Made the all-important decision to start your search for a personalised number plate, but weren't sure where to start?

Here at NetPlates we engineer our search functionality to surface the best possible matches for your ideal registration. In fact, you may unearth some treasures you didn't know existed.

As a starter, it's worth knowing that the way you search for a number plate can make a huge difference to the plates you end up discovering. Here are three tips from our experts...

PLAN YOUR SEARCH, AND DON'T RUSH IT

It's natural for people to search Web resources quite spontaneously, but when seeking a personalised number plate, planning a search in advance can pay serious rewards. It's nice if a plate carries your initials, name or nickname, but there are so many other things that might identify you. And you may find a better match against another component of your identity. Searching in more depth can net you a plate that really jumps out at the people in your life.

So before you search, it's worth making a list of all the things that identify you. Do you have a personality trait that will make your social circle instantly think of you? This is often a fantastic choice, because it can feasibly represent you in two ways. Not only does it encapsulate your special attributes - it can also reveal your sense of humour. Perhaps, alternatively, you could find a plate that represents your field of expertise? Think acronyms as well as short words, and look out for numbers that might reference an important date.

TRY THE BARGAIN PAGE

There are many advantages to searching at Netplates. One such advantage is our Bargain Plates page, where you can still select your own plate, but at a super-low price. Rather than search for a registration, you simply browse. If you bookmark the page and browse it regularly, you may be able to find a suitable plate going very, very cheap. Essentially, you're letting a plate find you.

POUNCE WHILE YOU HAVE THE CHANCE!

Activity in the world of number plate buying and selling is brisk. So when you find a plate that fits the bills, don't delay. It's a simple tip, but it's one that those who don't follow it can end up regretting the most.

PLATE IDEAS

Below, we've listed some popular number plate ideas showcasing styles and combinations which have proven to be popular in the past.

Look-a-Likes

Personalised number plates can be made to read whatever you want with a bit of imagination. See the grid below for ways to use numbers to create letters:

The number 0 can represent the letter O.
The number 1 can represent the letter I.
The number 2 can represent the letter Z or R.
The number 3 can represent the letter E.
The number 4 can represent the letter A.
The number 5 can represent the letter S.
The number 6 can represent the letter B, G, or C.
The number 7 can represent the letter Y.
The number 8 can represent the letter B.
The number 9 can represent the letter G.
The number 10 can represent the letters IO.
The number 11 can represent the letters II, or U, or H.
The number 12 can represent the letter R.
The number 13 can represent the letter B.
The number 14 can represent the letters IA.
The number 15 can represent the letters IS.
The number 16 can represent the letters IG.
The number 17 can represent the letter N or A
The number 19 can represent the letters IG.

Name Number Plates

Name private number plates are generally the most common choices in the personalised number plate industry. They're instantly recognisable, and anyone who knows your name will know your car just at a glance. Using a combination of letters and numbers, assess the best match for your perfect registration number. However, name personalised number plates are often the most expensive options. BUt with a bit of creativity you might just find yourself a bargain.

Initial Number Plates

Initial plates are an ideal way of making a registration a bit more personal for those who don't want to display their full name on their personal registration number whilst also still hiding the age of the vehicle. Cheaper options are often available in suffix and prefix format however there is always the option of a more prestigious dateless plate.

Job/Business/Profession Number Plates

Having a plate which represents your job, business or profession is a great way to gain self-promotion whilst also keeping the registration relatively personal to the owner. Job based plates are easily recognisable and make you stand out on the road.

Hobby Number Plates

Hobby number plates are self-representative of the person who owns them. People are always looking for a way to show off what they are interested in be it memorabilia, clothing or tattoos but number plates can be just as effective, for example why not try a number plate with the initials of a beloved football team, sport or pass time.

Age/Date of Birth Number Plates

Age & Date of birth registration numbers could be used in conjunction with perhaps an initial or a hobby plate but again they give a very personal edge. This is a great option to give the digits on a number plate more meaning than just the age of the vehicle, whilst also making sure that the whole registration number is relevant to its owner.

V6/V8/V12 Number Plates

For people that consider themselves petrol heads why not pick up your own private registration starting with V6, V8 or V12 to show off the size of the engine whilst also disguising the age of the vehicle.

Title Number Plates

Another style of plate that can be used in conjunction with name or initial plates are title plates. Whether you want MR, M12 with MRS or MR5 both individually or a pair or even MISS, M155 or MS/M5 you can create any title you want, even going as far as DR or D12, all of these are available in an eligible number plate format and combine it with your name and initials to create the perfect personal registration number to show off who you are.

Rude/Funny Number Plates

A less personal option for a personalised number plate is to display a funny or rude word. Examples such as S3 XXY, BRE 45T or HUM 4N, these ones require some imagination but will certainly grab the eye as your driving along.

Car Make/Model Number Plates

Are you looking to disguise the age of the vehicle or perhaps looking for something to stand out, why not complete your vehicle with a relevant number plate, whether it be a BMW or AUD personalised number plate, these add a classy finishing touch to any vehicle.

Phrase Number Plates & Others

If you are just looking for something that grabs the eye then why not take a look below at some of our phrase number plates, used in conjunction with perhaps a set of initials or a shorter name these options certainly give your something that will stand out from your average registration number.

H1 ABC – Hi Number Plates
F1 ABC – F1 Number Plates
FA57 ABC – Fast Number Plates
JU57 ABC – Just Number Plates
B16 ABC / B19 ABC – Big Number Plates
H15 ABC – His Number Plates
V1 PAB – VIP Number Plates
BO55 ABC – Boss Number Plates
M155 ABC – Miss Number Plates
K155 ABC – Kiss Number Plates
OO02 ABC – OO Number Plates
XX02 ABC – XX Number Plates
GB02 ABC – Great Britain Number Plates

You'll probably have noticed that quite a few of the above options come from the realm of "new-style" registrations. One of the reasons that even some of the more recent plates can be classed as cherished plates.