Car Plates Pro

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Car Plates Pro — DVLA-registered UK number plate supplier logo

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to the questions UK drivers most commonly ask about replacement number plates, BS AU 145e compliance, ordering and delivery from Car Plates Pro. If your question is not covered here, email us at carplatespro.uk@gmail.com and we will reply Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

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Yes. 4D number plates are fully road legal in the UK provided they comply with BS AU 145e – the British Standard for number plates. This means using the correct Charles Wright 2001 font, 79mm character height, 11mm character spacing, 33mm group spacing, and white/yellow reflective backgrounds. All Car Plates Pro 4D laser-cut and 4D Gel plates are BS AU 145e certified and MOT-compliant. The permanent compliance marking on the back of every plate includes our DVLA-registered postcode, certification number, and manufacture date.

What is BS AU 145e

BS AU 145e is the current British Standard specification for vehicle number plates in the UK. It defines everything about how a legal number plate must be made – including the required Charles Wright 2001 font, character dimensions (79mm tall), character spacing (11mm between characters, 33mm between groups), plate dimensions, reflective backing material, and how plates must be permanently marked with the manufacturer’s details. Every number plate on a UK road must comply with BS AU 145e. At Car Plates Pro, all legal plates – Standard, 3D Gel, 4D Laser-Cut and 4D Gel – are BS AU 145e certified and permanently marked accordingly.

Will a 3D or 4D number plate pass the MOT

Yes – provided the plate meets BS AU 145e requirements. Car Plates Pro 3D Gel and 4D Laser-Cut plates use the correct Charles Wright font, legal character spacing, and certified reflective materials, making them fully MOT-compliant. Every plate is permanently marked with BS AU 145e certification to confirm compliance. MOT testers are required to check that plates are legible, correctly formatted, and marked with the manufacturer’s details – all of which our plates satisfy.

No. Show plates are not road legal and must not be displayed on a vehicle used on public roads. Show plates are intended for display purposes only – car shows, photoshoots, garages and private property. They do not meet BS AU 145e requirements and displaying them on a road-going vehicle can result in a fine of up to GBP 1,000 and an MOT failure. Car Plates Pro clearly distinguishes between legal plates and show plates in our number plate builder. Always select ‘Legal Plates’ for any vehicle used on UK roads.

What documents do I need to buy a replacement number plate

UK law requires number plate suppliers to verify your entitlement to a registration number before supplying road-legal plates. You will need to provide: (1) Proof of entitlement to the registration number, such as your V5C vehicle registration document (logbook), a valid MOT certificate, or a registration certificate. (2) Proof of identity, such as a driving licence, passport or utility bill. This is a legal requirement under the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001. Car Plates Pro complies fully with these requirements.

What happens if my number plate does not comply with DVLA regulations

Displaying a non-compliant number plate on a UK road can result in a fine of up to GBP 1,000 from the DVLA, an immediate MOT failure, and potentially having your vehicle taken off the road. Non-compliant plates include those with incorrect font, wrong character spacing, missing reflective properties, or plates without the required BS AU 145e manufacturer markings. All Car Plates Pro legal plates carry permanent BS AU 145e certification markings to ensure full compliance and protect you from fines.

What font must UK number plates use

All UK road-legal number plates must use the Charles Wright 2001 font – this is a legal requirement under BS AU 145e. The font has specific proportions that make registration plates legible from a distance. Car Plates Pro uses authentic Charles Wright 2001 font with exact 79mm character height, 11mm character spacing within groups, and 33mm spacing between character groups on all legal plates. Using any other font, including italic or stylised fonts, makes a plate non-compliant and illegal for road use.

What is the maximum and minimum character count on a UK number plate

Current UK registration plates issued since September 2001 consist of 7 characters in the format AB51 ABC – two area letters, two age identifier digits, and three random letters. Older registrations may have different formats. The physical number of characters affects the layout and spacing on the plate. Car Plates Pro’s number plate builder automatically calculates the correct legal spacing for any valid UK registration number.

