Looking to understand how to make number plates in the UK? Whether you’re a vehicle owner, enthusiast, or just curious about the process, this guide breaks down everything you need to know — from DVLA requirements and materials to FAQs about 3D/4D plates, BS AU 145e standards, and more.

What Makes a Number Plate Legal in the UK?

Before you can make or fit a number plate, it must meet the DVLA’s strict rules. Here’s what a legal number plate in the UK must include:

• The Charles Wright font (no custom fonts allowed)

• Correct letter spacing and layout

• White background for the front, yellow for the rear

• No patterns or watermarks in the background

• The BS AU 145e mark (showing it meets legal standards)

• The plate supplier’s name and postcode

Any plate that doesn’t meet these criteria is classed as a show plate and is not legal for road use.

To find out further information, you can search the Legislation on number plates on the GOV website.

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Number Plate in the UK

1. Verify Customer Documents

Before creating a plate, a DVLA-registered supplier must check two things:

• Proof of identity (e.g. driving licence or passport)

• Proof of entitlement (e.g. V5C logbook or retention certificate)

2. Design the Plate

The customer chooses:

• Standard or 3D/4D number plate

• Legal flags (Union Jack, ENG, SCO, etc.)

• Optional border (thin black or custom-colour if compliant)

3. Use Approved Materials

To make road legal number plates, the following materials are required:

• Acrylic faceplate – clear, shatterproof plastic for protection

• Reflective sheeting – white (front) or yellow (rear), enhances night visibility

• Black characters – either printed, gel (3D), or laser-cut acrylic (4D)

• Strong adhesive backing – to bond characters to the plate

All components must comply with BS AU 145e standards to be legal on UK roads.

4. Apply Characters

Characters are either:

• Printed using thermal or laser printing (for flat plates)

• Applied as gel domes (3D) or acrylic blocks (4D), using durable bonding adhesive

Spacing, alignment, and clarity are double-checked to ensure DVLA compliance.

5. Add Legal Markings

The plate must include:

• Supplier’s name and postcode

• The BS AU 145e mark (usually bottom right)

Can you create your own number plate DVLA?

Have you found yourself Googling ‘can you create your own number plate DVLA?’

Well, we are here to tell you that yes, you can create your own number plate, and be creative!

But if you are shopping for a number plate, you might find that the exact combination of letters and numbers you want has already been taken by someone else. So, you usually have to find the closest combination possible.

To create you own number plate, you can:

• Visit the DVLA website and use their search tool to find your personalised registration. Here, you can browse their selection of available number plates.
• Attend a DVLA auction, where you (and other bidders) can bid for certain number plates.
• Visit a dealer who sells private number plates.
• Read car magazines to see if anyone is advertising plates privately.

If you buy a number plate from a private seller, make sure that they have the right documentation, and check that the plate meets the legal requirements set out by UK law.

Criminals may forge their documentation and sell you an illegal number plate, so it is your responsibility to check that your number plate is legal for road use.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I make my own number plates at home?

No – unless you are a DVLA-registered number plate supplier, making your own road-legal plates is illegal. Show plates may be made for off-road use only.

Q2. Is 4D legal on UK roads?

Yes, as long as the plate meets BS AU 145e standards and uses the correct font, spacing, and reflective materials. It must also include the supplier info and certification mark.

Q3. What is the BS AU 145e standard?

It’s the current British Standard for road-legal number plates in the UK. It ensures plates are weatherproof, legible, and resistant to impact and wear.

Q4. What materials are used in legal number plates?

Legal UK number plates use a clear acrylic face, reflective sheeting, and black printed or raised characters (gel or acrylic). They are bonded using industrial-grade adhesives.

Q5. Where can I buy road-legal number plates online?

From DVLA-registered suppliers like GD PLATES. You’ll need to upload ID and proof of registration entitlement to complete the purchase.

Q6. What happens if I use an illegal number plate?

You could be fined up to £1,000 and fail your MOT. Police can also pull you over and seize your plate.

📦 Order Your Road Legal Plates from GD PLATES

At GD PLATES, we specialise in legal 3D, 4D, motorcycle, import, and quad number plates that meet all UK regulations. We use only BS AU 145e-approved materials, and every plate we make is fully DVLA-compliant.

💡 Need a plate today? Order online now or contact us for custom builds.