We are legally required to get proof of ID for the buyer of the plate (for example with the driving licence), and proof that they are entitled to obtain the requested registration plate - usually this is by showing us the car's V5C.

Most number plates are despatched with 3 days.

These popular options are a bit of a grey area - they seem to be viewed as legal currently, although some people have reported being fined or having an MOT fail on the back of them. As per the beginning of 2026 the government has made noises about bringing in legislation later in the year to formally ban this type of plate. If this happens, then anyone with those type of plates could be subject to a fine of up tp £1,000.

The DVLA licences businesses like Race Plastics to supply number plates to users. You can check the official register! We have to make the plates out of materials tested to British Standards, and the plates must display the name and postcode of the plate supplier - if it doesn't, then the plate is not legal and the owner could be fined up to £1,000 or fail their MOT. That's right - the cheap ones off Amazon might not be as cheap as they look!

The British Standard, or "kitemark", system is a robust list of requirements that a product might require to be authorised for a specific use. British Standard BS AU 145e is this for number plates. It requires that:

• The plates must be manufactured out of impact tested materials;
• Approved reflective backgrounds to the plates;
• Single black colour letters and numbers, in the approved font;
• Registered seller's name, postcode and British Standard stamp.

Any number plates not made to, and stamped as certified, to this standard, are not road legal. You can get lost in the gritty detail at the BSI website.

No, I'm afraid not. Legislation now requires all number plates to use their standard font.

To be able to use these types of plates legally in the UK you must meet the government requirements. These are:

• The vehicle must be manufactured before 1 January 1980; and
• The vehicle must be registered with the DVLA in the historic vehicles class.

The government changed the legislation so that only certain flags are allowed. These are viewed as volentary additions, and are up to the car owner. These are the Union Jack, the Scottish Saltire, the English George Cross, and the Welsh Dragon. Note that UK cars are not allowed to display the European flag on their number plates.