How to Use Our Number Plate Maker
Our number plate maker takes most people under five minutes from start to finish, but a couple of the steps trip people up if you have not used it before, mainly the difference between road legal and show spacing, and what documents you will need at checkout. This guide walks through each step so you order the right plate the first time.
Step by Step: Building Your Plate
Step 1: Enter Your Registration
Type your registration into the box at the top of the builder. It updates the live preview as you type, so you will see your actual plate rather than a placeholder example. Double check the letters and numbers carefully before moving on, since this is what gets manufactured.
Step 2: Choose Road Legal or Show Spacing
This is the single most important choice in the whole builder, and the one worth slowing down for. Road legal mode keeps your plate in the spacing and font required by BS AU 145e, the standard that applies to any vehicle driven on a public road. Show mode unlocks tighter spacing, decorative fonts and extra styling, but the result is not legal to fit to a vehicle driven on the road, it is for display only.
If the plate is going on a car, van or motorbike that will be driven on public roads, road legal mode is the one to select. The builder defaults to road legal mode, so if you have not touched this setting, you are already on the right option.
Step 3: Choose Your Plate Style
Select from Standard, Colour Badged, 3D Gel, 4D 3mm, 4D 5mm, 4D Gel, 5D Gel or Black Diamond. Each style updates the live preview so you can see how your registration actually looks in that finish before committing. If you are not sure which style suits your car, our guide comparing 3D, 4D and 5D plates walks through the practical differences.
Step 4: Choose Your Extras
Depending on which spacing mode you selected, you will see options for borders, badges and bottom text. In road legal mode, these are limited to what is permitted under the standard. In show mode, you get a wider range, including novelty badges and custom bottom text, since these plates are not intended for road use.
Step 5: Check Your Preview Properly
Before adding to basket, look closely at the live preview for both the front and rear plate. Confirm the registration is correct, the spacing looks right for how you intend to use the plate, and the style matches what you expected. This is the easiest point to catch a mistake, since changes are free before you order and involve a remake afterwards.
Step 6: Checkout and What You Will Need
Add your plates to the basket and proceed to checkout. If you are ordering a road legal replacement plate, you will need to provide proof of entitlement to the registration, normally your V5C logbook or a new keeper supplement, uploaded during the order process. This is a legal requirement for any registered supplier, not something specific to us. Orders placed before 1pm go out for same day dispatch.
Common Mistakes Worth Avoiding
- Ordering in show mode by accident. If the toggle has been switched and you are ordering for road use, switch it back to road legal before checkout.
- Not having your V5C to hand. Have your logbook or new keeper supplement ready before you start, so checkout is not held up.
- Skipping the preview check. Always look at the live preview before ordering. It is the fastest way to catch a typo in the registration.
Ready to Build Your Plates
Once you know your way around the builder, ordering is quick. Head to our number plate maker on the homepage to get started, where you can design your plates and see the live preview using the exact steps above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between road legal and show spacing?
Road legal spacing meets BS AU 145e and can be fitted to a vehicle driven on public roads. Show spacing allows decorative styling not permitted on the road and is for display only.
Do I need my V5C to order replacement plates?
Yes, proof of entitlement to the registration, usually your V5C or new keeper supplement, is required at checkout for any road legal plate order.
Can I change my order after I have submitted it?
Contact us as soon as possible after ordering. Once a plate has gone into production, changes are not always possible, which is why checking the preview carefully before ordering matters.
Which plate style should I choose?
This depends on the look you want and your budget. Our guide comparing 3D, 4D and 5D plates covers the practical differences between each style.
How long does delivery take?
Orders placed before 1pm go out for same day dispatch. See our delivery and returns page for full delivery timeframes.
Can I use the builder for a motorbike plate?
Yes, select the motorcycle option in the builder so the plate dimensions are set correctly for a motorbike.
