How to Sell Your Custom Number Plate in Australia: Complete 2026 Guide

Last Updated: February 2026

So you own a custom number plate and you're thinking about selling it? Whether you've got a premium short plate, a personalised combination, or a heritage numeric plate, the Australian custom plate market is thriving—with some plates selling for life-changing amounts.

But here's the thing: selling a custom plate isn't as simple as listing it on Gumtree and hoping for the best. Each Australian state has different transfer processes, paperwork requirements, and fees. Miss a step, and you could delay the sale, lose money, or worse—still be liable for toll violations and parking fines months after you thought you'd sold the plate.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know to sell your custom plate successfully, from understanding the transfer process to pricing it right and finding serious buyers.

Why Sell Your Custom Plate Now?

The Australian custom plate market has never been stronger. Recent sales demonstrate the investment potential:

• NSW plate "1" sold for $12.4 million in 2024

• SA plate "8" fetched over $2 million at auction in 2024

• Victorian heritage plates regularly sell for six figures

• Even modest personalised plates are appreciating in value

Whether you're upgrading to a new combination, selling your vehicle, or simply cashing in on an appreciating asset, now is an excellent time to sell.

Understanding Plate Ownership in Australia

Here's something crucial to understand: you don't actually own the physical number plates. In every Australian state, the plates themselves remain government property.

What you own is:

• The right to display that specific plate combination

• The right to transfer that display right to another person (in most cases)

• The right to sell that display right on the open market

This distinction matters because it affects how transfers work and what you're actually selling when you list a plate.

State-by-State Transfer Guide

The transfer process varies significantly between states. Here's what you need to know for each major state:

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW has one of the most established custom plate markets in Australia.

What Can Be Transferred:

• Special Number Plates (SNPs)

• Personalised plates

• Numeral-only plates

Transfer Process:

1. Complete the Exchange/Transfer Number Plates form with the buyer

2. Both parties attend a Service NSW Centre with proof of identity

3. Submit the completed form

4. Pay the transfer fee

Key Points:

• Transfer must occur at a Service NSW Centre (cannot be done online)

• All rights and obligations transfer to the buyer, including annual fees

• Plates must be issued to a vehicle (reserved plates cannot be transferred until assigned)

• The plate number remains Transport for NSW property

Contact: Service NSW on 13 77 88 to confirm eligibility

Official Resource: Service NSW - Transfer Number Plates

Victoria (VIC)

Victoria's custom plate system is run through VicRoads and V Plates.

What Can Be Transferred:

• Custom plates with a "Certificate of Right to Display and Trade"

• Heritage plates

• Most personalised plates

Cannot Be Transferred:

• Service plates

• Lions Club plates

• Plates purchased before March 2000 (unless converted to new-style contract)

Transfer Process:

1. Complete the Transfer of Registration Number Plate Rights form

2. Submit or send form to VicRoads within 14 days of sale

3. Buyer pays transfer fee (if applicable)

Key Points:

• Pre-2000 plates can convert to new-style contracts (no cost) to enable fee-free transfers to family

• Transfer fee applies unless transferring to immediate family, spouse, or deceased estate

• Both buyer and seller must submit the transfer form within 14 days

• If plates are attached to a vehicle being sold, rights transfer automatically unless you specify otherwise

Contact: VicRoads on 1300 660 417

Official Resource: VicRoads - Transfer Number Plates

Queensland (QLD)

Queensland's personalised plate system is managed by Personalised Plates Queensland (PPQ) and Transport and Main Roads (TMR).

What Can Be Transferred:

• Personalised plates

• Custom plates

Cannot Be Transferred:

• Plates under Queensland Police confiscation notice

• Some customised plates (check with TMR)

Transfer Process:

1. Complete Personalised Number Plate/s Transfer Application (Form F2963)

2. Both buyer and seller sign the form

3. Buyer submits form to TMR Customer Service Centre within 14 days

4. Provide proof of identity (both parties if joint ownership)

5. Pay transfer fee (unless exempt)

Transfer Fee Exemptions:

• Gift to spouse, parent, or child

• Transfer to deceased estate beneficiary

• Gift from PPQ to recipient (no fee on first transfer)

Key Points:

• Transfer must be completed within 14 days of purchase

• Plates can be sold separately from the vehicle

• Transfer fee: $114.20 (subject to change)

• Customised plates can only be transferred if personalised first

Official Resource: Queensland Government - Buying/Transferring Personalised Plates

Western Australia (WA)

WA's optional plates come with a "Certificate of Right to Display and Trade."

