To have a new number plate made in the United Kingdom, you must provide original documents that prove your name, address, and your legal right to use the registration number. This involves presenting one document to confirm your identity and another to establish your entitlement to the registration mark. These checks are a legal requirement for all Registered Number Plate Suppliers (RNPS) to prevent vehicle cloning and other criminal activities. It is crucial to note that photocopies or digital images of documents are not accepted.
Proving Your Identity and Address
A registered number plate supplier is legally required to see one original document to verify your name and address. This is a crucial first step in the process, and the supplier will record the details from your documents. The most straightforward option is a photocard driving licence, but several other documents are also accepted.
Acceptable documents for proving your name and address include:
- Driving licence (with or without a photo, issued in the UK or abroad)
- A recent utility bill, council tax bill, or rates bill (issued within the last six months)
- A recent bank or building society statement (issued within the last six months)
The following documents confirm your name only — a separate address document from the list above will also be required:
- A national identity card (issued by a state or territory other than the United Kingdom)
- A current passport (UK or foreign)
- A debit or credit card issued by a bank or building society
- A police warrant card or an armed forces identity card
You must also bring proof of your entitlement to use the registration number, such as the vehicle’s V5C logbook, a Certificate of Entitlement (V750), or a Retention Document (V778).
Proving Your Entitlement to the Registration Number
In addition to proving your identity, you must also demonstrate that you have the legal right to use the registration number on a plate. This check ensures that plates are only made for legitimate vehicles and owners. The supplier must see one of the following original documents, which links you or the vehicle to the specific registration mark.
The following documents are accepted as proof of entitlement:
| Document Type | Description |
|---|---|
| VVehicle Registration Certificate (V5C or V5CNI) | The most common document, showing the registered keeper and vehicle details. |
| New Keeper Supplement (V5C/2) | The green slip provided to the new owner upon sale of a vehicle. |
| Certificate of Entitlement (V750 or V750NI) | Issued for new private number plates that have not yet been assigned to a vehicle. |
| Retention Document (V778) | Used when a private number plate has been removed from a vehicle to be kept. |
| Vehicle Tax Reminder or SORN notice (V11 or V11NI) | Must be in the name of the person requesting the plate. |
| Authorisation Certificate (V948) | A certificate with an official DVLA stamp, authorising the making of a number plate. Also accepted electronically as eV948 or eV948/2. |
| Letter of authorisation from a fleet operator | A headed letter from a fleet, lease or hire company, quoting the V5C document reference number. |
The name on your proof of identity does not have to match the name on the proof of entitlement. For example, you can purchase a plate for a family member’s vehicle, but you must still provide your own identification, so the supplier can record who they sold the plate to.
Conclusion
All number plates made in the UK must conform to the British Standard BS AU 145e. This standard dictates the font, character spacing, size, and durability of the plate. Legally compliant plates must also display the supplier’s name and postcode at the bottom centre and the BS AU 145e mark typically in the bottom right. Plates with incorrect spacing, stylised fonts, or missing markings are illegal for road use and will cause an MOT failure.
The cost for a set of standard, legally compliant number plates typically ranges from £30 to £50. This price can vary depending on the supplier, the quality of the materials, and whether you require additional items like car number plate fitting kits or custom borders (which must still be within the legal framework). National chains and independent garages must all adhere to the same DVLA documentation checks.
Ensuring your vehicle is roadworthy extends beyond legal plates to all its components. Passing an MOT requires every part to be in good working order. When you need to replace a component, from a brake light to a more complex car engine part, using a reliable source is critical. For certainty in ordering the correct part for your specific make and model, services like AUTODOC provide access to qualified advisors, helping you get the right components first time and avoid the delays of incorrect orders.
Comment