A rear number plate is the registration plate fixed to the back of a road vehicle, and in Great Britain it must have a yellow reflective background with black characters. It displays the vehicle's registration number exactly as recorded by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), it must be legible and lit at night, and it must be made by a registered supplier to the current British Standard.
Part of Personalised Number Plates. Start with the main guide: Cherished Plates: What They Are and How They Work
Updated October 2026 · Independent information, not legal advice
Most cars, vans and lorries need both a front plate (white) and a rear plate (yellow), while motorbikes normally need only the rear one. Replacing, fitting and choosing a rear plate involves rules on colour, typeface, spacing, materials and fixings, and the answers below cover each in turn, from a faded plate to a private plate swap.
What Colour Is A Rear Number Plate?
The rear number plate is yellow, and the front plate is white. In both cases the characters are black. The yellow background is reflective, so the plate stays readable in headlights and at night.
Why is the rear plate yellow?
The yellow rear plate was introduced to make front and rear plates easy to tell apart on a moving vehicle and to help camera and police identification. The principle is simple: white faces forward, yellow faces back.
Can the rear plate be white?
No. A white rear plate on a standard road vehicle is not a legal rear number plate. A show plate in white may be fine for display at an event, but it is not for the road.
Is A Rear Number Plate A Legal Requirement?
Yes. Most road vehicles in Great Britain must display a rear number plate, and many must display a front one too. Driving without a legal plate can lead to a fine, a failed MOT and, if the plate is altered or hidden on purpose, prosecution. Check GOV.UK for the current rules for your vehicle type.
Which vehicles need a rear plate only?
Motorcycles normally need only a rear plate. Some other vehicle types have special arrangements, so confirm on GOV.UK. The rules for riders are covered in motorbike number plates.
What about trailers and caravans?
A trailer normally shows the registration of the towing vehicle, and some trailers have a plate of their own. Number plates for trailers and caravans covers the position in more detail.
What Must A Legal Rear Plate Look Like?
Legal registration plates share a handful of features, and a rear plate must have all of them.
- Yellow reflective background with black characters.
- Characters in the legal typeface, a version of Charles Wright 2001.
- The correct character size, stroke and spacing.
- The supplier's name and postcode and the standard number marked on the plate.
- A clean, undamaged face, fixed securely to the vehicle.
Which British Standard applies?
The current standard is BS AU 145e. A plate made to an older standard may still be acceptable if it was legal when fitted, but anything made today should carry the current mark.
Does the font really matter?
Yes. Altered or styled characters can make letters and numbers look like others, and that can fail a test or lead to enforcement. See the legal registration plate font for how the characters are drawn.
Rear Number Plate Rules At A Glance
| Feature | Front plate | Rear plate |
|---|---|---|
| Background | White, reflective | Yellow, reflective |
| Characters | Black | Black |
| Needs lighting at night | No | Yes |
| Typical vehicles | Cars, vans, lorries | All road vehicles, including motorbikes |
Anything else to know?
Both plates must show the same registration, must be clean and must not be obscured by a bike rack, tow bar or load without a compliant solution. The wider legal picture sits in legal number plates in the UK.
Does A Rear Plate Have To Be Lit?
Yes. The rear registration plate must be illuminated at night so that it is readable, and a failed plate lamp can fail an MOT. A bulb that has blown is a quick and cheap fix, so check it regularly.
Can LED lamps be used?
LED plate lamps are common, but they must give a suitable, even light and not dazzle. If in doubt, choose a lamp made for your vehicle and have it tested.
What about daytime?
The lamp is for darkness, but the plate must be readable whenever the vehicle is on the road.
What Size Is A Rear Number Plate?
Standard sizes exist for the common rectangular plate, and the character height, width and spacing are tightly defined. A plate that is too small, cut down or squeezed is unlikely to be legal. See UK number plate size and dimensions for the layouts that are allowed.
- A one-line plate is the usual style on a car.
- Two-line or square plates are used where the space is limited, and are for specific vehicle types.
- Motorcycle plates are usually smaller than car plates.
Can I shrink the plate to fit a bumper?
Not by cutting it. If the standard plate does not fit, a different permitted format may, so ask a registered supplier.
Rear Number Plate Design: What Is Allowed?
Number plate design is tightly regulated. The registration characters must be in the legal font, evenly spaced and not stylised, and the plate must not be a novelty design. See number plate spacing rules for what counts as illegal spacing.
