There are a number of reasons why you might be looking to get number plates made. You might just need replacement plates because of damage or perhaps you are deciding to buy personalised private plates. Whatever your reason, you may be asking, “what do I need to get number plates made?” There are a number of documents and info you need, and, in this guide, we break it all down and explain what it is you need to get your new reg plates made.

How to get a number plate made in the UK

To get a number plate made in the UK, you will need to:

Choose a registration number
Visit a registered number plate supplier
Provide proof of your identity and vehicle registration
Pay for the number plate and any associated fees
Inform the DVLA of the new registration number
You may also need to have the number plate fitted to your vehicle by a registered supplier

Please note that it is always best to check with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) for the most up-to-date information on getting a number plate made in the UK.

What you need to get a number plate made in the UK

Personal information and proof of your identity

To get a number plate made, you will need to provide some personal information and proof of your identity. These are very important as you will be unable to get a new number plate made without first proving who you are.

You will need documents that confirm both your name and address, such as a driver’s license or a utility bill. Below we have listed the types of documents that will confirm both your name and address.

Documents that confirm your name and address

Driving licence
A bill (a utility bill, phone bill, council tax bill, from the last 6 months)
A bank statement from the last 6 months
National identity card

Some documents will confirm your name only so it’s important to make sure you have at least one of the above and not just the documents listed below.

Documents that confirm your name only

Passport – This does not have to be a passport that has been issued in the UK
Bank or building society debit or credit card
Police warrant card
Armed forces’ identity card

Registration information for the vehicle that the number plate will be attached to

As well as documentation that acts as proof of your identity, in order to get number plates made, you will also need the registration information for the vehicle that the number plate will be attached to.

The preferred document is a vehicle registration certificate (V5C), which is also known as a log book. You can apply for a vehicle registration certificate via the government website if need be, however, there are other types of documents that can be provided instead.

One of the following documents will be needed to show that you’re allowed to display the registration number:

Vehicle registration certificate (V5C or V5CNI)
Green ‘new keeper’ slip from the V5C or V5CNI
Certificate of entitlement (V750 or V750NI) to the number
Retention document (V778)
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)
An electronic number plate authorisation certificate (eV948 or eV948/2)
A letter of authorisation from a fleet operator (including a lease or hire company) that quotes the document reference number from the registration certificate
A PDF of the vehicle’s details from the view vehicle record service will be needed if your fleet is in the new V5C on-demand scheme (also called ‘V5C suppression’)
UK trailer registration certificate (VTRC)

Payment for the number plate

Once you have provided the necessary documents and information, the next step before you can get a new number plate is the payment process. Whether you are using an online supplier of private number plates in the UK or a registered number plate provider in your area, a simple debit card or credit card will suffice.

Compliance with laws or regulations regarding number plate size, font, and design

One of the most important things that you will need in order to get reg plates made is a plate that is in full compliance with the laws and regulations of the UK. You can get some fantastic, personalised plates made but if they don’t conform to the regulations, you won’t be able to use them on your car.

For example, your plate must be made from reflective material and not have a background pattern. Your new number plate will need to tick all of the below boxes:

Be made from a reflective material
Display black characters on a white background (front plate)
Display black characters on a yellow background (rear plate)
Not have a background pattern
Be marked to show who supplied the number plate
Be marked with a British Standard number - this is ‘BS AU 145e’ for plates fitted after 1 September 2021

You can learn all about the rules for displaying number plates via the UK gov website.

Receive your V750

Once you have submitted the required documents and completed the purchase, you will receive a V750 "Certificate of Entitlement" as proof of your right to transfer the private license plate to your vehicle.

It is important to keep this certificate in a safe place with your other car documents, as you may need to refer to it in the future if there are any issues or if you decide to sell the car.

A replacement copy of the certificate can be obtained free of charge from the DVLA, but it may take up to four weeks to arrive by mail.

What do I need to get a number plate made?

Personal information and proof of your identity
Registration information for the vehicle that the number plate will be attached to
Payment for the number plate
Compliance with laws or regulations regarding number plate size, font, and design

We hope this guide has helped you to learn which documents and information you will need in order to get number plates made.

If you are looking to get a personalised registration plate, our private plate experts would love to help, so please get in touch.

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What do I need to get number plates made?