Community Hub

Guides, stories and resources to help you buy and sell plates with confidence. Built by people who’ve done it for years.

Buy FAQs

Buyers expect trust.

  • To become a Verified Seller, we require sellers to register with Escrow.com. The Verified Seller badge tells you the sellers have completed a Know Your Customer (KYC) identity check and they are who they say they are.
  • We use our best efforts to verify the ownership of the rights before plates are listed. Some ownership checks are real time, and others make take up to 24 hours. Look for the Verified Plate badge on the seller profile.

Buyer verification is a one-step process, and it happens once you are serious about a purchase. Once you agree to buy a plate (either by selecting Buy Now or having an offer accepted), you’ll be prompted to complete your identity check before payment. 

What you’ll be asked to do: 

  1. Create or link your Escrow.com account
  2. Upload a valid driver’s licence or passport
  3. Complete a quick biometric matcH

That’s it. The process takes less than two minutes and only needs to be done once. It’s secure, encrypted, and ensures both parties are protected before money or plates change hands.

Tip: It matters! Verification is used to prevent fraud, confirm legitimacy, and give both sides confidence before a transaction proceeds.

Finding a plate on Marketplates is designed to be simple and on your terms. You don’t need an account to browse and you can search using many filters. Chose Buy Now or Make an Offer button on any listing.

  • Buy Now: Locks in the plate at the listed price
  • Make an Offer: Start a private negotiation. The seller can accept, counter or decline.

If the seller accepts, you will be asked to create an Escrow.com account and complete an verify your identity. Marketplates uses Escrow.com as the trusted third party to hold funds until both buyer and seller are satisfied. By using Escrow.com’s service, you gain an added layer of security and peace of mind during the number-plate transfer process.

Tip: If you’re serious about buying, don’t lowball. A well-considered offer is more likely to get a response and shows the seller you’re ready to deal.

When you buy number plates, you’re not purchasing just the metal plates - you’re securing the exclusive right to display that registration number. States and territories issue the right to display the specific combination of characters through the registry. 

You can keep the plates in reserve, attach them to your vehicle, or transfer the display rights to someone else. Some rights are even sold without the plates.

Tip: Plates are always the property of the state or country where they’re registered. What you’re really buying/selling/ transferring is the ‘Right to Display’ that unique combination of characters.

Marketplates charges a modest Buyer's Fee of 4% of the agreed price (minimum fee of $50 charge). This is an additional charge on top of the agreed price and will be charged by escrow.com when you establish the account.

The Buyer's fee is capped at a maximum fee of $7,500 for high-value sales - we will not charge you more. 

NB. PayPal and Credit card payments via escrow.com are subject to an additional Payment Processing Fee of 3.05% and subject to Escrow.com approval. More details here.

nb, if the transaction is cancelled after the funds have been approved by Escrow.com, or if the plates are rejected by the Buyer, the Buyer is responsible for 100% of the Escrow Fee and return shipping fees. Escrow.com deducts the Escrow Fee when returning the original payment to the Buyer.

Marketplates.com has partnered with escrow.com to help customers buy and sell plates. At this stage, escrow.com is the only payment platform.

Once your offer has been approved and you have created your Escrow.com account, created your transaction, and the Seller has accepted the transaction, you’ll be able to select your payment method.

Buyers can pay with the following methods:  Transfers, PayPal, Credit/Debit Card. For more details on escrow.com payment options visit here.

nb. PayPal and Credit card payments are subject to an additional Payment Processing Fee of 3.05% and are subject to Escrow.com approval (maximum allowable amount of 5,000.00 USD/AUD/EUR/GBP).

Most plates are verified with record checks. Verified sellers also display trust badges. If you’re browsing second-hand listings elsewhere, here’s how to spot a fake.

  • No official documentation
  • If the seller can’t show proof of release, transfer rights, or ownership, walk away.
  • Authentic plates follow strict rules, including typeface, size and spacing. Oddities usually mean reprints or replicas.
  • Too-good-to-be-true pricing e.g. a VIC 3-digit plate for $1,500? Unlikely. Know the market and use caution.
  • No registration or hold record. If a plate is in active use or on hold, it will show up in the state’s registration system. If it doesn’t, that’s a red flag.

