Smart Search Guide
- If you need guidance you can access the Number Plates Guides for relevant help by clicking this icon
- To find out which private numberplates are suitable for your age of vehicle, use our handy transfer age checking tool
Our unique system generates all the private number plate searches possible, based on your input, and then checks our database of over 50 million plates for suitable matches.
The Smart Search system does all the work so you don't have to! If you don't find anything you really like, simply complete a short enquiry form and one of our expert personnel will do the searching for you.
To start simply type in what you are looking for, whether it’s a name, a keyword, a special number sequence, initials, anything. Our Smart Search will do the work for you, generating results tailored to your preferences.
If you would like to search a little deeper for something more specific, simply 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 you would like to purchase.
- If you're searching for a specific word let the Smart Search system work out the number/letter swaps for you; PETER, for example, will get you better results than P3T3R.
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.
- 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.
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.
123 ABCABC 123 Show Me How The ultimate registration mark
Janet's And Ronald’s 25th Anniversary
Ideal for Toyota or toy store owners
For Christopher Michael Parkinson
- 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):
Ideal for Rolls Royce Owners, or believers in the supernatural!
Jack or Jacqueline, Number 1, Peters
Cabbage, for vegetarians!
- 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):
Miss Grace Elizabeth Gallagher
A kiss for Rob, who works in the emergency services
Nov 16th (Date of Birth), George K Moore
Kiss, 40th Birthday, Janet Hannah Davies
Katherine (Kate) Lambert, X for a kiss
- 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)
For Ray, a James Bond fan
For sports car fans or vets
XK Jaguar, John Robert Clark
Mr John Dawson and Mrs Claire P Dawson
- 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, SH21RLZ.
Shirley, looking for the perfect plate for her name
Find your perfect plate by searching in our Current Style Area (opens in new window)
Sharon's 40th birthday present
- 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 Irish Style Area (opens in new window)
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.
