DVLA Launch Day - Acquiring Your Perfect Car Number Plate

Twice a year the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) releases their latest assortment of number plates on to the UK market. Each collection is a complete group of number plates featuring the most recent identifier, which represents cars manufactured within the release date and the date of the next release. Previously, the DVLA issued a single release each year, but because of the high number of cars manufactured per year an extra release was scheduled.

Presently, the DVLA releases new collections in June and December of each year. Demand is consistently high, with huge competition for the top numbers. Recently, the decision was taken to close the call center side of the DVLA operation so that all purchases must be completed online - putting huge strain on the dvlaregistrations.direct.gov.uk website. This causes a massive array of problems on release day (as the sheer number of negative forum posts and tweets will attest to). Exactly how do you give yourself the optimal prospect of securing your desired number plate?

Firstly, the DVLA make the collection accessible to view for a couple of weeks before the release date - but purchasing is locked. You must still take the opportunity to research the price and availability ahead of the release day.

On midnight the day before the release the site will in most cases be taken down to get ready for the release. it is vital to remember that the release begins at 8:30am sharp - so ensure you're all ready in front of your PC at that time. A regular refresh will be needed until the web-site becomes live again. You should note that you'll be competing with many thousands of other users - so it may be worth finding two or three target numbers just in case.

Your second option is to get family and friends to try for you as well. Only one person can purchase the number and the web site functions on a first come first serve basis - with the number being locked to give you time to complete the purchase. If you don't (for what ever reason) it will become available again. So the more individuals you have trying for you the better.

Your third option, which provides the best chance of securing your selected number, is to use a professional number plates buying service. Cape Plates offer one such service and run a team of buying agents located across the Uk. For a small fee (only payable if they manage to obtain your registration) they will handle the purchasing process for you - giving you the optimum probability of securing your reg plate. You are also free to try yourself, helping to optimize your chance of success.

Whichever route you chose, competition will be fierce, as numbers are limited and are one of a kind. The best numbers can be acquired for a fraction of what they are really worth on the open market and investment opportunities are there for the taking. So don't lose out on the next release day - instruct Cape Plates to secure your perfect number plate on your behalf.