If you have concerns about the authenticity of the paltes on Marketplates.com, contact us. 

Sell FAQs

Buyers expect trust.

1. To become a Verified Seller, you’ll need to verify your ID, which is designed to protect you and your buyer. To verify your identity and protect both parties during the sale, we require sellers to register with Escrow.com. The process takes less than two minute and includes:

  • Submitting your driver’s licence or passport
  • Providing contact details (email and mobile number)
  • Linking your payment method to receive secure payment.

Once complete, your profile and listing will display a Verified Seller badge. You only need to verify once. After that, your listings will display the ID Verified Seller badge automatically.

2. We use our best efforts to verify the display rights for the number plates before plates are listed. We conduct a check of the rights with the issuing state or territory’s transport authority or plate marketing company This is automated in some states and can take up to 24-hours in others. Once verified your listing will display a Verified Plate badge.

Tip: Plates are always the property of the state or country where they’re registered. What you’re really transferring is the ‘Right to Display’ that unique combination of characters.

Selling a plate on Marketplates.com is simple, secure and designed to give you full control. Whether you're listing a one-off or managing a larger collection, the process is straightforward: Become a Verified Seller, Create your plate listing, Plates verified. No listing fees. No pressure. 

Your plate will be published and visible to buyers across the globe. You can update or edit it any time.

If someone buys or makes an offer, we’ll notify you. 

It's important to set the the right price. You can also check similar listings and start with a realistic number. The Make an Offer feature lets buyers reach out with interest without locking in a fixed price.

We’re working on valuation tools and resale trend data to help sellers make smarter pricing decisions. In the meantime, explore similar listings or reach out to our Pit Crew if you need support.

Yes, Marketplates give buyers and sellers the option to negotiate using the Make an Offer feature. No public back-and-forth, just a confidential direct line between you and the seller.

Review the Offer. Buyer enters the amount they're willing to pay. They may also include a short message.

  1. Accept your offer
  2. Decline it
  3. Send a counteroffer

Tip: A Few Things to Keep in Mind

  • There are no public bids. Offers are private and handled one-to-one.
  •  There’s no pressure, and you’re not locked in unless the offer is accepted.
  • Once an offer is accepted, the transaction begins. Buyer completes ID verification and proceeds with secure payment through Escrow.com

Marketplates does not charge a listing fee. When your plate sells, a modest Seller's Fee of 4% of the agreed price (minimum fee of $50 charge).

This fee covers platform costs, secure payment processing, and fraud protection. You’re never charged unless a sale is completed and the fee is deducted by escrow.com before settlement. There are no other fees.

The Seller's fee is capped at a maximum fee of $7,500 for high-value sales - we will not charge you more. 

Marketplates.com has partnered with escrow.com to help customers buy and sell plates. At this stage, escrow.com is the only payment platform.

Yes, unless you organise local pickup.
If shipping, you’ll be asked to provide tracking details for protection in the escrow.com account. You can chose your own shipping method and agree with buyer who pays for the shipping or postal service. 
We highly recommend registered Post as a secure mailing option offered by Australia Post. It includes features such as Tracking and unique article ID, Signature on delivery and Proof of posting.

Once a sale is agreed and payment is secured, the rights must be legally transferred to the buyer through the issuing state or territory’s transport authority. Each state and territory in Australia has its own rules, forms and authorities. Some states issue Certificate of entitlements, others keep the record on the state registry. if you plate has been verified, the buyer knows it exists in the registry. If it hasn't, you may be asked to provide proof of rights ownership.

We’ve built detailed state transfer guides covering required documents, submission methods, timeframes for lodgement. Create a free Marketplates account to access all state guides or login-in.

 

Why We Built Marketplates.com

A better way to buy and sell number plates — built by experienced personalised plate operators. Founding story, team and mission

Still have questions?

We’re here to help — whether it’s your first plate or your fiftieth.

Community Hub

Guides, stories and resources to help you buy and sell plates with confidence. Built by people who’ve done it for years.

Buy FAQs

Buyers expect trust.