Car registration plate design extras
A car registration plate design can include a few permitted extras.
- A national flag with GB, UK or the country name on the left.
- A green flash for zero-emission vehicles.
- A supplier mark and standard number in the required position.
What is not allowed?
Styled characters, mirrored lettering, symbols in place of letters and anything intended to hide or change the registration are not allowed. A no plate design, meaning a blank or missing plate on a vehicle that needs one, is not an option either.
Are 3D And 4D Rear Plates Legal?
3D and 4D plates are legal only if they meet the same standard as flat plates, including font, spacing, colour and reflectivity. Raised or gel characters are fine when they follow those rules, and risky when they do not.
What to check
Ask the supplier whether the plate is road legal and carries the standard mark. 3D reg plates explains the issues in detail.
Searching for 3D number plates near me
If you search for 3D number plates near me, choose a registered supplier who will ask for proof of identity and entitlement and mark the plate to the standard.
Where Can I Get Number Plates Made?
Where to get number plates made is simple to answer: from a registered number plate supplier, whether a high-street shop, a motor factor, a dealer, or an online maker. They can supply plates only after seeing documents.
What documents will a supplier ask for?
- Proof of your identity.
- Proof of entitlement to the registration, usually the V5C, or a V750 or V778 or other DVLA document.
- Details of the vehicle if it is not yet registered, where the supplier's rules allow.
Where can I get number plates made online?
A number plate maker online can make plates and post them, with the same identity and entitlement checks. Delivery times and prices are set by the supplier.
Number Plates While You Wait Near Me
Number plates while you wait near me is a common search, and many local suppliers can make a standard plate on the spot once you have shown the right documents. Opening hours and stock depend on the shop, so phone ahead.
Number plate fitting near me
Number plate fitting near me is usually offered by the same supplier or by a garage. If you fit plates yourself, use the fixings recommended and check the plate sits flat and visible.
Number plate printing near me
Number plate printing near me describes the same business: a registered supplier presses the characters on to reflective plate material to the standard.
Next Day Registration Plates
Next day registration plates are offered by many online suppliers, who send plates by courier after checking your documents. Delivery speeds depend on the supplier, the courier and the time of order.
What can delay an order?
Missing documents, a name that does not match the V5C, a registration that cannot be verified, or a delivery address problem can all slow things down.
Can I get a plate without a V5C?
Sometimes other proof of entitlement is accepted, such as a V750 or V778, but it depends on the supplier and on the DVLA rules. See vehicle registration document information.
Replacement Number Plates
Replacement number plates are needed when a plate is damaged, faded, cracked, lost, stolen or no longer legal. The process is the same as ordering a new set: identify yourself, show entitlement and choose a legal style.
Replacement number plates UK
If you need to replace rego plates (the Australian-style term some searchers use for registration plates), the UK rules are the same. When searching for replacement number plates UK suppliers, make sure they are on the register of suppliers, which should be shown on their documentation.
Replacement registration plates
Replacement registration plates and replacement reg plates are the same product under different names. Only the registered supplier route gives a legal plate.
Replacement car registration plates
Replacement car registration plates can be ordered as a pair, or as a single rear plate if only one is damaged, so long as the replacement matches the other.
Replacement Registration Plates UK And Licence Plate Replacement
For people using the American term, replacement license plate UK means the same thing as a replacement registration plate, and license plate replacement or replacing licence plates follow the same steps.
- Check what is wrong with the old plate.
- Gather proof of identity and entitlement.
- Choose a registered supplier.
- Order the correct style for your vehicle.
- Fit the plate securely and check the lamp.
Replacement registration plates UK for a private plate
If a private plate has been assigned to the vehicle, the V5C shows the registration; a supplier will want to see it, or the DVLA documents that prove your right to the number.
When Should I Replace A Rear Plate?
Replace a rear plate if any of the following is true.
- The characters are cracked, peeling or faded.
- The reflective surface is damaged.
- The plate is bent and cannot be read.
- It has been cut, drilled or modified.
- It is not the correct colour or style.
- The plate does not carry the supplier's mark or the standard number.
What do I do if a plate falls off?
Replace it promptly, because driving without a legal plate can lead to a fine. Keep the details and replace through a registered supplier.
What If My Rear Plate Is Stolen?
