Private number plates have become increasingly popular in the United Kingdom in recent years. Because of the regulations surrounding DVLA plates in the UK, many drivers and collectors prefer to get personalized or private plates, so they can enjoy the letter and number combinations they want. They are perfect for using as a form of self-expression, adding a little style to your vehicle, or just making a statement to other drivers when they see you.
Reasons to Get a Personalized Number Plate
Why should you consider getting a custom number plate? The answer is anytime you want something a little more personal for your vehicle. Some specific examples of reasons UK drivers prefer personalized plates include:
- Self-expression. Love chess? Root for a certain football team? Have a favourite colour? Passionate about a specific dog breed? These are all just some of the many ways that people use the words and phrases spelt out on custom plates to express their personalities and preferences.
- Branding. Branding for your business or profession is easy with a custom plate. This might include referring to your marketing company, your tech knowledge, your crafting prowess, and many more examples. All these can help you pique interest and secure customers on the go.
- Sentimentality. Imagine wearing your wedding date, your dating anniversary, the birthdate of your child, your loved one’s name, or a memorial on your vehicle like you might wear a tattoo on your body. That is exactly what many drivers do with custom plates.
- Memorability. If you are running for office, running a small business, or just want to ensure your vehicle is safe if a thief is running from the authorities, there is no better way to make it memorable than a personalized plate!
- Investment potential. Custom plates can be a great investment. This is especially true if you manage to acquire a plate that makes a fun reference, refers to a historical date, or relates to a popular fandom. These plates can appreciate over time and may eventually fetch a hefty price, so investing in one can pay off later in ways you might not have expected.
Creative Ideas for Using Private Number Plates
Now that you understand why so many people are interested in private number plates, you might be trying to come up with some ways to use your own once you find the plate you love. Stuck for ideas? Here are some of our favourites:
- Use your name or initials.
- Celebrate your hobbies or interests.
- Create a clever play on words.
- Commemorate a special date.
- Remember a loved one who has passed.
- Highlight a profession or business.
- Express your beliefs or values.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Number Plate
Ready to choose a personalized plate? The process might seem intimidating, but it is much simpler than most people think. Here are a few things you will need to consider, along with the steps it will take to get your private plate:
- Consider legibility. While it might be tempting to opt for a clever plate, it is most important that your plate be readable. After all, it must still function as an identifier on the road! Check your potential plate text with online simulators to see what it might look like.
- Check availability. On the DVLA website, you can also check the availability of the plate number you want. Just because something feels like your original idea or reference does not mean it will be available, so always give this a look before getting your heart set on something specific.
- Think about the future before investing. Also, consider how a reference might age when choosing your letter and number combination. Trends come and go and may feel dated in a few years, so choose your combination wisely! Remember, this is an investment, so act accordingly.
- Keep it legal. Not every word, phrase, or combination of letters and numbers is legal for use on a number plate. The United Kingdom has specific laws and regulations regarding these plates, so ensuring your plate meets them will help move the process along more quickly.
- Set a budget. The rarer or more sought-after your plate’s combination of letters and numbers, the higher the price it will fetch. Keep this in mind when you are shopping and plan your budget to match that price.
Once you have ironed out the details of your plan for your plate, it is time to make your purchase. Buy directly from the DVLA or through a DVLA-approved third-party retailer. This will ensure that any plate you purchase will be legal for street use. This is still necessary, even if you plan to retain the plate as a collector.
After purchasing, you will need to either assign the plate to a vehicle you own, one you plan to buy, or retain the plate to add to a collection. Depending on which of these options you are planning, you will need to work with your local DVLA to get the necessary paperwork taken care of. Check with your DVLA agent to make sure you get all necessary documentation submitted and complete paperwork in a timely manner.
