The best way to buy personalised number plates

Buying Personalised Number Plates from the DVLA or a dealer are just two of the ways you can buy the registration number of your dreams , there are many other ways that these desirable items are bought and sold. Here we will cover the major options available and offer advice on how avoid problems during the transaction.

The safest route to take is to buy from a CNDA member ( cherished number dealer association ) , a list of members is available at www.cnda.co.uk. Personalised number plate dealers are not licenced in th UK and anyone can start up trading without training or credentials.This can lead to transfers being cancelled or delayed due to inexperience. Buyers are also exposing themselves to potential fraud as some number plate websites do not divulge essentials details such as proprietor , company registration number , real world postal address and traceable phone number. CNDA members are governed by the strict rules laid down by the association and are not considered for membership until they have been trading for some time , members details are displayed on websites and the CNDA even offer an arbitration service in the case of dispute.

Non – CNDA dealers , there has in recent years been an increase in the number of dealers , especially on the internet and whilst the majority are honest , it is impossible to know if the dealer you are considering is one of them. If you are going to order from such a dealer , always use a credit card and not a debit or switch card as this will afford you more protection against possible fraud.

Buying off a private individual , in this case there is no go-between to protect both parties and it really is buyer beware . Whether you have found the number on an auction website or one of the broker sites there are a few things to remember when considering this buying option. If the number is already on retention , you will need to have your name added as nominee , when this has been done the safest thing is to meet the seller with cash and then take the retention document straight to a DVLA office with your vehicle documents and assign the number to the car . If the number is still on a vehicle, have the seller put it on retention with you as GRANTEE not nominee ( this is now possible after the CNDA successfully changed the law ) .Once again , meet the seller with cash however this time you need not rush to assign the registration as it is in your name. Do not pay money up front for a car to car transfer or even for a retention document , it is too risky.

Buying from a CNDA member is still the safest option when acquiring Personalised Number Plates but armed with a few facts it is still possible to use other routes if you are careful.