Number Plates Questions & Answers

30 Questions you may need answering on number plates. 

1. What is a number plate?
   A number plate is a legally required registration identifier for vehicles, issued by the DVLA, displaying a unique combination of letters and numbers.
   
   
2. What types of number plates are there?
   Common types include standard 2D plates, 3D gel plates, 4D acrylic plates, show plates (not road legal), and import plates for foreign vehicles.
   
   
3. What is a 3D gel number plate?
   3D gel plates feature raised, glossy letters made with resin, offering a domed effect for a more stylish appearance.
   
   
4. What is a 4D number plate?
   4D plates use laser-cut acrylic characters that are bonded to the plate, giving a sharp, bold, high-contrast finish.
   
   
5. What are show plates?
   Show plates are novelty or customised plates (e.g. coloured, tinted, or fancy fonts) made for display purposes only—not legal for road use.
   
   

🔹 Legality of Number Plates

1. Which number plates are legal in the UK?
   Plates must conform to BS AU 145e, use the standard Charles Wright font, have black characters on a white (front) or yellow (rear) reflective background, and include the plate supplier's details and BS mark.
   
   
2. Are 3D and 4D number plates legal?
   Yes, if the characters are solid black, correctly spaced, and the plate meets BS AU 145e standards.
   
   
3. Are tinted number plates legal?
   No—tinted or smoked plates are illegal on UK roads as they reduce visibility and are not ANPR-compliant.
   
   
4. Are short number plates legal?
   Only if they meet DVLA font size and spacing regulations. Shortened plates for imported or personalised vehicles may be allowed.
   
   
5. Are coloured or carbon fibre number plates legal?
   No—only solid black characters are permitted. Carbon fibre-style fonts and coloured gels are not road legal.
   
   

🔹 Ownership and Documentation

1. How do I prove I own a number plate?
   Ownership is proven with a V5C log book, a V750 certificate of entitlement, or a V778 retention document.
   
   
2. What is a V750?
   It’s a certificate proving you’ve purchased a private registration and have the right to assign it to a vehicle.
   
   
3. What is a V778?
   This is a retention document used when you take a number plate off a vehicle but want to keep it for future use.
   
   
4. Can I sell my number plate?
   Yes. You can sell it privately or through a cherished plate dealer, using a V317 transfer form.
   
   
5. Can I gift a personalised number plate to someone?
   Yes, as long as the plate is legally transferred and assigned using the proper documents.
   
   

🔹 Sizes and Colours

1. What size should UK car number plates be?
   The standard size is 520mm x 111mm. However, custom sizes may be used if legally compliant (e.g., imports or motorbikes).
   
   
2. What colour are legal number plates?
   
   

• Front: White reflective background with black characters
  
  
• Rear: Yellow reflective background with black characters
  
  

1. What size should motorbike plates be?
   Typically 9” x 7”, though smaller plates are allowed if they meet spacing and legibility rules.
   
   
2. Can classic or vintage cars have different plates?
   Yes, classic cars registered before January 1, 1980 can use black and silver plates, if they’re registered as historic vehicles with the DVLA.
   
   
3. What size plates are allowed on imported vehicles?
   Import vehicles can use smaller plates if there’s insufficient space for a standard one. The DVLA may permit variations case by case.
   
   

🔹 Number Plates for Different Vehicles

1. Are there different number plates for motorbikes and cars?
   Yes. Motorbikes use single rear plates only, usually smaller than car plates. Cars require front and rear plates with appropriate colours.
   
   
2. Do electric vehicles have different number plates?
   Yes. They may have green flashes on the side to indicate zero-emission status, but the format remains the same.
   
   
3. Can I use a personalised plate on any vehicle?
   Yes, but the plate must not make the vehicle appear younger than it is (e.g., you can’t put a ‘23’ plate on a 2010 car).
   
   
4. Can trailers and caravans have number plates?
   Yes, they must display the same registration as the towing vehicle.
   
   
5. Can I reuse a number plate after selling my car?
   Yes, if you put it on retention using a V778 before selling the vehicle.
   
   

🔹 Manufacturing and Fitting

1. How are number plates made?
   Plates are made from acrylic, with reflective film and cut vinyl or 3D/4D characters added. Legal plates must include supplier details and BS AU 145e marking.
   
   
2. How long does it take to make a number plate?
   Once documentation is provided, plates can be made in 10–30 minutes in-store, or delivered in 1–3 days if ordered online.
   
   
3. How do I fit a number plate to my car?
   You can use:
   
   

• Screws and caps (secure but visible)
  
  
• Sticky pads/adhesive tape (clean and screwless)
  
  
• Mounting brackets (for imported or vintage cars)
  
  

1. What documents are needed to have a number plate made?
   You'll need:
   
   

• Proof of identity (e.g., driving licence)
  
  
• Proof of entitlement (e.g., V5C, V750, or V778)
  
  

1. What should I check when buying number plates online?
   Make sure the supplier is:
   
   

• • DVLA-registered
    
    
  • Requesting legal documents
    
    
  • Offering plates that meet BS AU 145e
    
    
  • Clearly marking any non-road-legal (show) plates