Yes. It is legal to buy road-legal number plates online in the UK. However, the supplier must verify your entitlement to the registration number before supplying plates, as required by the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001. Car Plates Pro is a DVLA-registered supplier and complies fully with these requirements, including identity and entitlement verification. Buying from an unregistered supplier who does not check documents is illegal and could result in fines for both the supplier and the buyer.

Is Car Plates Pro DVLA registered

Yes. Car Plates Pro is a DVLA-registered number plate supplier. This means we are authorised to manufacture and sell road-legal number plates in the UK, and we are required to verify customers’ entitlement to their registration numbers and maintain records of all plates supplied. Our DVLA registration details are permanently marked on every legal plate we supply.

How do I know if a number plate supplier is DVLA registered

DVLA-registered suppliers are authorised to supply road-legal plates and must display their registered postcode on every plate they supply. You can check if a supplier is DVLA-registered on the DVLA’s number plate supplier list. Car Plates Pro is DVLA-registered and permanently marks our registered postcode on the back of every legal plate as legally required. Always buy from a DVLA-registered supplier to ensure your plates are legal.

Plate Types & Options

What is the difference between 3D and 4D number plates

3D number plates use polyurethane gel resin domed over printed characters, creating approximately 2mm of raised depth with a glossy, premium finish. 4D number plates use precision CNC laser-cut acrylic characters bonded to the plate surface, creating a sharper, bolder 3mm raised finish with defined edges. 4D Gel plates combine both technologies – laser-cut acrylic characters with a gel resin coating on top – giving maximum depth, gloss and durability. All three styles are BS AU 145e compliant and MOT-approved when ordered as legal plates.

What is the difference between standard and premium number plates

Standard number plates use the Charles Wright font printed directly onto reflective acrylic – flat characters with no depth. They are the most affordable option and fully road legal. Premium plates – 3D Gel, 4D Laser-Cut and 4D Gel – add raised characters for a bolder, more distinctive look. Car Plates Pro standard plates use 5mm acrylic (not the cheaper 3mm used by budget suppliers) with UV-stabilised reflective sheeting, making them more durable than typical standard plates.

Can I get a number plate with a flag or border

Yes. Car Plates Pro offers customisable legal plates with optional borders and national flags – including the England, Scotland, Wales, Union Jack, GB, and EU flags. Flag additions on legal plates must comply with DVLA regulations regarding placement and size. Plates with flags and borders are available for Standard, 3D Gel, 4D Laser-Cut and 4D Gel styles. Select your preferred options in our number plate builder.

Can I get a number plate with a blue GB badge or EU flag

Yes. Car Plates Pro can supply legal plates with a blue GB identifier badge, which replaced the EU flag after Brexit. Plates with the GB identifier are legal for UK roads and for international travel from the UK. The EU flag is no longer a legal identifier for UK-registered vehicles but can appear on show plates. For vehicles registered in Northern Ireland, the GB identifier or the UK identifier can be displayed.

What are green electric vehicle number plates

Green number plates – officially called electric vehicle (EV) number plates – have a green flash on the left side of the plate and were introduced in the UK in December 2020. They are available for fully electric vehicles (BEV) only – not hybrid vehicles. The green flash allows local councils, car parks and businesses to identify zero-emission vehicles and offer benefits such as free parking, reduced congestion charges and access to clean air zones. Car Plates Pro supplies fully BS AU 145e compliant EV green number plates for both front and rear.

Can I get a green number plate for a hybrid car

No. Green electric vehicle number plates are only legal on fully battery electric vehicles (BEVs) that produce zero tailpipe emissions. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and mild hybrids are not eligible for green number plates, even if they can drive short distances on electric power alone. Displaying a green plate on a hybrid vehicle is technically non-compliant. Car Plates Pro can confirm your vehicle’s eligibility before you order.

Can I order a personalised or private number plate

Car Plates Pro supplies replacement plates for any registration number you are legally entitled to display. We do not sell or transfer private registration numbers – for that, you need to contact the DVLA directly at dvlaregistrations.dvla.gov.uk. Once you have purchased your private registration from the DVLA and it has been assigned to your vehicle, we can manufacture your personalised plates in any style – Standard, 3D Gel, 4D Laser-Cut or 4D Gel.