What Can Be Transferred:

• Optional series plates (with Certificate of Right to Display and Trade)

• Custom plates

• State and district plates (to immediate family only)

Cannot Be Transferred:

• Personalised series plates (no Certificate of Right)

Transfer Process:

1. Complete Transfer of Right to Display Optional Plates (Form VL176)

2. Submit within 14 days with Certificate of Right to Display and Trade and the plates

3. Buyer pays transfer fee at DTMI service centre

If Selling With Vehicle:

• Use optional plate transfer consent box on Notification of Change of Ownership (Form MR9)

Key Points:

• Only plates with Certificate of Right can be sold independently

• Plates can be displayed on vehicles not in owner's name (use Form E63)

• Reduced transfer fee for beneficiaries of estates or family court orders

• Stamp duty may apply on high-value plate sales

Contact: Department of Transport on 13 11 56

Official Resource: Transport WA - Sell or Transfer Plates

South Australia (SA)

SA's custom plates are managed through EzyPlates and the Department for Infrastructure and Transport.

What Can Be Transferred:

• Custom plates

• Personalised plates

• Premium plates

• Euro plates

• R&S Series plates

• Numeric (historic) plates

Transfer Process:

1. Visit Service SA Customer Service Centre

2. Provide personalised plate agreement

3. Complete transfer documentation

4. Pay applicable fees

Key Points:

• Custom/personalised plate agreements include "re-allocation rights"

• Can retain plates when selling vehicle and re-allocate to new vehicle

• Must surrender old plates when allocating new plates to vehicle

• Always verify seller has legal right to sell (call 1300 EZYPLATES)

Contact: 1300 EZYPLATES (1300 399 752)

Official Resource: SA.GOV.AU - Number Plates

Required Documentation for Selling

Regardless of your state, you'll need to prepare:

1. Proof of Ownership

• Plate registration certificate

• Certificate of Right to Display and Trade (WA, VIC)

• Plate agreement (SA, QLD)

2. Personal Identification

• Driver's licence (current)

• Proof of age card or passport (if no licence)

3. Vehicle Details (if plate is currently attached)

• Vehicle registration certificate

• Proof of current registration

4. Transfer Forms

• State-specific transfer form (completed and signed)

• Proof of sale agreement (recommended)

Tip: Create a simple sale agreement that includes:

• Plate combination

• Sale price

• Date of sale

• Both parties' details and signatures

• Transfer timeframe commitment

How to Price Your Custom Plate

Pricing is both art and science. Here's how to value your plate:

Factors That Increase Value

1. Length - Shorter is better

• 1-2 characters: Premium (often auction-only)

• 3-4 characters: High value

• 5-6 characters: Moderate to high value

• 7+ characters: Lower value

2. Number vs Letter Composition

• Pure numbers (especially low numbers): Highest value

• Balanced mix: High value

• All letters: Moderate value

• Mix with random numbers: Lower value

3. Meaning and Desirability

• Popular names (JAMES, SARAH): High demand

• Luxury brands (BMW, AUDI): Strong market

• Professions (DOCTOR, LAWYER): Niche but valuable

• Status words (BOSS, KING): Popular

• Common words (FOOD, MUSIC): Moderate demand

4. Visual Appeal

• Repeating numbers (111, 777): More valuable

• Sequential numbers (123, 456): Popular

• Symmetrical combinations: Appealing

• No zeros or hard-to-read characters: Preferred

5. State of Registration

• NSW and VIC typically command premiums

• QLD has strong market

• WA and SA plates may have smaller buyer pool but can still achieve high prices

Pricing Research

1. Check Recent Sales Look at:

• Government auction results (SA regularly auctions premium plates)

• Online marketplaces (AusPlates, PlateSales, MrPlates)

• Similar combinations that have sold

• Asking prices for comparable plates

2. Use Our Valuation Guide For detailed pricing methodology, see our Complete Guide to Australian Number Plate Values.

3. Consider Getting Multiple Opinions

• List at a realistic price based on research

• Be prepared to negotiate (most sales settle 10-20% below asking)

• Don't undervalue rare or premium combinations

Common Pricing Mistakes

❌ Pricing Too High

• Unrealistic expectations based on rare outlier sales

• Not accounting for state-specific market dynamics

• Emotional attachment affecting objectivity

❌ Pricing Too Low

• Rushing to sell without proper research

• Not understanding the rarity of your combination

• Underselling to quick-sale buyers

Where to List Your Plate

You have several options for listing your custom plate. Here's what you need to know about each:

