The February 2026 private number plate auction has officially closed, delivering strong results across multiple high-value registrations. The latest DVLA auction demonstrated continued demand for personalised and numeric registration plates, with several lots exceeding £20,000.
This review summarises the top-selling plates, key trends, and what the results mean for buyers and sellers in the private number plate market.
Overview: February 2026 DVLA Auction
The February 2026 DVLA private plate auction confirmed sustained investor and collector interest in premium UK registration numbers. High-performing plates included name-based combinations, repeating digits, and clean numeric formats.
Why DVLA Private Plate Auctions Matter
DVLA auctions are widely regarded as one of the most trusted marketplaces for buying and selling private number plates in the UK. Key reasons include:
- Verified registration authenticity
- Transparent bidding process
- National buyer exposure
- Reliable market price discovery
Auction results provide valuable insight into:
- Current market demand
- Popular letter and number combinations
- Price trends across categories
- Investment potential
Monitoring number plate sale results helps buyers and sellers identify high-performing formats and emerging trends.
Top 10 Selling Private Number Plates – February 2026
Below are the highest-selling plates from the February 2026 DVLA auction:
- ATL 4S – £41,110
- I50 000 – £25,010
- 7777 0 – £22,960
- I43 E – £20,180
- VAR 4N – £20,020
- 78 00 – £20,010
- 365 T0W – £20,010
- SII 00T – £19,280
- NVS I – £18,270
- 414 YNA – £18,010
Analysis of the Highest-Selling Plates
ATL 4S – £41,110
ATL 4S achieved the highest sale price at £41,110. This plate significantly outperformed the rest of the field, indicating strong demand for:
- Word-like combinations
- Recognisable letter patterns
- Brandable or name-style registrations
High-value plates typically feature readable formats that resemble real words or initials. ATL 4S fits this profile, which likely contributed to competitive bidding.
I50 000 – £25,010
I50 000 secured second place with a final price of £25,010. Plates with:
- Clean spacing
- Round numbers
- Symmetrical or structured formatting
consistently attract buyer attention. Numeric clarity often increases perceived prestige and collectability.
7777 0 – £22,960
Repeating digit plates remain highly desirable. 7777 0 sold for £22,960, reflecting ongoing demand for:
- Repeated numbers
- Sequential formats
- Culturally significant digits
In many markets, repeating numbers carry symbolic or luxury appeal, making them popular investment options.
Strong Mid-Range Performers (£18,000–£20,000)
Several registrations sold between £18,000 and £20,200, highlighting consistent demand across personalised formats.
VAR 4N – £20,020
365 T0W – £20,010
SII 00T – £19,280
These plates demonstrate the value of:
- Name-style spellings
- Business-relevant wording
- Phonetic readability
For example:
- VAR 4N may be interpreted as a name-style format.
- 365 T0W suggests commercial or industry relevance.
- SII 00T resembles a recognisable word format.
Plates that resemble real words or business identifiers often perform strongly at auction.
NVS I – £18,270
414 YNA – £18,010
Even the lowest-priced entries in the top ten exceeded £18,000. This confirms healthy demand across premium tiers of the private number plate market.
Key Market Trends from February 2026
Based on the February 2026 auction results, the following trends remain consistent:
1. Word-Style Plates Perform Best
Registrations that resemble names, initials, or recognisable words achieve higher average sale prices.
2. Repeating Numbers Attract Premium Bids
Plates featuring repeated digits (e.g., 7777) continue to generate strong competition.
3. Clean Numeric Formats Hold Value
Structured number sequences such as I50 000 and 78 00 appeal to collectors seeking minimalist and visually balanced plates.
4. Commercial Relevance Drives Interest
Business-friendly plates with industry associations or brand potential often perform well.
Investment Potential of Private Number Plates
Private number plates are increasingly viewed as alternative assets. Key benefits include:
- Finite supply
- Transferable ownership
- Personal and commercial appeal
- Historical price appreciation
While not guaranteed, strong auction results suggest that high-quality combinations can retain and increase value over time.
As with any investment, research is essential. Reviewing past number plate sale results provides insight into pricing benchmarks and buyer preferences.
Buying or Selling at DVLA Auctions
For Buyers
To participate in a DVLA auction:
- Register online in advance.
- Review upcoming lots.
- Analyse previous auction results.
- Set a clear maximum bid.
Recommended focus areas:
- Readable name combinations
- Repeating or sequential numbers
- Plates with strong branding potential
For Sellers
Listing through official DVLA auctions offers:
- Access to verified buyers
- National exposure
- Transparent sale process
- Market-driven pricing
The February 2026 auction confirms continued demand for premium private registrations.
Conclusion: February 2026 DVLA Auction Summary
The February 2026 private number plate auction delivered strong results, led by ATL 4S at £41,110. Word-style plates, repeating digits, and clean numeric formats dominated the top ten sales.
The data indicates ongoing strength in the private plate market, particularly for readable, brandable, and visually balanced registrations.
For investors, collectors, and first-time buyers alike, monitoring DVLA auction results remains one of the most effective ways to understand market direction and identify high-performing number plate formats.