Whether you’re looking to have your number plate replaced due to damage, or you want a private number plate to add a touch of class to your vehicle, there are several places you can find them.
It is now easier than ever to have a number plate made up. The DVLA have an online tool that allows you to find local registered number plate suppliers in your area. Note that you are only able to legally purchase number plates from registered suppliers, therefore it is essential you check this before committing to a supplier.
Getting a plate from the DVLA
If you are looking to purchase a private number plate, one of the easiest ways to do so is through the DVLA. You can buy a personalised registration either online or at auction. The DVLA hold auctions across the country around 5 times a year and you are able to bid either in person, online or via telephone, making it accessible to most people.
The DVLA sell new private number plates when the new plates are launched twice a year. This means that in the year 2020 you will be able to get hold of a private plate with the numbers 20 from March and 70 in September. However, they also sell older plates if you are looking for something more personalised, rather than brand-new.
When purchasing a number plate, the vehicle you are assigning the number plate to must by registered, taxed and used in the UK. It is also possible to buy a number plate for a brand-new car you don’t have yet, as long as the intention is for it to be registered in the UK.
Finding a number plate online
If you’re looking for a way to purchase a used private number plate then this is also possible. Newreg.co.uk and other websites offer second-hand private number plates to buy and sell. Often you can find private plates as cheap as £250, therefore this can be a cost-effective way to personalise your vehicle.
If you don’t want to purchase a private plate online, it is also possible to find them at regular auctions and in local listings in newspapers. Although you could get a good deal this way, it is a lot less likely that you will find a specific number plate, if that’s what you’re looking for.
Having a replacement plate made
Regardless of whether or not your number plate is private, it might be necessary to have your plate replaced and a new one made. This could be because it has been cracked, faded or there is something obscuring the characters, no matter which one, you will need to purchase a new plate.
When choosing to have a replacement plate made, you need to make sure it’s coming from a legal supplier and they are going to follow the legal requirements that come with number plates. The DVLA have certain rules in place about number plates, for example, the font must be black, with the front plate displaying a white background and the rear a reflective yellow one. On top of this, the characters must use the specific ‘Charles Wright’ font and its variations.
Some modifications you can have made to your plate include:
- 3D effect Charles Wright font
- EU symbol
- UK, English, Scottish or Welsh symbol
- Different borders
In-order to have a replacement plate made up, you will need to following documents:
- Driving license (or another proof of identity)
- V5C certificate (or another proof of entitlement)
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