The most valuable license plates in Hong Kong
These days, creative vehicle license plates, such as '1MAG1NE', 'OK LA' and 'TAX1', are a common sight in Hong Kong, and we have our Transport Department (TD) to thank for this relatively new phenomenon. Since TD launched the Personalized Vehicle Registration Marks Scheme (PVRM Scheme) in 2006, auctions have been held every January, May, and September - where PVRMs as well as more traditional license plate numbers go to the highest bidders.
Many local magnates and celebrities like to personalize their vehicles with a PVRM. Following the scheme’s launch more than 15 years ago, many license plate combinations have been auctioned off for prices that are nothing short of breathtaking. Today we will take stock of the most expensive license plate combinations in Hong Kong.
- The most expensive license plate combinations in Hong Kong
- So who holds the plate numbers from 1 to 10?
- Quick summary of PVRM regulations
- Frequently Asked Questions
The most expensive license plate combinations in Hong Kong
According to the TD, the most expensive license plate combination ever in Hong Kong is the 'W' license plate, which went to a man for a hefty HKD $26 million at the 2021 Chinese New Year license plate auction - more than 5,000 times the reserve price of HKD $5,000. In second place is the '28' plate number that was auctioned in 2016. Holding on to third place is the '18' plate number, which was won by Cheung Ching Kwong, aka the 'God of Shares from Stanley', in 2008.
|
License plate combination |
Final auction price (in HKD) |
|
W |
$26 million |
|
28 |
$18.1 million |
|
18 |
$16.5 million |
|
V |
$13 million |
|
9 |
$13 million |
|
2 |
$9.5 million |
|
VV |
$9.3 million |
So who holds the plate numbers from 1 to 10?
| Plate number | Holder |
| 1 | Commissioner of Police |
| 2 | Originally reserved for the Financial Secretary, it was acquired by businessman Wong Ming Hung for HKD $9.5 million in 1993 |
| 3 | Acquired by real estate businessman Cheng Kung See for HKD $1.03 million in 1983 |
| 4 | Acquired by Cecil Chao Sze-Tsung, Chairman of Cheuk Nang (Holdings) Limited, for HKD $147,000 in 1978 |
| 5 | Acquired by Joseph Lau Luen-Hung, former chairman of Chinese Estates Group, for HKD $2.5 million in 1993 |
| 6 | Acquired by Sir Run Run Shaw aka 'Uncle 6', late former chairman of Television Broadcasts Limited, in 1978 for HKD $330,000 |
| 7 | Heng Ji Kau, aka the 'King of Stock Speculation', won the bid for HKD $4.8 million in 1989; after Heng’s passing, the license number is now held by his daughter-in-law Leung Yee Lai |
| 8 | Acquired by Bossini founder Law Ding Bon in 1988 for HKD $5 million |
| 9 | Acquired by Albert Yeung Sau-Shing, Chairman of Emperor Group, for HKD $13 million in 1994 |
| 10 | Acquired by renowned accountant Yung Wing Dou for HKD $206,000 in 1977 |
Quick summary of PVRM regulations
Under the regulations of the TD, a PVRM must:
(1) Consists of no more than 8 English letters, numbers, and/or spaces
(2) Comply with the basic regulations relating to combinations
You may enter your desired license plate combination via the PVRM portal to see if it complies with the regulations.
If your application is successful, you can pay a HKD $5,000 deposit to attend the auction. If there are no competing bids for your dream license combination, it will be allocated to you for a special fee of HKD $5,000 (the deposit of HKD $5,000 paid at the time of application will be treated as payment for the special fee). On the other hand, if you are outbid at the auction, the Treasury will send a deposit refund cheque to you by mail within 8 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most expensive license plate in Hong Kong? What was the final bid?
The most expensive license plate in Hong Kong is 'W', which was sold for HK$26 million at the 2021 Lunar New Year auction. The bidding started at HK$5,000, and it was eventually won by a male bidder, setting the record for the most expensive license plate in the city’s history.
Who owns license plates numbered 1 to 10 in Hong Kong?
-
Plate number "1" is held by the Commissioner of Police in Hong Kong.
-
Plate number "2" was sold in 1993 for HK$9.5 million to businessman Wilson Wang.
- Plate number "9" was purchased in 1994 by Albert Yeung, chairman of Emperor Group, for HK$13 million. Other numbers such as '3', '4', '6', and '7' are also owned by prominent businessmen or families. Full details are listed in the main article.
How can I apply for a personalized license plate? How much does it cost?
You can apply through the Transport Department’s 'Personalized Vehicle Registration Marks Online Service'. The format must be no more than 8 characters, including letters, numbers, or spaces.
After submission, you must pay a HK$5,000 deposit and attend an auction. If no one else bids on your chosen plate, it will be assigned to you for the special fee of HK$5,000.
