Why not phone DVLA (the number plate line) and ask if it is "live" and if not is it is available to purchase.

If not live it belongs to them and they can sell it, the other thing to do is to ask a number plate selling agency and they can do t for you,,,, at a cost.

Something is also telling me that if you request a specific number from the DOOVLA that has been used before and they agree to sell they insist on auctioning it rather than selling it directly.

But again.....you need to speak to someone who knows what they are talking about.

Yep.

I've since contacted the DVLA and they've told me that it's not in use and they have it but if I want it, I've got to wait until they decide to finally auction it. I wish I could just buy it outright.

Glad you have found the status of the plate at least. I am afraid you will have to register your interest in it and wait. They will contact you when they auction it. They auction them to get the best possible price. If the boot were on the other foot, what would you do? Personally I would auction it rather than attempt to place a value on it. For interest, every week in the motoring press there are thousands of number plates advertised. Examine them and see if there are any similar to the one you want and that will give you a guide to possible value.

Best of luck. Concrete