Sell my car with a private number plate

Glad you asked! Once you’ve entered your reg for a quick valuation, we’ll just need a few more details about your car and some photos. Once we’ve got them our team will be in touch to help you set a ‘reserve price’ - this is the amount you’d be happy to sell your car for, many customers get more!

Then we’ll do EVERYTHING else. As you go about your day your car will be advertised in our online auctions and 5,500+ trusted nationwide dealers can bid on it. When the auction’s over we’ll let you know the result and the winning dealer will be in touch to arrange a free collection and your payment.

Yes! Selling a car with the private plate is the same as any other car sale - you simply transfer ownership to the buyer by updating the V5C logbook. But if you want to keep your private plate, we recommend you place your private registration on retention as soon as you consider selling your car. This costs £80 (at the time of writing) and you’ll need your V5C.

It’s completely free! No hidden costs or admin fees, all you need to think about is what you’ll do with the money.

In the time it takes you to read this, we’ve probably sold a car…

Once your listing is approved:

We’ll get your car into one of our daily auctions - the speed of offers depends on the demand for your specific model. If it doesn’t sell at auction we’ll showcase your car for two additional days to give you a second chance to sell it.

Once you accept an offer you love, we or the dealer will be in touch within 48 hours to sort out the next steps. 

Make sure you have your documents ready to avoid any delays - our dealers will pick up your car on a day that works for both of you. 

So it’s pretty smooth sailing… or should that be smooth cruising?

We’ll need your registration, some photos and a few basic details - such as your car’s current mileage and any service history you have.

On collection day you’ll need the following to hand:

• V5C
• Driving licence 
• Service history
• Spare keys
• Finance settlement letter (if applicable)
• Locking wheel nut (if applicable)

As long as your car hasn’t previously been a service vehicle (such as an ambulance or a taxi) or an insurance write-off we should be able to help you sell it. We’ve recently started selling vans too, so if you have an LCV we can help you too.

Yes, you can sell your financed car.

Many of our dealers buy cars that are on finance. You’ll need to provide a settlement letter from your finance company. If the sale price exceeds the settlement figure, you'll get the extra cash, which is known as positive equity. 

But if the car's value is less, you'll need to cover the difference, called negative equity.

Just remember, the process for settling your outstanding finance may vary depending on your finance contract.

Yes, you can.

However, all the documents will need to be in the name of and must reference the address of the car's owner (or registered keeper). Also, payment will only be made to the person you're selling the car on behalf of (the car's owner) - payment will not be made to you as the seller.

We may be able to accept a letter of authorisation from the car's owner stating that you can sell the car on their behalf, the documents can be in your name, and payment can be made to you, although this is not guaranteed.

There are several things you can do which can help to increase the value of your car:

• Carry out repairs: the better shape that your car is in, the more it will be worth. Don’t worry about every minor scratch, but if your car has any larger scuffs or damage, then it's worth getting these fixed.

• Keep a full service history: include any details of the car’s service history, repair work, and remaining time on its MOT certificate so buyers know your car has been looked after.

• Give it a good clean: clean your car thoroughly both inside and out, then photograph it from multiple angles when it’s looking its best.

• Give an honest and accurate description: provide as much information as you can, calling out any notable features and equipment. Failing to mention any issues with your car could affect how much you'll get.
  

We connect you with a network of over 5,500 trusted dealers, including franchised dealers, independent dealers, and specialist buyers. You'll receive competitive offers based on your car's details, helping you get a great price.

Yes. And you won’t be charged for collection. After the successful auction, the dealer or Carwow will be in touch to arrange the collection at a time and place that suits you. Just remember to tell us if the collection address is different from the one you gave when uploading the car for auction.

Most payments arrive on the same day as your car is collected, but some dealers have their own policies. Rest assured, we only work with trusted dealers to give you a secure and hassle-free experience.

Once you've sold your car, there's a few things to sort out. You'll need to tell the DVLA you've sold your car. The easiest way to do this is online via the DVLA website. You'll also need to let your insurance company know that you no longer own the car as well as cancel your car tax.

It’s easy! Just contact us through our support page. We also have a great advice section that will answer many of the questions you may have.