  • To become a Verified Seller, we require sellers to register with Escrow.com. The Verified Seller badge tells you the sellers have completed a Know Your Customer (KYC) identity check and they are who they say they are.
  • We use our best efforts to verify the ownership of the rights before plates are listed. Some ownership checks are real time, and others make take up to 24 hours. Look for the Verified Plate badge on the seller profile.

Buyer verification is a one-step process, and it happens once you are serious about a purchase. Once you agree to buy a plate (either by selecting Buy Now or having an offer accepted), you’ll be prompted to complete your identity check before payment. 

What you’ll be asked to do: 

  1. Create or link your Escrow.com account
  2. Upload a valid driver’s licence or passport
  3. Complete a quick biometric matcH

That’s it. The process takes less than two minutes and only needs to be done once. It’s secure, encrypted, and ensures both parties are protected before money or plates change hands.

Tip: It matters! Verification is used to prevent fraud, confirm legitimacy, and give both sides confidence before a transaction proceeds.

Finding a plate on Marketplates is designed to be simple and on your terms. You don’t need an account to browse and you can search using many filters. Chose Buy Now or Make an Offer button on any listing.

  • Buy Now: Locks in the plate at the listed price
  • Make an Offer: Start a private negotiation. The seller can accept, counter or decline.

If the seller accepts, you will be asked to create an Escrow.com account and complete an verify your identity. Marketplates uses Escrow.com as the trusted third party to hold funds until both buyer and seller are satisfied. By using Escrow.com’s service, you gain an added layer of security and peace of mind during the number-plate transfer process.

Tip: If you’re serious about buying, don’t lowball. A well-considered offer is more likely to get a response and shows the seller you’re ready to deal.

When you buy number plates, you’re not purchasing just the metal plates - you’re securing the exclusive right to display that registration number. States and territories issue the right to display the specific combination of characters through the registry. 

You can keep the plates in reserve, attach them to your vehicle, or transfer the display rights to someone else. Some rights are even sold without the plates.

Tip: Plates are always the property of the state or country where they’re registered. What you’re really buying/selling/ transferring is the ‘Right to Display’ that unique combination of characters.

Marketplates charges a modest Buyer's Fee of 4% of the agreed price (minimum fee of $50 charge). This is an additional charge on top of the agreed price and will be charged by escrow.com when you establish the account.

The Buyer's fee is capped at a maximum fee of $7,500 for high-value sales - we will not charge you more. 

NB. PayPal and Credit card payments via escrow.com are subject to an additional Payment Processing Fee of 3.05% and subject to Escrow.com approval. More details here.

nb, if the transaction is cancelled after the funds have been approved by Escrow.com, or if the plates are rejected by the Buyer, the Buyer is responsible for 100% of the Escrow Fee and return shipping fees. Escrow.com deducts the Escrow Fee when returning the original payment to the Buyer.

Marketplates.com has partnered with escrow.com to help customers buy and sell plates. At this stage, escrow.com is the only payment platform.

Once your offer has been approved and you have created your Escrow.com account, created your transaction, and the Seller has accepted the transaction, you’ll be able to select your payment method.

Buyers can pay with the following methods:  Transfers, PayPal, Credit/Debit Card. For more details on escrow.com payment options visit here.

nb. PayPal and Credit card payments are subject to an additional Payment Processing Fee of 3.05% and are subject to Escrow.com approval (maximum allowable amount of 5,000.00 USD/AUD/EUR/GBP).

Most plates are verified with record checks. Verified sellers also display trust badges. If you’re browsing second-hand listings elsewhere, here’s how to spot a fake.

  • No official documentation
  • If the seller can’t show proof of release, transfer rights, or ownership, walk away.
  • Authentic plates follow strict rules, including typeface, size and spacing. Oddities usually mean reprints or replicas.
  • Too-good-to-be-true pricing e.g. a VIC 3-digit plate for $1,500? Unlikely. Know the market and use caution.
  • No registration or hold record. If a plate is in active use or on hold, it will show up in the state’s registration system. If it doesn’t, that’s a red flag.

If you have concerns about the authenticity of the paltes on Marketplates.com, contact us. 

Sell FAQs

Buyers expect trust.