Report the theft to the police, because a stolen plate can be used on another vehicle. Then order replacements from a registered supplier, showing the same documents. Consider asking the supplier about security fixings.
Why report it?
A report creates a record that your plate was taken, which may help if cameras later link the registration to something you did not do.
Spare reg plate
A spare reg plate is not a legal requirement, but some owners keep a spare pair ready. A spare must still be made by a registered supplier and not be shown on a road vehicle unless it is the correct plate for the vehicle.
Rear Plate And The MOT
The MOT includes a check of the number plates, so a damaged or incorrect rear plate can lead to a fail or advisory. The test looks at condition, security, legibility and whether the characters are correct. See the MOT checklist and what fails an MOT.
Typical plate-related faults
- Characters that are missing, damaged or illegible.
- A plate that is insecure or cracked.
- The wrong spacing or style of character.
- A rear plate lamp that does not work.
Where is the official standard?
The official rules are on GOV.UK and the MOT inspection manual published by the DVSA.
Rear Plates And Private Or Cherished Registrations
A personalised number plate, also called a private plate or cherished number plate, is displayed on the rear plate in exactly the same way as a standard registration. The only difference is the paperwork behind it: the DVLA records the entitlement, and the V5C shows the registration now on the vehicle.
Which DVLA documents matter?
- V750: the certificate of entitlement issued when a number is bought from the DVLA.
- V778 retention document: issued when a number is taken off a vehicle and kept.
- V317: the transfer or retain application route.
- V5C: the registration certificate recording the registered keeper.
Ordering a rear plate for a new private number
Wait until the DVLA has confirmed the assignment, then order plates showing the new registration. Showing it early can be an offence if the number is not yet legally assigned. Steps are in how to put a private number plate on a car.
Does The Rear Plate Show The Vehicle's Age?
On most cars it does. The rear plate carries the registration, and the layout tells you roughly when the vehicle was first registered. A plate that looks younger than the vehicle is not allowed.
Current-style plates
A current style plate has two letters, a two-digit age identifier and three letters, such as AB25 CDE. The identifier changes on 1 March and 1 September. See how to read a UK number plate.
Prefix and suffix plates
A prefix plate has the year letter first, and a suffix plate has it last. The same rear plate rules apply to them as to any other plate.
Dateless plates
A dateless plate shows no year, so it can sit on a vehicle of almost any age as long as it does not make the vehicle look newer. Dateless number plates explains the formats.
Black And Silver Rear Plates On Older Vehicles
Vehicles first used before 1 January 1973 may usually display black plates with white or silver characters, instead of the yellow rear plate. This is an option for qualifying vehicles, not a general rule, so check GOV.UK before ordering.
Do they still need reflective material?
The retro style is allowed on qualifying older vehicles, and the characters must still be the correct size and style. Confirm the current rule with GOV.UK.
Does a modern car qualify?
No. A modern vehicle with a retro-looking plate is breaking the rules.
Show Plates Are Not Rear Plates
A show plate is for events, photography and display, and it is not legal on the road in place of a proper rear plate. It is easy to confuse a show plate with a legal plate when you see it on a car in a photo.
- Show plates may carry any background, style or design.
- A show plate on a road vehicle is not a legal display of the registration.
- A plate preview tool such as plate viewer is a safe way to see how a registration looks.
Can I put a show plate over the rear plate?
No. Covering the legal plate with another plate can hide or alter the registration and can lead to enforcement action.
Rear Plates On Motorbikes
Motorbikes normally show a rear plate only, and the plate is often smaller or arranged on two lines.
- The plate must be visible, secure and lit at night.
- It must be made to the standard and show the legal font.
- Sidecars, trikes and quads have their own rules, so check GOV.UK.
Can I move the plate to a tail tidy?
A tail tidy that moves the plate to a position where it is hard to read, angled or hidden can fail an MOT and be unlawful. Make sure the plate stays legible and visible.
Rear Plates On Vans And Lorries
Vans and larger vehicles display the same yellow rear plate, though the size and position can vary with the body.
Where do commercial vehicles fix the plate?
The plate is usually on the rear panel or door and must not be hidden by loads, tailgates or equipment. For vehicles carrying a rear-mounted rack or tail lift, a compliant arrangement may be needed.
