Introduction to the January 2026 DVLA Auction
The January 2026 DVLA private number plate auction delivered exceptional results, showcasing the enduring appeal of prestigious registration plates in the UK market. This auction featured a remarkable collection of rare and highly sought-after number plates, with total sales exceeding £397,000 across the top ten lots alone.
The auction attracted serious collectors, investors, and automotive enthusiasts, all competing for some of the most desirable registration plates to enter the market in recent years. From named private name plates to distinctive numerical combinations, the January 2026 event demonstrated the robust health of the private registration plate market and the premium values attached to truly exceptional plates.
The top-selling plate achieved a remarkable £156,010, setting a strong benchmark for 2026 and confirming that premium registrations continue to command substantial prices at DVLA auctions.
Featured Review: The Auction's Star Performer
15 LAM - £156,010
The standout performer of the January 2026 DVLA auction was undoubtedly 15 LAM, which sold for an impressive £156,010, making it the highest-value sale of the event by a significant margin.
Plate Significance and Appeal
15 LAM represents a highly desirable personal name plate with exceptional clarity and readability. The combination works perfectly for anyone with the surname Lam or variants such as Lamb, Lambe, or Lambton. The inclusion of the number "15" adds a personal touch that could represent a birth year, lucky number, or significant date, making this plate particularly meaningful for the right buyer.
Market Analysis
At over £156,000, this registration plate commanded more than double the price of the second-highest sale, demonstrating its exceptional market appeal. Several factors contributed to this premium valuation:
Rarity and Simplicity
Short, readable combinations that spell recognisable names are increasingly rare in the UK registration system. 15 LAM achieves this with just five characters, making it highly visible and memorable on any vehicle.
Universal Appeal
Unlike some niche plates, LAM-variant surnames are relatively common, expanding the potential buyer base significantly. This broad appeal typically drives competitive bidding and higher final prices.
Investment Potential
Premium name plates historically demonstrate strong value retention and appreciation. The clean format and desirable combination suggest 15 LAM will maintain or increase its value over time, making it not just a personalisation option but a tangible investment asset.
Luxury Market Positioning
A six-figure registration plate signals prestige and exclusivity. Buyers in this price bracket typically own high-end vehicles where such a distinctive plate enhances the overall ownership experience and vehicle presentation.
Buyer Profile
The successful bidder for 15 LAM likely represents one of several buyer profiles: a high-net-worth individual with the surname Lam seeking the ultimate personalised registration; a collector adding a premium piece to their portfolio; or an investor recognising the long-term appreciation potential of such a distinctive plate.
This sale sets a strong precedent for 2026 and confirms that exceptional private number plates continue to achieve remarkable prices at DVLA auctions, particularly when they combine personal relevance with investment appeal.
Top 10 Selling Plates: Complete Reviews
2. 81 O - £65,090
Sale Price: £65,090
Plate Analysis
81 O represents a highly compact and distinctive three-character registration, making it one of the shortest plates available. The combination appeals to collectors who value brevity and visual impact. The letter "O" could represent surnames beginning with O (Owen, Oliver, O'Brien) or serve as a numerical zero substitute in creative arrangements.
Market Position
At over £65,000, this plate secured the second-highest price of the auction, demonstrating strong demand for ultra-short registrations. Three-character plates are exceptionally rare and typically command premium prices due to their distinctive appearance and prestige factor.
Buyer Appeal
Ideal for collectors of short-format plates, individuals with O-surnames, or those seeking a truly unique registration that stands out from standard-format plates. The numerical prefix adds flexibility in interpretation and personal meaning.
3. SAM 1S - £46,010
Sale Price: £46,010
Plate Analysis
SAM 1S provides an excellent personal name plate for anyone named Sam, Samuel, Samantha, or similar variants. The "1S" suffix creates visual clarity while adding the personal touch of initials or numerical significance. This six-character combination achieves strong readability without appearing cluttered.
Market Position
Breaking the £46,000 threshold places SAM 1S firmly in the premium personal plate category. Name plates with this level of clarity consistently perform well at auction, particularly for common first names with broad appeal.
Buyer Appeal
Perfect for individuals named Sam seeking a high-quality personalised registration, or investors recognising the strong resale potential of clearly readable name plates. The widespread popularity of the name Sam ensures ongoing market demand.
4. JSZ 1 - £25,010
Sale Price: £25,010
Plate Analysis
JSZ 1 offers an intriguing four-character combination with the desirable single-digit suffix. The "JSZ" prefix could represent initials (J.S.Z.) or creative name combinations. Single-digit suffix plates consistently achieve premium prices due to their distinctive format and prestige associations.
Market Position
At just over £25,000, JSZ 1 represents the threshold between mid-range and premium plates. The single-digit element significantly enhances its value compared to standard-format registrations.
Buyer Appeal
Ideal for individuals with J.S.Z. initials or those seeking a compact, distinctive registration with investment potential. The single-digit format provides immediate visual impact and suggests exclusivity.
