National Numbers
Tel: 01642 363738     Web : www.nationalnumbers.co.uk
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Five times a year, DVLA hold what are termed "Classic Auctions". 

The auctions are held at various venues throughout the country and are spread over 3 days. They typically feature prestigious registrations which closely resemble names or words, or have digits which tie them to specific vehicle makes and models.

A catalogue is produced with the registrations arranged in alphabetical order along with reserve prices (although these are very often exceeded).

You can use our auction calculator to see the cost of buying at auction.

Under current regulations, only registrations which have never before been on a vehicle are eligible to be included in a DVLA auction.

This includes "proper" dateless plates which were unused when similar plates first became available - often the reverse (i.e. numbers first) of a particular combination was not used and, thus, can be included.

In addition, where there was no fair way of allocating registrations during a release, DVLA would withhold them. For example, during the release of the 'A' prefix, the numbers 1 through 20 were withheld from general issue and were later released for purchase at a set time on a set day. But amongst these, any registrations which clearly spell names or words were further withheld - the likes of A1 AMY, A1 BOB and so on were not made available for purchase. Never having been made available previously meant they were eligible for sale at auction.

As well as the Classic Auctions, DVLA also run online auctions four times a year. These are, in general, lower price "bespoke" auctions.


How do I get a registration into auction?

The first thing to check is that the registration has never previously been issued. National Numbers have a wealth of data detailing the history of literally millions of registrations, so we can confirm if a registration is eligible for release into auction or not.

Next we can guide you with an estimated hammer price based on both the sales of any similar registrations that have sold at auction and the experience of our auction team. If our estimate is within your budget we can arrange to have the registration released and attend the auction to bid on your behalf.


How do I buy a number plate at auction?

Our auction package is very transparent in that we charge an agreed fixed fee (not a percentage) for arranging the release of a registration into auction and attending that auction on your behalf. Our dedicated auction team will call you 4/5 lots before so you can listen to the bidding and we will advise who may be bidding against you. We will already have discussed your maximum bid at length so, if we fail to get you on the phone, we can bid up to that price if necessary.

We have purchased number plates at DVLA auctions since their inception in 1989 both for stock as well as for many satisfied customers. If your bid is successful, we'll invoice you for the balance and the registration will be issued in the form of a certificate of entitlement.


If you have so far failed to find exactly the number plate you require or have run out of ideas, auctions could be the answer. Please call our sales line on 01642 363738 for details.

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