Fleet and company cars
For company cars, the plate is part of the vehicle and moves with the registration. The registered keeper listed on the V5C is responsible for making sure plates are correct.
Tow Bars, Bike Racks And Loads Over The Plate
A bike carrier or tow-mounted rack can cover the rear plate, and a vehicle must still show a legible plate.
- A compliant repeater plate or secondary plate may be needed where the original is hidden.
- The plate must be lit and visible from the required distance and angle.
- A trailer shows its own plate or the registration of the towing vehicle depending on its type.
Check before a trip
Confirm the rules for your accessory on GOV.UK, because the details depend on the equipment and the vehicle.
Electric Vehicles And The Green Flash
Zero-emission vehicles may have a green flash on the number plate. The flash is permitted, optional and must follow the layout rules. It does not change the rear plate colour, which stays yellow.
Does an EV need a different rear plate?
No. The standard yellow rear plate applies, with the optional flash.
Classic And Historic Vehicles
Classic cars can display period-style plates if they qualify. Heritage plate styles on qualifying older vehicles are optional, and the registration characters must still be legible.
Dateless and cherished plates on classics
Many classics wear a cherished number plate or dateless registration. The assignment is recorded by the DVLA, and the plate should be a legal plate for the vehicle.
Northern Ireland Rear Plates
Northern Ireland vehicles show plates under the same general UK rules, but the registration format is different and uses letters that include I or Z. Testing is run by the Driver and Vehicle Agency, and registration stays with the DVLA.
Do NI plates show a county code?
No. The Northern Ireland registration does not use the Republic of Ireland's county format.
Imported Vehicles
An imported vehicle is allocated a British registration and must show British plates made to the standard, not its foreign plates. Plates must come from a registered supplier.
Foreign plates on a visiting vehicle
A visiting foreign vehicle may keep its home plates for a limited time, but a vehicle that is registered in the UK must show UK plates.
Metal, Acrylic And Other Materials
Standard rear plates are usually made of acrylic or similar reflective material, and some suppliers offer aluminium. Metal number plates explains what makes a metal plate legal.
- The plate must be reflective, with the correct colours.
- The supplier's name, postcode and the standard number must be shown.
- Chrome, mirrored or decorative finishes that affect legibility are not allowed.
Can I choose any material?
Choose a material that meets the standard, not one that is simply attractive.
Stickers, Paint And DIY Changes
Altering a plate with sticky tape, stickers or paint is not allowed. Number plate number stickers explains why DIY characters are a problem.
Can I make my own rear plate?
You may not simply print your own plate for road use. Plates must come from a registered supplier, and the supplier must see your documents. See make your own number plate for the legal route.
What about a number plate machine?
A professional number plate machine is how suppliers make plates, and it is not a substitute for being a registered supplier.
Flip Plates And Anything That Hides The Plate
Flipper plates and other devices that hide or change the registration are illegal. Number plate flippers covers why, and what can happen.
- Do not use covers, tinted shields or sprays that reduce visibility.
- Do not use anything that makes the registration hard to read for cameras.
- Do not swap plates between vehicles.
Fixing, Cleaning And Caring For A Rear Plate
A rear plate should be fixed securely and kept clean so it stays readable.
- Use fixings that match the plate and body, such as screws or adhesive pads supplied for the purpose.
- Check the plate for cracks, peeling or dirt each time you wash the car.
- Clean it gently and do not use abrasive products that scratch the reflective surface.
How often should I check?
Look at it whenever you wash the vehicle and before every MOT. A quick check can prevent a fail.
Cameras, ANPR And The Rear Plate
Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras read rear plates for enforcement, tolls and charges, so a clear plate matters.
- Cameras are used for parking, congestion and clean air zones.
- Dirty or damaged plates can lead to wrong charges or missed ones.
- Clean plates and the correct font help systems read the registration.
Can a wrong plate cause a penalty?
It can. If a plate is misread or does not match the vehicle, you may receive a notice that is not yours. Check the vehicle details with the free number plate check and contact the issuer through official routes.
Myths About Rear Plates
- Myth: a rear plate can be any colour. It must be yellow on a standard road vehicle.
- Myth: a show plate is legal if it looks real. It is not legal on a road vehicle.
- Myth: a plate is fine if the characters are readable. The font and spacing also matter.
- Myth: a sticker can fix a damaged character. Altering the plate is not allowed.