1. To become a Verified Seller, you’ll need to verify your ID, which is designed to protect you and your buyer. To verify your identity and protect both parties during the sale, we require sellers to register with Escrow.com. The process takes less than two minute and includes:

  • Submitting your driver’s licence or passport
  • Providing contact details (email and mobile number)
  • Linking your payment method to receive secure payment.

Once complete, your profile and listing will display a Verified Seller badge. You only need to verify once. After that, your listings will display the ID Verified Seller badge automatically.

2. We use our best efforts to verify the display rights for the number plates before plates are listed. We conduct a check of the rights with the issuing state or territory’s transport authority or plate marketing company This is automated in some states and can take up to 24-hours in others. Once verified your listing will display a Verified Plate badge.

Tip: Plates are always the property of the state or country where they’re registered. What you’re really transferring is the ‘Right to Display’ that unique combination of characters.

Selling a plate on Marketplates.com is simple, secure and designed to give you full control. Whether you're listing a one-off or managing a larger collection, the process is straightforward: Become a Verified Seller, Create your plate listing, Plates verified. No listing fees. No pressure. 

Your plate will be published and visible to buyers across the globe. You can update or edit it any time.

If someone buys or makes an offer, we’ll notify you. 

It's important to set the the right price. You can also check similar listings and start with a realistic number. The Make an Offer feature lets buyers reach out with interest without locking in a fixed price.

We’re working on valuation tools and resale trend data to help sellers make smarter pricing decisions. In the meantime, explore similar listings or reach out to our Pit Crew if you need support.

Yes, Marketplates give buyers and sellers the option to negotiate using the Make an Offer feature. No public back-and-forth, just a confidential direct line between you and the seller.

Review the Offer. Buyer enters the amount they're willing to pay. They may also include a short message.

  1. Accept your offer
  2. Decline it
  3. Send a counteroffer

Tip: A Few Things to Keep in Mind

  • There are no public bids. Offers are private and handled one-to-one.
  •  There’s no pressure, and you’re not locked in unless the offer is accepted.
  • Once an offer is accepted, the transaction begins. Buyer completes ID verification and proceeds with secure payment through Escrow.com

Marketplates does not charge a listing fee. When your plate sells, a modest Seller's Fee of 4% of the agreed price (minimum fee of $50 charge).

This fee covers platform costs, secure payment processing, and fraud protection. You’re never charged unless a sale is completed and the fee is deducted by escrow.com before settlement. There are no other fees.

The Seller's fee is capped at a maximum fee of $7,500 for high-value sales - we will not charge you more. 

Marketplates.com has partnered with escrow.com to help customers buy and sell plates. At this stage, escrow.com is the only payment platform.

Yes, unless you organise local pickup.
If shipping, you’ll be asked to provide tracking details for protection in the escrow.com account. You can chose your own shipping method and agree with buyer who pays for the shipping or postal service. 
We highly recommend registered Post as a secure mailing option offered by Australia Post. It includes features such as Tracking and unique article ID, Signature on delivery and Proof of posting.

Once a sale is agreed and payment is secured, the rights must be legally transferred to the buyer through the issuing state or territory’s transport authority. Each state and territory in Australia has its own rules, forms and authorities. Some states issue Certificate of entitlements, others keep the record on the state registry. if you plate has been verified, the buyer knows it exists in the registry. If it hasn't, you may be asked to provide proof of rights ownership.

We’ve built detailed state transfer guides covering required documents, submission methods, timeframes for lodgement. Create a free Marketplates account to access all state guides or login-in.

 

Why We Built Marketplates.com

A better way to buy and sell number plates — built by experienced personalised plate operators. Founding story, team and mission

Still have questions?

We’re here to help — whether it’s your first plate or your fiftieth.

Marketplates — Community

Community Hub

Guides, stories and resources to help you buy and sell plates with confidence. Built by people who’ve done it for years.

Community Hub

Guides, stories and resources to help you buy and sell plates with confidence.

New to Marketplates?

Quick primers if you’re just getting started — listing, offers, payments, and verification.

Create an Account

Selling Advice

Optimise your listing, price well, photograph like a pro, and understand transfer rules.

Seller Guide

Buyer Education

Buy with confidence — legitimacy checks, verification, offers, and secure payments.

