How often does DVLA hold number plate auctions?

DVLA runs timed online auctions approximately once a month. Each auction offers around 1,000 to 1,500 registrations and runs for several days of live bidding. Official schedules are published on dvlaregistrations.dvla.gov.uk.

Are DVLA auctions still live or online?

Since 2021, all DVLA number plate auctions have been timed online auctions. Registered bidders place maximum bids through the DVLA Personalised Registrations website; the system bids incrementally on their behalf.

What are the fees when buying at a DVLA auction?

The hammer price is subject to a 15% buyer's premium plus 20% VAT on the premium (not the hammer). You also pay the £80 DVLA assignment fee when you transfer the plate to a vehicle.

Can I bid at a DVLA auction on someone's behalf?

Yes. House of Plates can bid on your behalf discreetly, either with a pre-agreed ceiling price or active management during the auction window. This is useful if you want to avoid driving prices up against yourself or prefer someone experienced to assess value against the wider market.

What if I miss the auction?

Plates that don't sell return to DVLA's retention register (still buyable at the reserve). We can also monitor the list and alert you when specific registrations return to sale.

DVLA Auction Calendar 2026

Monthly timed online auctions for UK private number plates - key dates, fees, and a concierge bidding service if you'd rather we handle it.

Verify dates before bidding. We publish DVLA's typical monthly cadence. Exact auction windows and registration lists are confirmed 2-4 weeks in advance at dvlaregistrations.dvla.gov.uk/auctions. Want us to notify you when a specific registration lists? Tell us what to watch.

Auction	Typical window	Registration list published	Status
January 2026	Late Jan (Mon-Thu)	Early January	Past
February 2026	Mid-late Feb	Early February	Past
March 2026	Mid-late March	Early March	Past
April 2026	Mid-late April	Early April	This month
May 2026	Mid-late May	Early May	Upcoming
June 2026	Mid-late June	Early June	Upcoming
July 2026	Mid-late July	Early July	Upcoming
August 2026	Mid-late August	Early August	Upcoming
September 2026	Mid-late September	Early September	Upcoming
October 2026	Mid-late October	Early October	Upcoming
November 2026	Mid-late November	Early November	Upcoming
December 2026	Early-mid December	Late November	Upcoming

How a DVLA plate auction actually works

Since 2021 all DVLA personalised registration auctions have been timed online auctions. Roughly once a month DVLA releases a list of 1,000 to 1,500 registrations and opens a bidding window of several days. Each plate has its own countdown; the system places proxy bids up to your maximum.

Reserve prices are set by DVLA - they can range from about £250 for low-demand suffix plates to mid-five-figure reserves on obvious names and ultra-short numbers. Typical DVLA auctions see around 70% of plates sell in the room; the rest go back on the DVLA retention register at the reserve.

The real cost - beyond the hammer price

Many first-time bidders underestimate the final bill. Here's what actually lands on your card:

Hammer price	Your winning bid
Buyer's premium	15% of hammer
VAT on premium	20% of the premium (not on the hammer)
DVLA assignment fee	£80 (when you put it on a vehicle)

So a £10,000 hammer becomes £11,500 + VAT on the premium = £11,800 before the £80 assignment fee. Always budget this before setting a maximum bid.

Should you bid yourself, or use a concierge?

Bid yourself if: you know the market, you're comfortable monitoring the last 60 seconds, and the plate isn't so desirable that emotion might push you past your ceiling.

Use a concierge if: the plate is a genuine "must-win" (you don't want other bidders seeing your name and ramping the price), you can't be online during the close, or you'd like a second opinion on true market value before committing.

Our fee for discreet bidding is 5% of hammer, capped at £1,000. No win, no fee. We've bid in every major DVLA auction since 2021.

FAQ

Can I watch a DVLA auction live?

Yes. Once you register a bidder account, you can view the live auction room and watch bids coming in on any registration. You don't have to bid - many collectors watch purely to gauge market demand.

What ID do I need to register as a bidder?

A valid UK address, email, phone number, and a payment card for the deposit (refundable if you don't win). Registration is free.

Can I cancel a winning bid?

No - all DVLA auction bids are legally binding. If you don't complete payment, DVLA can pursue the debt and suspend your bidder account.

What happens to plates that don't sell?

Unsold plates return to DVLA's retention register and are typically available to buy at the original reserve price via the Personalised Registrations website. We can monitor these and alert you when a specific registration is listed.

Are there plates that never go to auction?

Yes - the DVLA holds back genuinely premium registrations (single-letter, single-digit) for their "Select" catalogue and private negotiation. We have direct contacts for off-auction releases.

Want a plate from an upcoming auction?

Tell us what you're after and your ceiling. We'll bid on your behalf - quietly, and only up to your limit.

Request auction concierge Message on WhatsApp