- Myth: any shop can make plates. Only registered suppliers can.
Why do these myths persist?
Many come from seeing novelty plates online or on social media.
Common Mistakes With Rear Plates
- Ordering plates before the DVLA has confirmed a private number.
- Using the wrong background colour.
- Choosing a style that is not road legal.
- Forgetting the plate lamp.
- Letting dirt or damage hide the characters.
- Ordering from someone who is not a registered supplier.
A Short Checklist For A Legal Rear Plate
- The background is yellow and reflective.
- The characters are black, in the legal font, correctly spaced.
- The supplier's name, postcode and the standard number are on the plate.
- The plate is fixed securely and visible.
- The plate lamp works.
- The registration matches the V5C.
What Documents Help When Ordering A Rear Plate
- A driving licence or passport as proof of identity.
- The V5C, or a V750 or V778 or other DVLA document, as proof of entitlement.
- A recent bill or similar proof of address if the supplier asks for it.
- Vehicle details if the registration is for a new vehicle.
Is a supplier allowed to refuse?
Yes. A registered supplier may refuse to make a plate without the documents.
If The Registration On The Plate Is Wrong
A wrong character is a vehicle-record problem or a manufacturing mistake. Compare the plate with the V5C character by character, then contact the supplier, or the DVLA if the record is wrong. Do not alter the plate yourself. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) explains how to contact them.
Is the registration always right on a lookup?
The registration in a lookup matches the DVLA's record. If the record does not fit the vehicle, ask the DVLA to check.
Transferring A Vehicle: What Happens To The Plates
When you sell a vehicle with a plate, the registration normally goes with the vehicle unless you retain it first. See how to transfer a vehicle for the usual steps.
Keeping the number
If you want to keep a private plate, retain it before the vehicle changes hands, then the buyer receives the vehicle with its original or replacement number. The DVLA decides which.
Rear Plate Rules In Summary
The rear plate is yellow, reflective, lit at night, made by a registered supplier to the current standard and showing the legal font. Anything outside that, including show plates, flip plates and DIY alterations, risks a failed MOT or enforcement action. For wider topics, see personalised number plates and short number plates.
Rear Plate Formats Compared
Different vehicles use different rear plate formats, and the right one depends on the vehicle type and its age, so check GOV.UK before ordering anything unusual.
| Format | Typical layout | Typical use | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-line standard | One row of characters | Most cars and vans | Must fit the mounting space |
| Two-line (stacked) | Two rows of characters | Motorcycles, some vehicles with limited space | Only for permitted vehicle types |
| Black and silver | Black plate, light characters | Qualifying pre-1973 vehicles | Not for modern vehicles |
| Trailer plate | Matches the towing vehicle | Trailers and caravans | Check the trailer type |
Two-line plates
A two-line plate puts the characters on two rows. It is intended for vehicles that cannot take a one-line plate, such as motorcycles, and should not be chosen just for style.
Which format is safest?
For a modern car or van, the standard one-line yellow plate is the safe choice, because it is accepted everywhere.
Can I Drive With A Missing Rear Plate?
No, not on a public road in the normal way. A vehicle that needs a rear plate must show one, and a missing plate can lead to a fine and may cause problems with cameras and enforcement. If a plate falls off, replace it promptly.
Is there any temporary fix?
A homemade or handwritten plate is not a lawful substitute. The sensible route is a replacement number plate from a registered supplier, who can often supply one quickly once you show your documents.
What about moving the vehicle to the supplier?
If you are unsure whether you can drive the vehicle to be fitted, ask the DVLA or check GOV.UK, and consider whether the vehicle can be delivered or the supplier can come to you.
Choosing A Registration Plate Maker
A good registration plate maker is a registered supplier who checks your identity, explains the options and marks the plate to the standard.
- Check that they are on the register of number plate suppliers.
- Ask whether the plate is made to BS AU 145e.
- Confirm that the plate is reflective, with the legal font.
- Ask what proof of entitlement they accept.
- Be wary of anyone who offers to skip document checks.
Number plate supplies
Number plate supplies such as fixings, screws, adhesive pads and plate lamps are sold separately from the plates themselves. Choose fixings that match the plate and mount, and replace them if they rust or loosen.
Reg plates made to order
Reg plates made to order are normal, but they are not exempt from the rules. The supplier must check your documents before making a plate with a particular registration.
