10 Most Expensive Personalised Number Plates

The upside to billionaires dropping big sums on license plates is that most of the money goes to a good cause.

When your wealth knows no bounds, you start seeking the extraordinary in the most unlikely places. In the realm of automobile accessories, the pursuit of the most valuable license plates reaches new heights. These are not just pieces of metal or plastic; they're status symbols, investments, and, sometimes, charitable endeavors.

In years gone by, we've seen astronomical figures paid for these plates, often with cars attached, and while the world may be moving towards digital license plates, we don't see the uber-wealthy backing down anytime soon in their pursuit of the bragging rights that come with having a particularly unique plate.

In the list of 10 most expensive license plates below, we've listed those with the highest official sale price. There have been many who asked more, but the value of something is not what someone asks for it, but what someone is willing to pay for it.

10. Dubai "9" - $2.8 million
Entry 9 in the United Arab Emirates collection sold twice, initially for $2.8 million in 2008 and then at a slightly reduced price of $2.7 million in 2010. The owner, Balvinder Sahni, attributed his purchase to Dubai's tax benefits and his intention to support charity and city infrastructure. Currently, it adorns his Rolls-Royce Phantom, which sits among a collection of other Rolls-Royce models with unique plates you'll find on this list.

9. Abu Dhabi "7" - $3.9 Million
Abu Dhabi's No. 7 license plate has seen remarkable success at auctions, achieving record-breaking sales three times. The most significant sale occurred on February 2, 2010, with the plate fetching an impressive $3.9 million. The No. 7 would later be sold to an 11-year-old boy for $3.6 million, who mentioned he'd like to put it on his G-Class.

While the single-digit nature of No. 7 adds to its prestige, it also holds special significance by representing the seven emirates of the UAE, making it a highly sought-after symbol of national identity and exclusivity.

8. Dubai "0-9" – $5.7 Million
On July 7th, 2015, Dubai witnessed the sale of plate 09 for $5.7 million. Details about this particular plate are scarce and the buyer was anonymous.

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), license plates can fall into different categories, allowing the same number to be issued multiple times. A similar plate is also owned by Balvinder Sahni and is used on another of his Rolls-Royces, but it's uncertain whether it is the same one that has merely changed hands.

7. Abu Dhabi "2-2" - $6.3 Million
In the UAE, single-digit license plates, like 2, hold immense prestige and are auctioned off to the highest bidder in the name of charity. When this plate was auctioned in 2022, it made a rock-star entrance with music, lights, and smoke.

It fetched $6.3 million, all of which was for a good cause, supporting the 1 Billion Meals campaign.

6. Abu Dhabi "5-5" – $6.86 million
In October 2016, Dubai property developer Balvinder Sahni made a purchase at a government auction, securing license plate No. 5 for a cool $4.6 million. But that was less than its original sale price in 2007 when the same registration sold for $6.86 million to businessman Talal Khoury and set a Guinness World Record at the time.

The proceeds went toward helping accident victims and those with special needs.

After the recent sale, new owner Sahni's hope was that the funds raised from the auction would be channeled towards improving the city's infrastructure, a cause he supports. With a fleet of eight Rolls-Royce cars, Sahni's desire for smoother roads is understandable. Plate No. 5, now adorns one of his luxury vehicles. But it's not the only one of his cars with a similar plate, as you'll soon see.

5. Dubai "AA-8" – $9.5 Million
The AA8 number plate nearly hit the $10 million milestone, fetching $9.5 million. The proceeds from this transaction were also directed to raise money for the One Billion Meals campaign by the Road and Transport Authority in Dubai.

The buyer of AA8 was none other than Balvinder Sahni. He is somewhat of a collector of license plates. This acquisition found a new home on one of his eight Rolls-Royces as well.

4. Dubai "D-5" – $9.6 Million
Balvinder Sahni added yet another $9.6 million license plate, 'D5,' for one of his eight Rolls-Royce cars in October 2016 to his collection. Specifically his navy blue Rolls-Royce Phantom.

The significance? The clever combination of 'D' as the fourth letter and '5' totaling 9, in harmony with another prized plate he owns. It's something he does with a lot of his plates, as the letters and numbers all seem to add up to 9.

3. Dubai "AA-9" – $10 Million
At the same auction that witnessed AA8 sale, an anonymous buyer seized the opportunity to acquire the coveted single-digit number plate, AA9, for $10 million at the Most Noble Numbers auction in Dubai, 2021. As with the others, the proceeds also went to the One Billion Meals Campaign.

Single-digit number plates, such as AA9, are extremely rare and coveted in the world of personalized license plates. They often signify a vehicle's historical or cultural significance.

2. Abu Dhabi "5-1" – $14.5 million
Property magnate Saeed Abdul Ghaffar Khouri made an unmistakable statement when he paid $14.5 million for plate No. 1 at a 2008 auction. When asked about his purchase, Khouri's response was straightforward: "I bought it because it's the best number."

He let the world know that he is number one by fixing the number 1 plate on one of his cars.

1. Dubai "P7" – $15 Million
In a recent auction held by Emirates Auction LLC in April 2023, an anonymous bidder made a payment of 55 million dirhams ($15 million) to secure the title of owner of the world's priciest car license plate: "P7", setting a Guinness World Record in the process.

This remarkable sale wasn't just a display of wealth; it was a philanthropic endeavor. The entire sum raised in the auction will be channeled towards the One Billion Meals Endowment as well, part of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid's global food aid initiative.