1. AusPlates - Australia's Custom Plate Marketplace

Why AusPlates is Your Best Option:

Specialist Platform

• Built specifically for custom plate buyers and sellers

• Buyers come actively searching for plates (not browsing random classifieds)

• No competing with cars, furniture, or other random items

• Professional presentation that makes your plate stand out

Seller-First Features

• Free listings for plates created before April 30, 2026 (normally $9.99)

• Unlimited high-quality photo uploads

• Detailed plate descriptions with all the features that matter

• State-specific categorization so buyers find exactly what they're looking for

• Your own seller dashboard to manage listings

• Direct, private messaging with serious buyers

• Real-time analytics (view counts, interest tracking)

Reach Qualified Buyers

• Buyers filter by their state (you only reach eligible buyers)

• Serious buyers who understand plate values

• Growing community of collectors and enthusiasts

• iOS app launching soon for even wider mobile reach

Built-In Protection

• Secure messaging system

• Transfer documentation and resources

• Scam prevention features

• Clear transfer process for each state

The Early Adopter Advantage Right now, you can lock in free listings forever by listing before April 30, 2026. Early sellers get premium visibility as the marketplace grows, building their seller reputation from day one.

List Your Plate Free on AusPlates →

2. General Classifieds (Not Recommended)

Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, etc.

While these platforms are free, they come with significant downsides for custom plate sellers:

The Problems:

• Your plate competes with millions of unrelated listings

• Buyers don't understand custom plate values

• High volume of time-wasters and lowball offers

• More scam attempts (overpayment scams, fake buyers)

• No specialist features for plate sales

• Poor search functionality for plate-specific criteria

• No state filtering (waste time with interstate "buyers")

• Listings expire quickly and get buried

If You Must Use These:

• Be extremely cautious of scams

• Screen buyers heavily before meeting

• Never share personal documents electronically

• Expect lots of "Is this still available?" with no follow-up

• Be prepared for offers 50-70% below asking price

Our Take: Only use general classifieds as a supplement to listing on AusPlates, never as your primary listing location.

3. Government Auctions (Ultra-Premium Plates Only)

For Historic/Numeric Plates Worth $50,000+:

Some state governments auction premium plates:

• SA Government regularly auctions numeric heritage plates

• VIC occasionally auctions rare heritage combinations

• NSW has auctioned premium combinations in the past

Pros:

• Professional marketing and exposure

• Attracts serious, cashed-up bidders

• Government credibility

• Competitive bidding can drive prices up

Cons:

• Only accepts ultra-premium plates

• Long timeline (months to schedule)

• Auction fees and commissions

• Less control over final price

• Your plate must meet government criteria

When to Consider: If you own a single or double-digit numeric plate, or a significant heritage combination worth $50,000+, contact your state transport authority about auction opportunities.

4. Selling Directly to Dealers (Last Resort)

Some car dealerships and specialist traders buy custom plates outright.

Pros:

• Immediate cash (1-3 days)

• No listing hassle

• They handle all transfer paperwork

Cons:

• You'll get 40-60% of market value

• Dealer needs to make profit when they resell

• No negotiation leverage

• Best plates cherry-picked, rest rejected

When to Consider: Only if you need immediate cash and can't wait for the right buyer. For most sellers, you'll make significantly more by listing properly on AusPlates and waiting for a serious buyer.

Other Online Marketplaces

There are a few other plate-specific websites out there, but they typically:

• Charge listing fees ($9.99-$19.99 per listing)

• Have smaller, less active buyer bases

• Lack modern features (mobile apps, real-time messaging)

• Don't offer the seller-first approach AusPlates does

With AusPlates offering free listings until April 30, there's no reason to pay fees elsewhere.

