Number Plate Rules

Driving on UK roads means making sure your vehicle meets the latest number plate regulations. Whether you’re buying a new luxury car or adding a personalised touch to your current vehicle, it’s important to comply with the rules set by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). This guide explains the 2026 UK number plate regulations and shows how you can legally personalise your plates using reputable registration plate makers.

Understanding the Standard Number Plate Format

In the UK, standard registration plates follow a specific structure to maintain uniformity and identification efficiency. The current format includes:

  • Two letters: Indicating the region where the car was registered.
  • Two numbers: Represent the registration year of the vehicle.
  • Three letters: Randomly assigned to ensure uniqueness.

Personalised number plates must adhere to this standard format to remain legal and identifiable even when using a registration plate maker.

Legal Requirements for Number Plates in 2025

If you’re planning to use a car number plate maker to design your plates, it is important to understand the following legal guidelines for 2025:

  1. Font and Size Regulations:
    • All characters must be 50mm wide and at least 79mm tall.
    • Spacing between characters must be consistent to ensure clear visibility.
    • The font style must comply with DVLA standards.
  2. Material and Reflectivity:
    • Plates must be made from reflective material to enhance visibility in low-light conditions.
    • BS AU 145e is the latest standard for plates, ensuring durability and readability.
  3. Plate Visibility:
    • Plates must not be covered, altered, or obscured.
    • Tinted covers or decorative frames that reduce visibility are not permitted.
  4. Restricted Content:
    • Offensive language or inappropriate content is strictly prohibited.
    • Plates must not mislead or impersonate another vehicle’s registration.

If you’re planning on making number plates, it’s crucial to choose a reputable provider who understands these legalities and provides compliant products.

 

Which documents do you need to see in order for me to order number plates

We need to see two original documents*:

Identity documents

You can use the following to confirm your name and address:

  • Driving licence
  • Utility, Council Tax or rates bill from the last 6 months
  • Bank or building society statement from the last 6 months
  • National identity card
  • The following will confirm your name only:
  • Passport – doesn’t have to be issued in the UK
  • Bank or building society debit or credit card
  • Police warrant card
  • Armed forces identity card: Proving you can use the registration number

You must bring one of the following to show you’re allowed to display the registration number:

  • Vehicle registration certificate (V5C or V5CNI)
  • New keeper supplement (V5C/2 or V5C/2NI)
  • Certificate of entitlement (V750 or V750NI) to the number
  • Retention document (V778) – not applicable in Northern Ireland
  • A renewal reminder for vehicle tax or SORN (V11 or V11NI)
  • Temporary registration certificate (V379 or V379NI)
  • A number plate authorisation certificate (V948) with an official stamp from the Driver and Vehicle
  • Licensing Agency (DVLA) or Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)
  • A electronic number plate authorisation certificate (eV948)
  • A letter of authorisation from a fleet operator (including lease or hire company) quoting the document reference number from the registration certificate.

*Documents can be uploaded, posted or shown in person in store