How Marketplates works
Buy and sell plates safely with escrow protection.
-
1
Search
Browse plates, filter results, and save searches.
-
2
Make an offer
Negotiate safely or buy instantly at the listed price.
-
3
Escrow
Funds are held securely until the transfer is complete.
-
4
Transfer
Complete the transfer and ownership is officially yours.
Escrow & Safety
How escrow protects both buyers and sellers on Marketplates.
Funds held until transfer is complete
No direct payments between users
Help if something goes wrong
Buyer pays into escrow
Payment is securely held until transfer is confirmed.
Seller transfers plate
Transfer is completed according to state rules.
Buyer confirms transfer
Buyer verifies completion of transfer.
Funds released
Seller receives payment after confirmation.
Escrow protects you from
- • Paying a seller who never transfers the plate
- • Losing money in off-platform deals
- • Disputes where ownership is unclear
- • Fraudulent or misrepresented listings
We verify
- • Seller account and contact details
- • Plate listing consistency and format
- • Transaction traceability through escrow
- • Basic fraud and anomaly signals
Disputes & support: calm, structured assistance is available if anything goes wrong.
Transfer guides (by state)
Transfer rules vary by state. Choose your state below to see the typical steps and what you’ll need. To access the full step-by-step guide and downloadable checklist, sign in to your Marketplates account.
Fee Calculator
Estimate transfer fees for your plate based on state, type, and scenario.
Select state, plate type, scenario and sale price.
* This calculator provides an estimate only. Actual fees may vary by state, plate type, or transfer scenario.
Plate Types We Support
We support various plate types across Australia. Value depends on rarity, clean combinations, and state rules.
Euro
European-style plates, often sleek and modern. Transfer rules vary by state.
Heritage
Historic and classic plates with cultural or historic significance.
Numeric
Simple number-based plates, often collectible depending on combos.
Personalised
Custom letters or numbers chosen by the owner. Popular and unique.
Prestige
High-value plates with rare combinations or state significance.
Browse all plates by state or type.
Scam Prevention
Stay safe by understanding common risks and how Marketplates protects you.
Red flags
- Request to pay outside the platform
- Rushed or high-pressure deals
- Suspicious or incomplete seller profiles
- Unverified contact details
Safe communication
Always use platform messaging and verified contacts. Avoid sharing personal or payment details externally.
Why escrow matters
Escrow protects both buyers and sellers by holding funds securely until the plate transfer is complete. This prevents scams and disputes.
Report a suspicious listing
If you encounter a suspicious listing, click the “Report” button on the listing page or contact support. Include all relevant details for faster resolution.
FAQ
Answers to common questions about buying, selling, and using escrow on Marketplates.
Buying
-
How do I search for plates?
Use the Buy page to search by plate combination or keyword, or browse using categories and filters: https://marketplates.com/buy/ -
Can I save my searches?
If you are signed in, you can save plates to your wishlist by selecting the heart icon on a listing. -
What payment methods are accepted?
Payments are completed via escrow.com. Available payment methods are shown during checkout. Additional escrow.com card/PayPal processing fees may apply depending on the payment method you choose.
Selling
-
How do I list my plate?
Create a seller account, then go to Sell and follow the prompts to add your plate details, photos, and buying options. Once submitted, your listing will appear after it is published: https://marketplates.com/sell -
Can I set a minimum price?
Yes. You may specify a minimum acceptable bid for your plate listing. -
What fees apply for sellers?
There is no fee to list a plate. If your plate sells, a seller fee of 4% of the sale price applies (minimum $50, maximum $7,500). The fee is deducted from the sale proceeds and processed via escrow.com. Government charges or taxes are separate.
Escrow & Safety
-
How does escrow protect buyers and sellers?
Marketplates uses escrow.com to facilitate secure payments. Escrow holds funds and releases them only when both parties meet the required conditions. -
What happens if a transfer is disputed?
Disputes are handled under escrow.com’s dispute resolution process. Funds remain held while the dispute is reviewed and resolved.
Transfers
-
What documents are required per state?
Requirements vary by state/territory and plate type. Buyers and sellers must complete the steps required by the relevant authority and pay applicable government charges. -
How long does a transfer usually take?
Timeframes vary depending on the state authority, plate type, and transfer method. Always refer to your local authority for current processing times.
Fees
-
How are fees calculated?
Buyer and seller fees are 4% of the agreed sale price (minimum $50, maximum $7,500), processed via escrow.com. Government fees or taxes are separate. Additional escrow.com processing fees may apply depending on payment method. -
Are there minimum or maximum fees?
Yes. Fees are capped between $50 minimum and $7,500 maximum per transaction. Additional escrow.com processing fees may apply depending on payment method selected.