Our Recommendation: List on AusPlates First

The data is clear:

• Specialist marketplaces sell faster than general classifieds

• Free listings mean zero risk

• Professional presentation commands higher prices

• Serious buyers search specialist platforms first

Create Your Free Listing in 5 Minutes →

The Selling Process: Step by Step

Before You List

1. Verify Transferability

• Check your plate type and state regulations

• Confirm there are no restrictions

• Ensure all fees are paid up to date

2. Gather Documentation

• Locate all certificates and agreements

• Ensure vehicle registration is current (if plate attached)

• Prepare identification documents

3. Take Quality Photos

• Clean the plates thoroughly

• Photograph in good natural light

• Show plates attached to vehicle (if applicable)

• Take close-up shots showing condition

• Avoid reflections and shadows

4. Write a Compelling Description

• State the combination clearly

• Mention registration state

• Highlight why it's desirable

• Note any premium features

• Be honest about condition

• Include transfer process info

During the Sale

1. Communicate Clearly

• Respond to inquiries promptly

• Answer questions honestly

• Provide transfer process information

• Screen serious buyers from time-wasters

2. Negotiate Professionally

• Know your bottom price

• Be prepared for offers below asking

• Consider counteroffers

• Don't take lowball offers personally

• Get agreements in writing

3. Secure Payment

• For high-value plates, meet at transport office for transfer

• Accept secure payment methods only:

  • Bank transfer (verify cleared funds)

  • Bank cheque

  • Cash (for lower amounts, at transport office)

• Avoid:

  • Personal cheques

  • PayPal or similar (too easy to reverse)

  • Cryptocurrency (unless both parties experienced)

  • Payment plans (unless legally documented)

Completing the Transfer

1. Meet at Transport Office

• Schedule appointment if required

• Bring all documentation

• Verify buyer's identity

• Complete forms together

• Submit to transport authority

2. Confirm Transfer

• Keep receipt/proof of transfer

• Note transfer date and reference number

• Photograph completed paperwork

• Save all correspondence

3. Follow Up

• Confirm transfer processed (check state system if possible)

• Keep records for at least 12 months

• Monitor for any unexpected notices or fines

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Selling Without Proper Transfer

The Problem: Selling plates informally (e.g., via Facebook) without completing official transfer paperwork.

The Consequences:

• You remain legally responsible for the plates

• Toll violations and parking fines come to you

• No legal recourse if buyer disappears

• Plates could be confiscated if misused

The Solution: Always complete official state transfer forms at a service centre.

2. Accepting Insecure Payment

The Problem: Accepting payment methods that can be reversed (PayPal, personal cheques) before transfer is complete.

The Consequences:

• Payment reversed after you transfer plates

• You lose both plates and money

• Limited legal recourse

The Solution: Use bank transfer (confirmed cleared) or meet at bank for high-value sales.

3. Underpricing Due to Impatience

The Problem: Accepting first offer without market research or rushing to sell.

The Consequences:

• Lost thousands of dollars

• Buyer resells at market value immediately

• Regret and frustration

The Solution: Research comparable sales, list at fair market value, be patient.

4. Not Screening Buyers

The Problem: Dealing with time-wasters, scammers, or buyers without funds.

The Consequences:

• Wasted time and energy

• Potential scams

• Missed genuine buyers

The Solution: Ask qualifying questions:

• "Are you pre-approved for finance?" (for expensive plates)

• "When are you looking to complete the transfer?"

• "Have you bought a custom plate before?"

5. Leaving Plates on Vehicle When Selling

The Problem: Selling vehicle with custom plates attached without formal plate transfer.

The Consequences:

• Buyer assumes ownership of plates

• You lose valuable asset

• In most states, plates transfer automatically with vehicle

The Solution: Remove plates before vehicle sale and transfer them to another vehicle or retain them.

6. Ignoring State-Specific Rules

The Problem: Assuming all states work the same way.

The Consequences:

• Invalid transfer

• Wasted trip to transport office

• Delayed sale

• Frustrated buyer

The Solution: Review your state's specific requirements above before listing.

Tax Implications of Selling Custom Plates

Is selling a custom plate taxable in Australia?

The tax treatment depends on several factors:

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) May Apply If:

• You purchased the plate specifically as an investment

• You're a dealer/trader in plates

• You regularly buy and sell plates for profit

CGT May Not Apply If:

• You originally purchased the plate for personal use

• It's a one-off sale

• You've held it for personal/sentimental reasons

Our Recommendation:

• Keep records of original purchase price and sale price

• Consult a tax professional for high-value sales ($10,000+)

• Be honest on your tax return about income sources

• If in doubt, declare it and let your accountant advise

Disclaimer: This is general information only. We're not tax professionals. Always seek qualified tax advice for your specific situation.

