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

A DVLA-registered supplier will always verify your identity and entitlement to the registration, and every plate they produce will carry an RNPS code, business name, and postcode on the reverse. Car Plates Pro is DVLA-registered and all plates carry the required reverse markings.

What is an RNPS code on a number plate?

RNPS stands for Registered Number Plate Supplier. The RNPS code is a unique identifier assigned by the DVLA to every registered plate manufacturer. It must be printed on the reverse of every road-legal plate alongside the supplier name and postcode.

What are the warning signs of an illegal number plate supplier?

Key warning signs include: no identity check before ordering, plates delivered with a blank reverse (no RNPS code), unusually low prices compared to reputable suppliers, or font and spacing that does not look quite right on the finished plate.

What should I do if I was sold plates by an unregistered supplier?

Replace the plates immediately with plates from a DVLA-registered supplier. Report the unregistered supplier to the DVLA. As the driver displaying the plates, you are responsible for compliance regardless of who supplied them.

How to Spot a Fake or Non-Compliant Number Plate Supplier

Quick Answer

A legitimate DVLA-registered number plate supplier will always verify your identity, mark plates with an RNPS code on the reverse, and manufacture to BS AU 145e. Red flags include no ID check, blank reverse, unusually low prices, and wrong font or spacing.

Not every number plate supplier in the UK is operating legally. Some suppliers are not registered with the DVLA, do not carry out identity checks, and produce plates that do not meet BS AU 145e standard. Fitting plates from a non-compliant supplier can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and an MOT failure. This guide explains exactly how to verify a supplier before you buy.

What makes a number plate supplier legitimate?

Under the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001, any business that manufactures number plates for road use in the UK must be registered with the DVLA as a number plate supplier. Registered suppliers receive an RNPS (Registered Number Plate Supplier) code, which must be printed on the reverse of every plate they manufacture.

A legitimate supplier will also:

Verify your identity and proof of entitlement to the registration before manufacturing your plates
Manufacture plates to BS AU 145e standard
Use Charles Wright 2001 font at the correct 79mm height with legal spacing
Print their RNPS code, business name, and postcode on the rear of every plate

Warning signs of a non-compliant supplier

They do not ask for ID

This is the clearest red flag. A DVLA-registered supplier is legally required to verify identity and entitlement to the registration. Any supplier willing to make plates without any ID check is operating outside the law. See our guide on what ID you need to buy number plates.

The plates have no supplier markings on the reverse

Every road-legal plate must carry the supplier’s RNPS code, business name, and postcode on the reverse. If your plates arrive with a blank back, they were not manufactured by a registered supplier and are not legally produced plates.

The price is unusually low

Genuine BS AU 145e compliant plates made from proper 5mm reflective acrylic have a material and manufacturing cost. Plates offered at very low prices often cut corners on materials, font accuracy, or spacing. Budget suppliers sometimes use 3mm acrylic and printed fonts that are close to but not exactly Charles Wright 2001, which is enough to create a non-compliant plate.

The font or spacing looks wrong

Compare the characters on any plate you receive against a known-compliant reference. Characters should be 79mm tall with exactly 11mm between characters and 33mm between groups. Any deviation is a compliance failure. For full legal requirements, see our guide on UK number plate laws.

No physical verification process online

A legitimate online supplier will ask for your name, address, and V5C or entitlement details at checkout. If an online supplier simply asks for the registration number and a delivery address with no identity or entitlement check, they are not operating as a registered supplier.

How to verify a supplier is DVLA-registered

You can contact the DVLA directly to confirm a supplier holds a valid RNPS registration. Alternatively, check whether the supplier’s plates carry the RNPS code on the reverse — this code format follows a specific structure and can be cross-referenced if needed. Reputable suppliers, including Car Plates Pro, display their registration status prominently.

What happens if I was sold plates by an unregistered supplier?

As the driver displaying the plates, you are responsible for what is on your vehicle. If plates were not manufactured by a registered supplier, they may not meet BS AU 145e regardless of appearance. Replace them immediately and report the supplier to the DVLA. For the full picture on penalties, see number plate fines in the UK.

Why choose Car Plates Pro?

Car Plates Pro is a DVLA-registered number plate supplier. Every plate carries our RNPS code on the reverse, is manufactured to BS AU 145e, uses 5mm acrylic and Charles Wright 2001 font at exact legal spacing. We carry out full identity and entitlement checks on every order. Trusted by Sytner Group, Cazoo, and Arnold Clark. Order your road-legal plates here from £6.99.