Do you supply number plates for motorcycles

Yes. Car Plates Pro can supply motorcycle number plates in the standard UK motorcycle size of 228mm x 178mm, using the correct BS AU 145e Charles Wright font. Motorcycle plates are rear only (motorcycles are not legally required to display a front plate in the UK). Select ‘Rear only’ in our number plate builder and enter your motorcycle registration.

Do you supply number plates for vans and commercial vehicles

Yes. Car Plates Pro supplies replacement number plates for all UK vehicles – cars, vans, commercial vehicles, 4x4s, SUVs, sports cars, classic cars, and electric vehicles. All plates are manufactured to standard UK legal dimensions and BS AU 145e specification.

Can I order just a front plate or just a rear plate

Yes. When building your plates on the Car Plates Pro number plate builder, you can select Front only, Rear only, or a Pair (front and rear). Ordering a pair is the best value option. Front plates must be white with black characters. Rear plates must be yellow with black characters. Both must comply with BS AU 145e standards.

How do Car Plates Pro 4D plates compare to competitors

Car Plates Pro 4D laser-cut plates are manufactured using CNC machining to micron accuracy – creating perfectly uniform character depth that cheaper stamped or moulded alternatives cannot match. We use 5mm acrylic (not the 3mm used by budget suppliers), authentic Charles Wright 2001 font, UV-stabilised reflective sheeting, and permanent BS AU 145e compliance markings. Every plate undergoes pre-dispatch compliance inspection. With over 50,000 plates delivered and a 4.9-star rating, Car Plates Pro consistently outperforms generic online suppliers on quality, compliance and service.

Pricing & Ordering

How much does a replacement number plate cost in the UK

Replacement number plate prices at Car Plates Pro start from GBP 6.99 for a single Standard plate. Here is the full price guide: Standard plates from GBP 6.99 (single) or GBP 12 (pair). 3D Gel plates from GBP9.99 (single) or GBP 18 (pair). 4D Laser-Cut plates from GBP9.99 (single) or GBP 18 (pair). 4D Gel plates from GBP 13.99 (single) or GBP 23 (pair). Free delivery on all orders over GBP 30. All prices include VAT.

What is the cheapest number plate available

The most affordable option at Car Plates Pro is a single Standard (printed) number plate from GBP 6.99. A pair of standard plates starts from GBP 12. Despite being the lowest price tier, Car Plates Pro standard plates use 5mm acrylic with UV-stabilised reflective sheeting – better quality than many competitors’ basic plates. Free delivery applies on orders over GBP 30.

Do you offer free delivery

Yes. Car Plates Pro offers free delivery on all orders over GBP 30. Orders under GBP 30 may incur a delivery charge. All orders are dispatched with full tracking. Same-day dispatch is available on orders placed before 2PM Monday to Friday.

What payment methods do you accept

Car Plates Pro accepts all major payment methods through our secure checkout – including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal. All transactions are processed securely using SSL encryption. We do not store card details.

Can I order number plates as a gift

Yes – number plates make an excellent gift for car enthusiasts, new drivers, and vehicle owners upgrading their look. You can ship directly to a recipient’s address. Please note that legal plates require the recipient’s entitlement documents to be verified, so show plates may be more suitable as a gift if documents are not available.

How do I use the Car Plates Pro number plate builder

Using our number plate builder is simple. Step 1 – Visit carplatespro.com/number-plate-builder. Step 2 – Select your plate type: Legal Plates or Show Plates. Step 3 – Choose Front, Rear, or Pair. Step 4 – Select your plate style: Standard, 3D Gel, 4D Laser-Cut, or 4D Gel. Step 5 – Choose whether you have an electric vehicle. Step 6 – Add a border if desired. Step 7 – Select your fixing option. Step 8 – Enter your registration number. Step 9 – Add to cart and complete checkout. Your plates will be dispatched the same day if ordered before 2PM.

Delivery & Coverage

How long does number plate delivery take

Orders placed before 2PM are dispatched the same day and arrive the next working day to 98% of UK addresses. All orders are sent with full tracking so you can follow your delivery. If you order after 2PM, your plates will be dispatched the following morning and arrive the day after. Car Plates Pro delivers to all areas of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland.

