If you have thought of the perfect car number plate and would like to see if it’s possible to buy it, there are several ways you can find out. Here’s how to check if number plates are taken.

Search with New Reg

You can search online via number plate sales specialist websites — like us right here at New Reg. Simply enter the exact registration you want to enquire about into the search box, and if it is available then the plate and price for it will show right at the top of the list of options. If it is taken, then the system will show you the closest combinations to the one you’ve searched for. It’s likely that one of these will be a close enough match — and could also be very attractively priced.

The online search on the DVLA website is designed to give basic information about a vehicle, such as whether the vehicle is taxed or has an MOT, the date of first registration and more. Although the DVLA search is designed for those purposes, it is a quick way to find out whether the registration mark you require is already in use on a vehicle. If it is, then the search will give you information about the car, motorbike or van it relates to. If it is not in use, then the screen will show the message “Vehicle details could not be found”. In this case, either the number plate is available and therefore can probably be purchased, or the combination you’ve requested was simply never issued.

One of the advantages of using New Reg over the DVLA search is that you can speak to one of our team if you’d like some assistance. They are highly experienced in tracking down just the right car number plates for our customers, and therefore might think of a combination to suit you that may not have crossed your mind.

Private number plate search

If you do use our private number plate search, you might find just what you’re looking for right away, or a very close match that you’re keen to snap up before someone else does. If not, and you still hanker after the exact combination of characters that you searched for, all is not lost. Shown right at the top of the search results page will be a “Keep Updated” button.

If you like, you can click this button to register your interest in that particular registration. This will lead you to a simple form that you will need to fill in — all we need is your name, phone number and email address. The registration you searched for will already have been inserted onto the form. By taking these basic details, we can get in touch with you should the registration you desire become available for sale.

Sometimes, it’s a good idea to think outside the box when it comes to purchasing a private number plate. Your chosen combination might not be on the market right now, but there’s bound to be something else that will appeal. If you’ve searched for a name or word that’s very common or popular, then you may be less likely to find just what you want, as many people will be searching for the same combination. So, instead of using your name, how about trying your initials? These are often a very affordable option, as well as being easy to find. Alternatively, you could search for a plate that reflects your career, interests or even your favourite sports team. The possibilities are virtually endless.

This content is originally published in New Reg.