Browse Plates

Why We Built Marketplates.com

A better way to buy and sell number plates — built by experienced personalised plate operators and manufacturers.

Founding story, team and mission.

Read Our Story

New to Marketplates.com?

Start with the basics — short, practical guides.

Real People, Real Plates

Experiences from buyers and sellers across Australia.

Stories Behind the Plates: ‘Q1’, ‘NSW 69’, and the Numbers We Love
Community
Read article →
Why High-Value Number Plates Are Emerging as Australia’s Smartest Alternative Asset
Community
Read article →
From ‘1OFF’ to ‘888’: Inside the Biggest Recent Plate Sales
Community
Read article →
Founding Story: Introducing the Team Behind Marketplates
Pit Crew
Read story →
Want to share your story? Contact the Pit Crew.
Marketplates — Community

Community Hub

Guides, stories and resources to help you buy and sell plates with confidence. Built by people who’ve done it for years.

Community Hub

Guides, stories and resources to help you buy and sell plates with confidence.

New to Marketplates?

Quick primers if you’re just getting started — listing, offers, payments, and verification.

Start Here

Selling Advice

Optimise your listing, price well, photograph like a pro, and understand transfer rules.

Sell My Plate

Buyer Education

Buy with confidence — legitimacy checks, verification, offers, and secure payments.

Browse Plates

Why We Built Marketplates.com

A better way to buy and sell number plates — built by experienced personalised plate operators and manufacturers.

(Founding story — draft with Jemma for approval.)

Read Our Story

New to Marketplates.com?

Start with the basics — short, practical guides.

Selling Advice

Content focused on helping sellers navigate the process and optimise their listings.

Sell My Plate

Real People, Real Plates

Experiences from buyers and sellers across Australia.

“Why I Started Collecting Plates”
by Priya — Collector
Read story →
“What I Wish I Knew Before Buying”
by Sam — First‑time Buyer
Read story →
Want to share your story? Contact the Pit Crew.
Founders or community

Why We Built Marketplates.com

A better way to buy and sell number plates, built by experienced personalised plate operators and manufacturers.

[This is where a short 3–4 sentence version of your story will go. E.g. how the idea came from years working with plates, seeing the gaps in trust, security, pricing etc.]

Read Our Story

New to Marketplates.com?

Just getting started? Here’s everything you need to know before buying or selling.

How to List a Plate

Step-by-step guide to creating a standout plate listing that sells.

How to Make an Offer

Learn how to buy outright or negotiate a deal with the seller.

What Happens After You Sell

What to expect once a buyer commits — from ID check to payment release.

Payments and Transfers Explained

How money and plates move hands — safely, securely, and step-by-step.

What Does ID Verification Involve?

A quick and secure process to prove you're legit and unlock verified perks.

Selling Advice

Content focused on helping sellers navigate the process and optimise their listings.

Sell My Plate

Tips for a Strong Listing

Write a title that sells, and describe it like a buyer would.

How to Price Your Plate

Understand what affects value and where your plate sits in the market.

Photography: What Buyers Look For

The do’s and don’ts of plate pics that get clicks.

Transfer Rules You Need to Know

State-by-state transfer breakdown to stay compliant.

What to Expect After You List

A step-by-step on what happens once your listing goes live.

Buying with Confidence

Builds trust with cautious or new buyers.

How to Tell If a Plate is Legit

Learn how we verify plates and why not all listings are created equal.

What Verified Buyers and Sellers Mean

We make sure every transaction is backed by verified ID and listing checks.

How Offers Work on Marketplates.com

Not every plate has a fixed price. Here's how to make — and accept — an offer.

Understanding Secure Payments

Payments are only released once the plate has changed hands. Learn more about how our escrow system protects you.

Browse Plates

Real Plates. Real Stories.

Stories from the Marketplates.com Community

1RNMAN Plate

1RNMAN

A plate that transcends first place

$5,000

Available Now

VW888 Plate

VW888

For the VW enthusiasts

$8,500

Available Now

QPLATE

QPLATE

To preserve heritage

$22,000

Trending

Still have questions?

We're here to help - whether it's your first plate or your fiftieth.

Contact the Pit Crew