Do you deliver number plates to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Yes. Car Plates Pro delivers replacement number plates to all parts of the United Kingdom – including England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We also deliver to Ireland. Same-day dispatch before 2PM applies across all regions, with next working day delivery to 98% of UK addresses including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Cardiff, Swansea, Belfast, Derry and all surrounding areas.

Do you deliver number plates to Ireland

Yes. Car Plates Pro delivers replacement number plates to Ireland including Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford, Drogheda, Dundalk, Kilkenny, Sligo and all other Irish cities and towns. Delivery to Ireland takes 2 to 3 working days. Please note that plates supplied for use on Irish roads must comply with Irish number plate regulations – contact us to confirm the correct specification before ordering.

Can I get number plates delivered to London

Yes. Car Plates Pro delivers replacement number plates to all London postcodes – including Central London (EC/WC), North London (N/NW), East London (E), South London (SE/SW), and West London (W). Same-day dispatch before 2PM and next working day delivery applies across all London areas. Order your Standard, 3D or 4D plates online and receive them the next working day.

Can I get number plates delivered to Manchester

Yes. Car Plates Pro delivers replacement number plates to Manchester and all surrounding areas including Salford, Trafford, Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale, Bury, Bolton, Wigan and the wider Greater Manchester region. Same-day dispatch on orders before 2PM with next working day delivery.

Can I get number plates delivered to Birmingham

Yes. Car Plates Pro delivers replacement number plates to Birmingham and the wider West Midlands – including Coventry, Wolverhampton, Walsall, West Bromwich, Dudley, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield. Standard, 3D Gel and 4D number plates with same-day dispatch and next working day delivery.

Can I get number plates delivered to Glasgow or Edinburgh

Yes. Car Plates Pro delivers replacement number plates across Scotland – including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness, Perth, Stirling and all Scottish postcodes. Same-day dispatch before 2PM with next working day delivery to most Scottish addresses.

Can I get number plates delivered to Cardiff or Wales

Yes. Car Plates Pro delivers replacement number plates to Cardiff and across Wales – including Swansea, Newport, Wrexham, Bangor, Merthyr Tydfil, Bridgend, Neath and Port Talbot. Same-day dispatch before 2PM with next working day delivery.

Can I get number plates delivered to Belfast or Northern Ireland

Yes. Car Plates Pro delivers replacement number plates to Belfast and across Northern Ireland – including Derry, Lisburn, Newry, Armagh, Ballymena, Antrim, Bangor and all surrounding areas. Same-day dispatch with 1-2 working day delivery to Northern Ireland addresses.

Can I get number plates delivered to Dublin or anywhere in Ireland

Yes. Car Plates Pro delivers to Ireland – including Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford, Kilkenny, Drogheda, Dundalk, Sligo, Tralee, Ennis, Wexford, Athlone and all other Irish towns and cities. Delivery to Ireland typically takes 2 to 3 working days. Please ensure you select the correct plate specification for Irish roads.

How do I track my number plate order

All Car Plates Pro orders are dispatched with full tracking. Once your plates are dispatched, you will receive a tracking number by email so you can monitor your delivery in real time. Orders placed before 2PM on working days are dispatched the same day.

Installation & Care

How do I fit a number plate

Fitting a number plate is straightforward. Step 1 – Remove the existing plate by unscrewing or peeling it away carefully. Step 2 – Clean the mounting area thoroughly with a dry cloth to remove dirt, grease or old adhesive. Step 3 – If using sticky pads (included free), peel the backing and press a pad firmly at each corner of the new plate. Step 4 – Align the new plate in the correct position, press firmly against the vehicle and hold for 30 seconds. Step 5 – If using a screw kit, mark and drill pilot holes, insert the screws and cover with the caps provided. Step 6 – Step back and confirm the plate is straight and secure. Car Plates Pro includes 4 free sticky pads with every plate.

