Legal Requirements for Number Plates

Important: All our number plates are manufactured to BS AU 145e standards and comply with current UK law. This page explains the legal requirements for displaying number plates in the UK.

DVLA Number Plate Regulations

Under UK law, all number plates must meet specific standards set by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). These regulations ensure that number plates are clearly visible, properly formatted, and traceable to approved suppliers.

What Makes a Number Plate Legal?

  • Must be made from reflective material
  • Display black characters on a white background (front plate)
  • Display black characters on a yellow background (rear plate)
  • Characters must be 79mm tall on standard plates
  • Characters must be 50mm wide (except the number 1 or letter I)
  • Character stroke must be 14mm thick
  • Space between characters must be 11mm
  • Margins must be 11mm at top/bottom and sides
  • Must display the British Standard number (BS AU 145e)
  • Must show the supplier's name and postcode

Documentation Required

Why Do We Need Documentation?

By law, we must verify that you are entitled to use the registration number before we can supply your number plates. This prevents number plate cloning and protects you and other motorists.

We accept the following forms of documentation:

V5C Registration Certificate

Also known as the vehicle logbook. This is the most common document and shows you as the registered keeper.

V750 Certificate of Entitlement

Issued when you purchase a new registration number directly from DVLA.

V778 Retention Document

Issued when you retain a registration number for later use on another vehicle.

V5C/2 New Keeper Supplement

The green slip given to you when you purchase a vehicle, before the V5C is issued in your name.

Valid UK Driving Licence

A renewable photocard driving licence showing your current name and address.

Lease/Hire Agreement

For company or leased vehicles, we can accept the lease agreement showing you as the lessee.

What's Not Legal?

Illegal Number Plate Features:

  • Incorrect font or character sizing
  • Incorrect spacing between characters
  • Backgrounds that are not white (front) or yellow (rear)
  • Characters that are not black
  • Altered characters (using bolt heads or other methods to change letters/numbers)
  • Obscured or hard-to-read plates
  • Missing supplier identification marks
  • 3D characters that don't meet British Standard specifications

Penalties for Illegal Number Plates

Using number plates that don't meet legal requirements can result in:

  • A fine of up to £1,000
  • Your vehicle failing its MOT
  • Points on your driving licence
  • Police stopping and potentially seizing your vehicle

Are 3D and 4D Plates Legal?

Yes, when manufactured correctly! 3D gel and 4D laser-cut number plates are legal in the UK, provided they meet BS AU 145e standards.

Our 3D and 4D plates are legal because they:

  • Use the correct font and character dimensions
  • Maintain proper spacing and margins
  • Use reflective backing material
  • Display BS AU 145e marking
  • Include supplier identification
  • Meet all DVLA requirements

Fitting Your Number Plates

When fitting your new number plates, ensure they are:

  • Securely fixed to the vehicle (we recommend using screws rather than adhesive pads)
  • Vertical or as close to vertical as the vehicle design allows
  • Not obscured by anything, including tow bars, bike racks, or accessories
  • Clean and easily readable at all times
  • Properly illuminated (rear plate must be lit at night)

⚠️ Show Plates Are NOT Road Legal

We do not supply "show plates" for road use. Show plates are designed for display purposes only (car shows, garage walls, etc.) and must never be used on a vehicle on public roads. All plates we supply are manufactured for legal road use only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to notify DVLA when I replace my number plates?

No. You don't need to notify DVLA when replacing damaged or worn number plates with identical replacements. However, if you're changing your registration number, you must follow the DVLA transfer process.

Can I have a GB/UK flag on my number plate?

Yes, you can display a GB identifier with the Union Flag, a Euro symbol with GB, or identifiers for England, Scotland, or Wales. However, these are optional and must be positioned correctly on the left side of the plate.

How long do number plates last?

High-quality acrylic number plates should last 5-10 years or more with proper care. However, they may need replacing sooner if damaged, faded, or if they become difficult to read.

Can I use different styles on front and rear plates?

While you can have different raised character styles (e.g., 3D gel on front, 4D on rear), both plates must meet the same legal standards. They must have the correct colours (white front, yellow rear) and meet all dimensional requirements.

What if my documentation doesn't match the registration exactly?

Your documentation must show you are entitled to use the registration number. If there's a discrepancy, please contact us before ordering. We may need to see additional documentation or you may need to update your details with DVLA first.

Still Have Questions?

Our team is here to help with any questions about number plate regulations or your order.