Here's a guide to how you go about selling a number plate.

There are some basic steps, which, if you get them right, will make the whole process simple and straightforward.

Check through the list below to see whether you can sell your number plate.

Is the number plate on a vehicle?

1. Check the vehicle registered in your name
   
2. Check the registration is not 'non-transferable' on the V5C logbook
   
3. Is the MOT current? If not, did it expire less than 12 months ago?
   
4. Is the tax current? If not, did it run out less than 12 months ago?
   

Or is the number plate on a V750 retention certificate?

1. Check the retention certificate has not expired
   
2. Check that your name is on the certificate as the 'Grantee' (not Nominee)
   

More on Can I sell my number plate....?

A number plate can be worth selling if it fits into one of these categories:

If your number plate displays either a full name or a shortened 3-letter name, it is likely to have some value. You can substitute some number plate letters with numbers to make a name.

The actual value of your registration number depends on the rest of the number plate, the popularity of the name, and how many similar number plates are on the market.
More on name number plates...

If your number plate displays a word. It is likely to have some value. You can substitute some number plate letters with numbers to make a name.

The actual value of your registration number depends on the rest of the number plate, the popularity of the word, and how many similar number plates are on the market. Some words (e.g. TOY, WOW, BOY, KISS) are very popular on number plates
More on word number plates...

Dateless registration numbers are generally sought after. They were issued before 1963, and have no year identifier. Don't confuse these with Irish registration numbers (see below).

Their actual value depends on the combination of letters and numbers.
More on dateless number plates...

Irish registration numbers also do not carry a year identifier. They can be identified by an 'I' or 'Z' in the registration. They are popular as they are a relatively inexpensive way of disguising the age of a vehicle.

There are a lot of Irish number plates available, so only the best ones sell for high prices.Their actual value depends on the combination of letters and numbers. Some Irish number plates make can make good shortened names such as DAZ or HIL.
More on Irish number plates...

If your number plate doesn't fit into one of the above categories, it could still be of value. It may fit into a number plate themes, such as a car make (e.g. BMW or Porsche).

The 'value' of a number plate is complicated. It depends on a number of things:

1. Number plate style
   
2. The 'quality' of the match with the name or word
   
3. How many similar number plates are on the market
   
4. And how you're selling it

And.....experience! (sorry - there's no getting away from this one!)

Tip: Get a few quotes before putting your number plate up for sale.

And remember - at any one time there are millions of number plates for sale. So look at the number plates you might be competing against, and price yours competitively.

The best way to sell a number plate will depend on your own circumstances. The thing to remember is that a number plate can take months to sell... sometimes even longer.

If you're in a hurry.....

You may be able to sell your registration number direct to a dealer. This usually applies to higher value number plates. Be prepared to accept a significantly reduced price if you take this option.

If you're happy to sit it out....

You can either

• Sell your registration through a dealer

Dealers will offer you a price, then add a commission fee - selling it at the higher price. Commission fees can be as much as 50% of the advertised price. For example, if the price agreed with you as the seller is £500, the dealer may advertise the registration number for as much as £995.

• Sell your number plate privately

Selling a registration privately is the most cost-effective way. Using the above example, you can set the asking price at, say, £795. That way, you as the seller and your buyer are both better off - cut out the 'middle man'.
But selling a registration number privately isn't easy. The trick is to choose the right place to advertise.
You can, of course, advertise in a well known national newspaper or magazine. But then you're relying on a very small population to 'happen upon' your ad. It can be a long and expensive process.
Alternatively, you can sell your number plate online. Online, you can reach a much bigger audience, 24/7.

Selling registration numbers privately can be straightforward. And you can save £100's or even £1000's. It's important to choose the right place to advertise your number plate. So what are your options?

Advertising in a magazine or newspaper

• This is expensive (up to £50 per insertion)
  
• Some magazines (such as AutoTrader) are regional.
  
• You will be relying on the right person purchasing that specific newspaper or magazine at that particular time. And then stumbling upon your ad.
  
• You will have to keep renewing your advertisement until it's sold

List on an online auction site

• You are relying on the right person finding your number plate during the short auction period
  
• Searching is poor so potential buyers could miss your listing
  
• You will have to re-list your registration number until it's sold
  
• Registration numbers sold this way seldom achieve a good price

Sell via a site specifically for private sale of number plates

• Advertising fees are low
  
• Specialist searching options unique to number plates
  
• It's advertised nationwide, 24/7
  
• No need to re-list

It is likely you will receive an offer for your number plate, at less than the asking price. So you may need to negotiate.
A potential buyer is likely to start at their lowest offer, so don't dismiss it straightaway. And if you can't agree on a price, keep their contact details anyway in case you change your mind at a later date!
Experienced help is available. Contact The Plate Market if you need some assistance with this.

The process of selling a number plate slightly different, depending on whether the registration is currently on a vehicle or on a V750 retention certificate.

If you are transferring your number plate from one vehicle to another, you will need to complete DVLA form V317. The DVLA fee for this is £80.

If you are transferring it from a vehicle to a Retention Certificate, you will need DVLA form V778. The DVLA fee for this is £105.

You will also need to agree with the buyer at what stage payment will be made. Completing the forms can take several weeks, depending on circumstances.

The Plate Market offers a secure number plate transfer service, dealing with payment and DVLA forms.

Sell your number plate on The Plate Market, and get 25% off your first 3 months' advertising fees.
Use this voucher on the payment page.....

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www.theplatemarket.com