5. 11 DSK - £20,000
Sale Price: £20,000
Plate Analysis
11 DSK features the desirable double-digit prefix "11", which creates visual symmetry and memorability. The "DSK" letter combination could represent initials or surname elements. Dateless registrations like this offer flexibility across vehicle types and ages without dating the car.
Market Position
Achieving exactly £20,000 places 11 DSK in the solid mid-premium category. The double-digit opening is a sought-after feature that enhances both aesthetic appeal and perceived value.
Buyer Appeal
Suitable for individuals with DSK initials or those appreciating the visual impact of repeated numbers. The dateless format ensures the plate remains timeless and appropriate for any vehicle in a collection.
6. YAS 7 - £18,510
Sale Price: £18,510
Plate Analysis
YAS 7 combines a three-letter prefix with a single-digit suffix, creating a compact and memorable four-character registration. This format offers strong visual impact while maintaining simplicity. "YAS" could represent name variants (Yasmin, Yasin) or initials, while "7" adds personal significance.
Market Position
Just below £19,000, YAS 7 demonstrates the consistent value of short-format plates with single-digit suffixes. The combination of brevity and the prestigious single-digit element justifies this valuation.
Buyer Appeal
Perfect for individuals named Yas or with related names, or collectors focusing on single-digit suffix plates. The clean format ensures excellent visibility and recognition value.
7. IBZ 63 - £18,030
Sale Price: £18,030
Plate Analysis
IBZ 63 presents a distinctive six-character combination with the suffix "63" potentially representing a birth year (1963) or significant date. The "IBZ" prefix is unusual and memorable, offering strong individuality. This dateless format provides flexibility across all vehicle types.
Market Position
At £18,030, IBZ 63 closely matched the price of the sixth-place plate, indicating competitive bidding and strong perceived value. The unique letter combination differentiates it from more common prefixes.
Buyer Appeal
Ideal for individuals with IBZ initials or those born in 1963. The distinctive letter combination ensures this plate won't be confused with others, providing genuine uniqueness on the road.
8. 140 G - £16,600
Sale Price: £16,600
Plate Analysis
140 G features a numerical prefix with a single-letter suffix, creating a distinctive five-character format. The number "140" could hold personal significance (address, date, milestone), while "G" might represent a surname initial or first name. This reverse format (numbers before letters) is less common and therefore more distinctive.
Market Position
At £16,600, this plate demonstrates that numerical-focused registrations maintain solid market value when they include distinctive elements like the single-letter suffix. The unusual format contributes to its appeal.
Buyer Appeal
Suitable for individuals with G-initial surnames or those with personal connections to the number 140. The reverse format provides visual distinction from standard registrations.
9. 111 NSS - £16,090
Sale Price: £16,090
Plate Analysis
111 NSS stands out with its triple-digit prefix "111", creating immediate visual impact and memorability. Triple repeated numbers are relatively rare and carry prestige associations. The "NSS" suffix could represent initials or name elements, adding personalisation potential.
Market Position
Just above £16,000, this plate's value reflects the premium attached to triple repeated numbers. Such combinations consistently attract collectors who value numerical symmetry and visual distinctiveness.
Buyer Appeal
Perfect for individuals with NSS initials or those who appreciate the aesthetic appeal of repeated numbers. The triple "1" opening ensures this plate is instantly recognisable and memorable.
10. 4321 OO - £15,760
Sale Price: £15,760
Plate Analysis
4321 OO closes the top ten with a memorable sequential number countdown combined with double-letter suffix "OO". The descending number sequence (4-3-2-1) creates a distinctive pattern that's easy to remember, while "OO" could represent initials or serve as a visual element resembling eyes or zeros.
Market Position
At £15,760, this plate demonstrates that creative number sequences maintain strong market appeal even at the lower end of the premium spectrum. The memorable countdown format adds significant value beyond standard random-number plates.
Buyer Appeal
Ideal for individuals who appreciate numerical patterns, those with OO initials, or collectors seeking distinctive countdown sequences. The memorable format ensures high recognition value and conversation-starting appeal.
Auction Summary and Market Insights
The January 2026 DVLA private number plate auction delivered impressive results across all categories, from the exceptional £156,010 top sale to the £15,760 tenth-place finish. Several key trends emerged:
Premium for Brevity
Shorter plates consistently commanded higher prices, with the three-character 81 O achieving £65,090 and multiple four-character plates securing five-figure sums.
Name Plate Strength
Personal name plates like 15 LAM and SAM 1S demonstrated robust demand, reflecting buyers' desire for genuine personalisation rather than just distinctive combinations.
Single-Digit Appeal
Plates featuring single-digit elements (81 O, JSZ 1, YAS 7) achieved premium valuations, confirming the enduring prestige associated with these rare formats.
Investment Recognition
The high prices across all top ten positions indicate that buyers increasingly view premium plates as investment assets with appreciation potential, not just personalisation options.
The January 2026 auction sets an optimistic tone for the year ahead in the private number plate market, demonstrating sustained demand and strong pricing for exceptional registrations.