Which private plates can go on my car?
According to DVLA's rules:
- No making a vehicle look newer. You can't use a registration with an age identifier later than your vehicle's first registration – for example, a "07" plate on a 2003 car isn't allowed. See age identifiers explained.
- Dateless and Northern Ireland registrations have no age identifier, so they can go on a vehicle of any age.
- No Q plates. You can't assign a number starting with "Q" or "QNI", or put a private number on a "Q"-registered vehicle.
The vehicle itself must also qualify: it must be registered with DVLA in the UK, able to move under its own power, and be a type that needs an MOT or HGV test. Taking a number off a vehicle has an extra rule – see how to buy and transfer a private plate.
How number plates must look
| Rule | What's required |
|---|---|
| Colours | Black characters on a white plate at the front and a yellow plate at the back |
| Characters | The standard number plate font, in a single shade of black (for plates fitted after 1 September 2021) |
| Spacing | Characters must be correctly spaced – you can't move letters or numbers, or use screws and fixings, to make words |
| 3D characters | Raised characters are allowed, but they mustn't be removable or reflective |
| British Standard | Plates fitted after 1 September 2021 must be marked BS AU 145e |
| Supplier | Plates must be made by a registered number plate supplier, who will ask for proof of your identity and entitlement to the registration |
Certain national flags and identifiers are allowed on the left-hand side of the plate – check GOV.UK's list of flags and identifiers before ordering.
What happens if my plates break the rules?
Driving with incorrectly displayed number plates can lead to:
- a fine of up to £1,000
- an MOT failure
- DVLA withdrawing a private registration – meaning you could lose a number you paid for.
Do I need to tell my insurer?
Yes. If your registration changes, tell your insurer before you drive, and update any parking permits, congestion charge or toll accounts linked to the old number.
Ready to choose one? See how to buy and transfer a private number plate.