Number plates aren't just decoration: they identify your vehicle to the police, cameras and other drivers. The rules are strict, and plates that break them can mean a fine and an MOT failure.
What a legal plate must have
- The British Standard: plates fitted since 1 September 2021 must meet British Standard BS AU 145e, marked on the plate.
- The right font: the standard “Charles Wright” typeface. Italic, stylised or 3D fonts that change the shape of characters aren't allowed; raised (3D) characters are allowed if they are black and meet the standard.
- Correct spacing and size: characters must be the standard size and spacing. Moving spaces or using screws to change how letters look is illegal.
- Colours: black characters on a white plate at the front, and on a yellow plate at the back.
- Supplier details: the name and postcode of the supplier who made the plate.
You can also show a national identifier on the left, such as the UK identifier, and some flags. Plates must be clean and readable at all times.
Buying number plates
Plates must be made by a supplier registered with DVLA. They must ask for proof of your identity and proof that you're entitled to the registration, such as the V5C. A seller who makes plates without asking for anything is breaking the rules, and it's one way criminals get plates for cloned cars.
What happens if your plates are illegal
- You can be fined up to £1,000.
- The car will fail its MOT.
- DVLA can withdraw a private registration number that is displayed illegally.
Private plates and plate changes
A private plate moved onto or off a car creates a plate change on its record. That's normally innocent, but it can separate a car from its history, so it's worth checking when buying. Our guide on plate change history explains more, and when to replace your plates.
Checking the plate matches the car
When buying, check the plates match the registration on the V5C, and that the make, model and colour on record match the car. A free reg plate check shows the vehicle details held for any registration.
Key points
- Plates must meet the British Standard, use the standard font and spacing, and show the supplier.
- Illegal plates can mean a fine of up to £1,000 and an MOT failure.
- Buy plates only from a registered supplier with your V5C.
To see what the DVLA holds for a plate, run a number plate check. Our free car reg check works as a reg plate check for any UK registration and shows the make, model, colour, tax and MOT status recorded for it.