alternative to a dateless number plate
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!
Ai, searching for a gift for her husband, Darren
Find your perfect plate by searching in our Northern Ireland Format Area (opens in new window)
Find GuideNeed Help?
Information centre
If you would like to access our Information Centre, where you will find guidance about everything number plate related just click on the button whenever you see it.
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.