Skip to content
  1. Next Day Delivery Available
  2. Click and Collect Available

Vintage Number Plates: Classic Style with Legal Authenticity

For classic car lovers and restoration enthusiasts, every detail matters—right down to the number plates. One of the most iconic and visually distinct features of an older vehicle is its vintage number plate. These plates offer more than just a registration ID—they carry history, style, and a sense of automotive nostalgia.

But what exactly makes a number plate “vintage”? Can anyone use them? And what are the legal requirements if you want to add one to your pride and joy? In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about vintage number plates—from materials and sizes to legal status and some fun facts you might not know.

 

 

What Makes a Number Plate “Vintage”?

A vintage number plate is typically defined by its design, colour, and materials, and is used on vehicles of a certain age. The most recognisable vintage style features black backgrounds with white or silver characters, in stark contrast to modern plates with reflective white and yellow backgrounds.

Vintage number plates were used in the UK from the early 1900s until 1 January 1973, when reflective plates became mandatory on newly registered vehicles. The older plates were often:

  • Pressed aluminium

  • Hand-painted metal

  • Occasionally made from enamel or steel

These classic plates are now reserved for historic vehicles and are strictly regulated by the DVLA to ensure authenticity and roadworthiness.

 

 

Can a Vintage Number Plate Go on Any Vehicle?

No—vintage number plates can only be legally used on certain vehicles.

To display a black and silver vintage number plate, your vehicle must:

  • Be registered before 1 January 1980
  • Be registered with the DVLA as a historic vehicle
  • Not have been significantly modified (e.g., modern engine swaps or major body alterations)

Once your vehicle meets these criteria, you are eligible to display vintage-style plates. Any newer vehicle using vintage plates would be in breach of DVLA regulations, and you could face fines or MOT failures.

 

 

What Sizes Are Available for Vintage Number Plates?

Vintage number plates don’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Back in the early days of motoring, plate sizes varied based on the:

  • Make and model of the vehicle

  • Space available on the bumper or mudguard

  • Character length of the registration number

Common vintage plate sizes include:

  • Standard rectangular plates (front and rear)

  • Square plates (popular on older Land Rovers or commercial vehicles)

  • Two-line split plates (often seen on classic motorcycles)

  • Arched or curved plates (used to match fenders or curved surfaces)

Modern manufacturers who specialise in vintage plates often offer bespoke sizing to suit your specific vehicle, while still complying with legal spacing and sizing guidelines for characters.

 

 

What Material Is a Vintage Number Plate Made From?

Authentic vintage number plates were traditionally made from metal materials, giving them a robust, high-quality feel. Today, reproductions of vintage plates are still made using the same traditional techniques for period accuracy.

Common materials include:

  • Pressed aluminium – the most popular choice for embossed plates

  • Painted steel or aluminium – often hand-lettered for early vehicles

  • Enamel-coated metal – rare but used on some pre-war models

Unlike modern acrylic plates, vintage plates do not use reflective backing and rely instead on high-contrast colours and quality materials for visibility.

 

 

How Do You Fix a Vintage Number Plate?

Fixing a vintage plate to your vehicle depends on the style of the plate and the vehicle itself. Here are the most common methods:

1. Screws or Bolts

Most classic vehicles were designed with brackets or mounting holes. Screws or bolts are the most secure way to attach metal plates.

  • Pros: Sturdy and period-correct

  • Cons: Visible fixings (often covered with chrome or painted caps)

2. Adhesive Pads

Less common on vintage vehicles, but can be used for a cleaner look—especially on smooth surfaces.

  • Pros: No drilling required

  • Cons: Must be applied carefully to ensure strong adhesion and avoid falling off

3. Clamps or Plate Holders

On vintage motorcycles or imported classics, you may use custom clamps or plate holders for non-standard mounts.

Always ensure the plate is mounted securely, visibly, and at the correct angle to meet legal standards.

 

 

What Colours Are Vintage Plates Required to Be?

To be legal for road use, vintage number plates must:

  • Have a black background
  • Use white or silver characters
  • Be non-reflective

These colour rules are strictly enforced for historic vehicles. Any attempt to use different colours or backgrounds—such as yellow, tinted, or coloured text—would result in a plate that is not road legal.

 

 

Are Vintage Number Plates Legal and DVLA Approved?

Yes—vintage number plates are completely legal in the UK if used on qualifying vehicles. To stay within DVLA regulations:

  • The vehicle must be registered as a historic vehicle
  • The plate must use black background with silver or white characters
  • The character size, font, and spacing must comply with the standard guidelines

Legally approved vintage number plates must be supplied by a DVLA-registered number plate supplier, who will also need to see valid proof of ownership and identification when you order them.

 

 

Interesting Facts About Vintage Number Plates

  • The UK’s first number plate, “A 1”, was issued in 1903 and is now privately owned—it was once used on a Daimler!

  • Original vintage number plates with low-digit registrations are extremely valuable and often sell for tens of thousands of pounds.

  • Some military and pre-war vehicles used hand-painted or stencilled numbers directly on the body panels or bumpers instead of traditional plates.

  • Vintage motorcycles often had their plates mounted above the front mudguard or on the rear number plate hoop, giving them their iconic look.

  • Enthusiasts often source original registration numbers through DVLA plate auctions or private dealers to complete an authentic restoration.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Vintage number plates are the finishing touch for any historic vehicle. They don’t just comply with the law—they bring history to life. From the materials used to the font styles and colours, these plates carry the heritage of a time when vehicles were handcrafted, and motoring was an experience, not just a commute.

If you’re restoring or maintaining a classic car or bike, choosing a period-correct vintage number plate is more than a legal requirement—it’s a tribute to the past and a reflection of your dedication to authenticity.