Do people make a living from number plates on retention?

Question

can anyone just decide to buy a number plate that looks like it vaguely says something funny or to do with the car it is on, and then sell it for huge sums? curious!!

Answer 1

Yes - and judging by the prices they charge, it's a good living. All you've got to do is find the one that somebody actually wants !  Firms that do this advertise regularly in the motoring magazines.

Answer 2

No.  They apply to the issuing agency, first come first served.  There is no secondary market for it.

Answer 3

Certainly can and do. Check out the internet, there's loads of them. they advertise in your local and national newspapers too

Answer 4

All the companies you see advertising plates actually own very few of them on retention, they are mostly plates held by the public and being sold on their behalf. The dealers merely act as brokers, they handle the sale and transfer for a commission, the actual owner gets the lions share of the price.

And yes, there is lots of money to be made.