Rear Plates On A Newly Registered Vehicle
A new vehicle usually arrives with plates fitted by the dealer, who is a registered supplier. If you buy a new car, check that the plates match the V5C when it arrives.
Time between purchase and registration
Until the vehicle is registered and has its number, it cannot lawfully be used on the road in the normal way, so plan delivery with the dealer.
If the plates are not right
Ask the dealer to correct them before you drive away, and keep a record of the registration shown on the V5C.
Official Sources
- GOV.UK is the place for current number plate rules.
- The DVLA records registrations and entitlement.
- The DVSA sets MOT test standards that cover number plates.
- A registered number plate supplier can advise on standard plates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colour is a rear number plate in the UK?
A rear number plate on a standard road vehicle in Great Britain is yellow with black characters, and the background is reflective. The front plate is white. Both must show the same registration and be made by a registered number plate supplier to the current British Standard. Check GOV.UK for any vehicle type that has special rules.
Do I need a front and a rear number plate?
Most road vehicles must display both a front and a rear plate, while motorbikes normally need only the rear. The rules differ for some vehicle types and trailers, so check GOV.UK for yours. A missing or illegal plate can lead to a fine and an MOT failure, so replace a damaged one promptly.
Where can I get number plates made?
Only a registered number plate supplier can legally make road plates. They include high-street shops, motor factors, dealers and online makers. A supplier will ask for proof of your identity and your entitlement to the registration, such as the V5C, V750 or V778. Delivery times and costs are set by the supplier.
Can I get number plates while you wait near me?
Many local registered suppliers can make a standard pair on the spot if you bring the right documents, although stock and opening hours vary. Ring ahead to confirm they can do your style of plate, then bring proof of identity and the V5C or other DVLA paperwork showing entitlement to the registration.
Are next day registration plates legal?
Yes, provided the supplier is registered and the plates meet the standard. Many online suppliers dispatch plates quickly once they have checked your identity and entitlement. Delivery speed depends on the supplier, the courier and the time of order, so confirm the timing before you buy.
Can I buy replacement number plates online?
Yes, from a registered supplier. A number plate maker online will normally ask you to confirm your identity and upload or send proof of entitlement before making the plate. Check that the supplier is registered and that the plate carries the standard number, the supplier name and postcode.
Is a 3D rear number plate legal?
It can be, if it meets the same standard as a flat plate: legal font, correct spacing, black characters, yellow reflective background and the supplier mark. Plates with styled, mirrored or raised characters that change how the registration reads are not legal. Ask the supplier whether the plate is road legal.
Does a rear plate need a light?
Yes. The rear registration plate must be lit at night so that it can be read, and a blown plate lamp can fail an MOT. Check the bulbs regularly, and choose lamps that give an even, suitable light and do not dazzle other drivers.
What do I do if my rear number plate is damaged?
Replace it through a registered supplier as soon as possible. A cracked, faded or illegible plate can fail an MOT and lead to a fine. Take proof of identity and entitlement, such as the V5C, and order a plate that matches the vehicle. Do not patch characters with tape or paint.
What should I do if my rear plate is stolen?
Report the theft to the police, since a stolen plate can be misused on another vehicle, and then order replacements from a registered supplier. You will normally need to show identity and entitlement again. Ask about security fixings to make future theft harder.
Can I use a show plate on the road?
No. A show plate is for display at events or in photographs and is not a legal substitute for the proper front and rear plates on a public road. Using one can lead to enforcement action. A plate preview tool is a safe way to see how a registration looks.
Can a private plate go on the rear?
Yes. A personalised number plate is displayed on the front and rear like any other registration, once the DVLA has assigned it to your vehicle. Wait for confirmation before ordering plates. The V5C will show the registration now on the vehicle, and the V778 or V750 documents show your rights to a number you hold.
Are black and silver plates legal?
On qualifying older vehicles first used before 1 January 1973, black plates with white or silver characters are usually allowed in place of the yellow rear plate. A modern vehicle with a retro-style plate is not compliant. Check GOV.UK for the current wording before ordering.
Can I make my own number plate?
You cannot lawfully make your own plate for road use. Only a registered number plate supplier can produce one, and they must check your identity and entitlement to the registration. Printing characters yourself or using stickers can fail an MOT and lead to prosecution.
Official Sources
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Confirm anything that affects your money or legal position with the official service.