Do you supply number plate fixing kits

Yes. Every Car Plates Pro plate comes with 4 free sticky pads per plate as standard. We also offer: Extra Sticky Pad Kit (8 pads, for a stronger screw-free bond), and Screw Kit (includes screws, colour-matched caps and free sticky pads). Both options are available to add when building your plate in our number plate builder. The screw kit is recommended for a more permanent, secure fit – especially on vehicles driven at higher speeds or in wet conditions.

What size are standard UK number plates

The standard UK number plate sizes are: Oblong (cars and vans) – 520mm x 111mm for front and rear. Motorcycle plates – 228mm x 178mm (square). These dimensions are defined under BS AU 145e. Car Plates Pro manufactures plates to these exact legal dimensions. If you have a non-standard vehicle or need a different size, contact us to discuss options.

Do your number plates fade

Car Plates Pro number plates use UV-stabilised reflective sheeting that is designed to maintain legal visibility and colour integrity for 5 years or more, even with daily exposure to UK weather and sunlight. The 5mm acrylic backing is weather-resistant and car-wash safe. Budget suppliers often use cheaper materials that fade within 1-2 years. Our plates are built to last.

Are your number plates car wash safe

Yes. Car Plates Pro number plates – including 3D Gel and 4D Laser-Cut – are car-wash safe and weather-resistant. The 5mm acrylic construction and UV-stabilised reflective sheeting withstand automated car washes, pressure washing, and all UK weather conditions. The gel and acrylic characters are bonded securely and will not peel or lift under normal use.

What should I do if my number plate is damaged or cracked

A cracked or damaged number plate that is illegible or difficult to read is technically illegal and can lead to a fine or MOT failure. Order a replacement as soon as possible from Car Plates Pro – Standard plates start from just GBP 6.99 with next working day delivery. You will need your V5C or proof of entitlement to order road-legal replacements.

Are Car Plates Pro number plates suitable for daily driving

Absolutely. All Car Plates Pro legal plates are designed and certified for daily road use. The 5mm acrylic construction is weather-resistant, car-wash safe, and UV-stabilised to maintain legal reflectivity for 5+ years. Whether you choose Standard, 3D Gel or 4D plates, they are built to withstand the demands of everyday UK driving including motorway speeds, all weather conditions, and regular car washing.

Trust, Returns & Issues

Can I get a refund or return on my number plates

Car Plates Pro offers a 30-day warranty on all 3D Gel and 4D Laser-Cut plates covering manufacturing defects. As number plates are personalised products made to your specific registration number, they are generally exempt from standard distance selling return rights. However, if your plates arrive damaged or with a manufacturing fault, we will replace them at no cost. Contact carplatespro.uk@gmail.com with your order details and photos.

Do Car Plates Pro number plates have a warranty

Yes. Car Plates Pro offers a 30-day warranty on all 3D Gel and 4D Laser-Cut plates covering manufacturing defects, incorrect character production, and material failures. Standard plates are covered for manufacturing defects on arrival. If your plates arrive with any fault, contact us within 30 days with photos and your order number and we will send replacements at no charge.

What should I do if my number plate is stolen

If your number plate is stolen, you should: (1) Report it to the police immediately and obtain a crime reference number. (2) Notify the DVLA. (3) Order a replacement from a DVLA-registered supplier like Car Plates Pro. You will need your V5C or other proof of entitlement to order the replacement. Stolen plates can be used in the commission of crimes, so reporting to the police is important.

Why choose Car Plates Pro over other UK number plate suppliers

Car Plates Pro stands apart from generic suppliers for several key reasons: DVLA-registered with full BS AU 145e certification on every plate. 5mm acrylic construction – thicker and more durable than the 3mm used by budget suppliers. CNC laser-cut 4D characters machined to micron accuracy. Authentic Charles Wright 2001 font with exact legal spacing. Pre-dispatch compliance inspection on every order. Same-day dispatch before 2PM with next working day delivery. 4.9-star customer rating across 847+ verified reviews. 50,000+ plates delivered across the UK and Ireland. 30-day warranty on 3D and 4D plates. When compliance, quality and speed matter, Car Plates Pro is the trusted choice for UK drivers.

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