What Are Cherished Number Plates? UK Guide (2026)

Cherished number plates are among the most desirable — and often most valuable — registrations on UK roads. The term refers to dateless and early-format registrations that have no year identifier, meaning they can be displayed on a vehicle of any age without revealing how old the car is. Some cherished plates sell for hundreds of thousands of pounds at auction. This guide explains exactly what they are and how to get one.

What Makes a Number Plate “Cherished”?

The word “cherished” traditionally refers to dateless registrations — plates issued before the suffix-format system introduced in 1963. These plates follow formats such as:

• Original county format: e.g. A 1, AB 1, ABC 1 (one to three letters, followed by a number)
• Reversed format: e.g. 1 A, 1 AB, 1 ABC (number followed by letters)

Because these plates contain no year letter, they do not date the vehicle. A brand new Ferrari carrying “1 A” looks just as appropriate as a 1920s vintage car with the same plate. This timelessness — combined with short, memorable combinations — is what makes them so desirable and valuable.

In modern usage, “cherished” is also loosely applied to any particularly desirable private or personalised registration, including prefix and suffix-format plates that spell names or words.

How Are Cherished Plates Valued?

The value of a cherished plate depends on:

• Length — shorter plates are generally more valuable. Single-character plates like “1 A” are among the most expensive in the world
• Numbers — low numbers (1, 2, 3) command enormous premiums
• Initials or names — plates spelling a person’s initials or a common name (e.g. “DAD 1”, “JOY 1”) are extremely popular
• Demand — plates associated with famous people, businesses, or cultural references carry additional value

The most expensive UK number plates have sold for over £500,000 at DVLA and specialist auctions. However, many cherished plates sell for just a few hundred pounds — making them accessible to a wide range of buyers.

How to Buy a Cherished Number Plate

There are three main routes:

1. DVLA auctions — the DVLA releases select dateless and special registrations at regular auctions. Starting bids from around £130. See our DVLA auction guide for full details.
2. Private plate dealers — specialist dealers hold large inventories of dateless and cherished plates. Prices vary widely; compare multiple sources.
3. Private sale — buy directly from a current owner. Ensure the transfer is handled correctly through DVLA to protect your investment.

Getting the Physical Plates Made

Once you own the registration (via a V750 or V778 certificate), you need to have the physical plates manufactured by a DVLA-registered supplier. All plates must comply with BS AU 145e regardless of how valuable the registration is.

At Car Plates Pro, we make plates for all registration formats — including dateless cherished plates. Many owners of valuable registrations choose to display them on premium 4D Gel plates to match the prestige of the registration. Choose from:

• Standard plates from £6.99 — clean, compliant, and affordable
• 3D Gel plates from £9.99 — glossy, raised characters
• 4D Gel plates from £13.99 — the premium finish for a premium registration

Order before 2PM for same-day dispatch — next working day delivery across the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a cherished plate and a personalised plate?

A cherished plate specifically refers to dateless registrations from before 1963. “Personalised plate” is a broader term for any private registration chosen for its appearance or meaning. All cherished plates are private plates, but not all private plates are cherished in the dateless sense.

Can I put a cherished plate on any vehicle?

Yes — that is one of the main attractions. A dateless registration can be assigned to a vehicle of any age. You cannot, however, make a vehicle appear newer than it is by assigning a more recent-format plate to an older car. The rule is one way only: you can put an older plate on a newer car, but not a newer-format plate on an older car.

How do I transfer a cherished plate to my car?

You transfer the registration by assigning the V750 or V778 certificate to your vehicle through the DVLA, paying the £80 assignment fee. Once assigned, order your physical plates from a DVLA-registered supplier.

Are cherished plates a good investment?

Dateless plates, especially short combinations with low numbers, have historically held and increased in value. However, like any collectible, values are not guaranteed. This is not financial advice — consult a specialist if purchasing primarily for investment.

Related Reading

• How DVLA Private Plate Auctions Work
• 4D Gel Number Plates: Premium Finish for Premium Regs
• Replacement Number Plates UK
• All Number Plate Guides