Scams to Watch Out For

The custom plate market, like any valuable collectible market, attracts scammers. Here's what to watch for:

The Fake Payment Scam

How it works:

• Buyer sends fake PayPal payment confirmation

• Pressures you to transfer plates immediately

• Payment never actually arrives

Red flags:

• Urgency ("need it today")

• Payment notifications via email/text (not official app)

• Refuses to meet at transport office

Protection:

• Only accept bank transfer (verified cleared)

• Never transfer before payment confirmed

• Meet at official transport office

The Overpayment Scam

How it works:

• Buyer "accidentally" sends too much money

• Asks you to refund difference

• Original payment is fraudulent/reversed

Red flags:

• Overpayment by significant amount

• Requests refund to different account

• International buyer with complicated story

Protection:

• Refuse overpayments

• Return entire amount if it happens

• Start fresh with correct amount

The Deposit Scam

How it works:

• Buyer pays small deposit

• Never follows through with transfer

• You've held plate off market for weeks

Red flags:

• Vague about transfer timeline

• Requests you hold indefinitely

• Small deposit relative to value

Protection:

• Set firm transfer deadline (e.g., 7 days)

• Deposit non-refundable after deadline

• Continue showing plate to other buyers until transfer complete

The Identity Theft Scam

How it works:

• "Buyer" requests excessive personal information

• Uses your details for identity theft

• Never actually completes purchase

Red flags:

• Asks for photocopies of ID before meeting

• Wants Medicare numbers, tax file numbers

• Excessive documentation requests

Protection:

• Only provide ID at official transport office

• Never send copies of documents electronically

• Only share necessary info for legitimate transfer

Why List on AusPlates?

We built AusPlates specifically to solve the problems sellers face in the fragmented custom plate market:

1. Specialist Platform

• Buyers come specifically looking for custom plates

• No competing with general classifieds clutter

• Professional presentation

2. State-Specific Organization

• Buyers filter by their state

• You reach qualified, local buyers

• Clear transfer requirements

3. Seller-First Features

• Free listings until April 30, 2026 (normally $9.99)

• Your own seller dashboard

• Direct messaging with buyers

• Photo uploads and galleries

• View counts and analytics

4. Built-In Protection

• Buyer verification system (coming soon)

• Secure messaging

• Transfer documentation resources

• Scam prevention features

5. Growing Marketplace

• First mover advantage for early sellers

• Building Australia's premier custom plate marketplace

• iOS app launching soon for even wider reach

List Your Plate Free Today

Ready to sell your custom plate?

Special Launch Offer: List your plate absolutely free before April 30, 2026. After that date, listings are $9.99 each.

Your free listing includes:

• Unlimited photos

• Full plate description

• State-specific categorization

• Direct buyer messaging

• Analytics and view counts

• Free forever (even after April 30)

Create Your Free Listing →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the transfer process take? Most states process transfers within 24-48 hours if all paperwork is correct. The buyer typically receives confirmation within a week.

Can I sell a plate that's currently on reserve/hold? In most states, yes, but you may need to assign it to a vehicle first or complete additional paperwork. Check with your state transport authority.

What happens if the buyer doesn't submit the transfer form? You remain responsible for the plate. This is why we recommend completing the transfer together at a service centre.

Can I sell to a buyer in another state? Generally no - custom plates must remain registered in their state of origin. The buyer must have a vehicle registered in the same state.

Are there restrictions on who can buy custom plates? Buyers need to be Australian residents with a vehicle registered in the appropriate state. Some states require the buyer to hold a current driver's licence.

What if my plate has unpaid fees? You must clear all outstanding fees before transfer. Buyers will not accept plates with debts attached.

Can I cancel a sale after accepting payment? This depends on your sale agreement. If you've accepted payment and signed transfer documents, you're legally obligated to complete the transfer. Never sign documents until you're certain.

Do I need a lawyer for high-value sales? For plates worth $50,000+, we recommend having a lawyer review your sale agreement. For most sales, the standard state transfer process is sufficient.

Next Steps

Selling your custom plate successfully comes down to:

1. Understanding your state's requirements - Use the guides above

2. Pricing it right - Research comparable sales

3. Listing where serious buyers look - Specialist platforms like AusPlates

4. Completing the transfer properly - Official forms at transport offices

5. Protecting yourself from scams - Secure payment, official transfers

The Australian custom plate market is thriving, and if you've got a desirable combination, there's never been a better time to sell.

List Your Plate Free on AusPlates →

Questions about selling your specific plate? Drop us a line at gday@ausplates.app - we're here to help.

This guide was last updated February 2026. State regulations and fees may change. Always verify current requirements with your state transport authority before proceeding with a sale.