There are three primary ways in which you can purchase personalised number plates for your vehicle.  These are:

- Purchasing the number plates directly from the DVLA
- Purchasing the number plates from a private dealer
- Purchasing the number plates at an authorised DVLA auction

Purchasing your personalised number plates by way of a DVLA auction is a great way to acquire some very exclusive number plates.  Just realise that you will need to exercise some flexibility where the cost is concerned.  It is not uncommon for most bid lots to have a reserve of around £200.  However, some personalised number plates have fetched many thousands in pounds in the past.

There are usually half a dozen DVLA auctions annually.  Each of them last three days and can feature up to 1,600 number plates over the course of those three days.  The DVLA website affords you the ability to peruse all the plate numbers that will be featured at upcoming auctions.  So once the auction has officially started, you can place your bid in person, by telephone, or online.

Sealed bids are also allowable should you be slightly intimidated about bidding on your personalised number plates in person.  The auctioneer usually handles these over a period of two weeks and they do remain invisible to other bidders who are involved.  When the deadline finally arrives, all of the bids are opened and the number plates are then awarded to the highest bidder.  More information on the auction procedure and rules is available at the DVLA website.