Register as a bidder in good time before the day of the auction. You can register on the day of the auction, but this will slow down your entrance to the venue on the day.

You can register as a bidder online at www.dvlaauction.co.uk. Alternatively find the application form in your copy of the electronic catalogue. Complete the necessary fields and email, post, or fax the application to the DVLA auctioneers. If you require any help in completing the form, please see the notes in your electronic catalogue.

If you need further help with the form contact DVLA's Auction Team on 0300 123 3500 or email auction@dvlaauction.co.uk.

Choosing a Bidding Method

Whatever method you choose, you will need to know the bidding deadline for online registration or receipt of your registration form. These deadlines are published in the electronic catalogue.

In Person Auction Bidding

In person bidding is probably the most successful and definitely the most rewarding way to bid! Bidders can really be part of the action and respond fast to the environment. You can pre-register to get faster access when you arrive.

If you can't bid in person, you can still use the telephone, internet or absent bidding services offered by DVLA. The services have proved to be a reliable alternative to in-person bidding.

You can also consider using a dealer's DVLA auction service to take care of everything on your behalf.

Telephone Auction Bidding

An auctioneer will take your bid by calling you just before bidding starts on the registration you're interested in. You must register with DVLA auctioneers before the deadline.

Internet Auction Bidding

This is a live bidding service operated by DVLA. You will need to download special software to take part.

Absentee Auction Bidding

This can be done online or in person. Online absent bids can be placed up to one hour before the lot is due to be sold. To place an absentee bid, inform DVLA auctioneers of your maximum bid value. They will bid you up by £50 or £100 higher than the last person's bid but will not go over your limit.

How to Bid - Quick Checklist

1. Choose the registration or registrations you wish to bid on and make a note of the lot number, reserve price, the day and time your registration will be up for bidding
2. Choose how you want to bid, and take note of the deadlines for that method in the electronic catalogue
3. Choose your maximum spend - there are additional costs attached to buying a number plate at auction
4. Choose your payment method - all successful bidders are charged a 10% deposit automatically so you should look up how to pay the balance and the accepted payment methods from your electronic catalogue
5. Be aware of and understand the published terms and conditions of sale
6. Complete your bidding application and return it to DVLA before the deadline

How Bidding Works

In common with other auctions, a lot will have a reserve price where bidding will begin. You can submit your maximum bid, which is invisible to everyone else. You can always see what the maximum bid is on a lot as the auction progresses.

You can also take advantage of a proxy bidding system, which will increase your bid up to the value of your maximum bid. You will be informed if and when you're outbid. Bear in mind that proxy bids cannot be removed once placed.

The lots end time may be allowed to slide (extend) on popular lots.

Last updated: Friday 22nd July 2011 at 2:45pm