FAQ

Yes, our DVLA operations no. is (SID) 56456

Buying your new number plates has never been easier with NP4D.
Here at Number Plates 4D, you’ll purchase directly from us, ensuring a smooth production and delivery process. This guarantees high-quality, fully compliant licence plates all at the best prices and quickest turnaround.

Follow these easy steps to order your number plates:

1. Choose the plate type/style of your desire, whether it’s 4D, 3D or Printed/Motorbike Etc.… it’s your choice!
   Head over to the section you’ve chosen the style of plates and click on ‘Order plates’, you’ll arrive at the correct Order Page/Plate Builder.
   Note… We’ve made it super easy to click just three drop downs as a minimum, if you do not want borders or badges or any of the other enhancements or accessories. You’ll be 3-5 mins and checking out, done and dusted!
2. Enter Your Registration Number (Mandatory)
   Carefully enter your registration number, then personalise your plates to suit your style/requirements.
3. Choose from Letter Style & Thickness (Mandatory)
   This is the specific style and thickness you prefer from all the options available.
4. Number of Plates & Sizes Required (Mandatory)
   Choose if you want a set of standard plates or just a front or rear? If you require two different sizes of plates within one set, for example: a standard front plate and an oversized or Jap Import rear plate, you need to click the button below ‘select if OTHER SIZES are required’ and you will see more size options.
5. Add Optional Extras
   All the following optional extras to enhance your plates such as a Border around the edge or Badges
   like the UK Union Jack or Fixing Kits, Plate Holders, Key Rings or Air Fresheners are available.
   (If there’s something you fancy or require as a must have and it isn’t there, fear not, either contact us via the contact form, you can email us, call us on the phone, if it’s more convenient for you or send us a WhatsApp, we are available in office hours! – Also on the Payment page, you can add any final instructions or a note. If we need to, we will submit a new proof to you for your final approval, before we manufacture your order).
6. Make Your Payment
   Complete your purchase using one of the available payment options.
7. Submit the Required Documentation
   Don’t forget to provide the necessary documents, including proof of identity and proof of entitlement to the registration number. These must be submitted before we can manufacture your plates. Your new number plates will soon be on their way!

Please view our “Valid Documents” page to see which ID documents are suitable – you can find this page here.
(Are we going to add the link to the DVLA page here also)????? YES

Please enter your tracking number into Royal Mail’s Track & Trace system in order to locate your order.
If you don’t have your tracking number, please contact us

Yes, you should receive a confirmation email soon after placing your order.
If you cannot see it in your inbox, please check your spam/junk folder.
If you still haven’t received your email confirmation after a considerable amount of time, please LINK so we can resend your confirmation.

Yes Absolutely! Please contact our sales team and we can provide you with a quote!

Note: Check out our Trade Services also, we do supply to businesses on a regular basis.

It is important to us to get your new plates to you as fast as you are hoping to receive them.

We utilise FREE/standard and premium deliveries. For all orders placed before 2pm (Mon-Fri) we will dispatch same day via a FREE Standard ‘Royal Mail Tracked 48’ Shipping on orders over £40.00 Which is a two day service.

For orders under £40.00 an extra fee of £2.99 for Standard ‘Royal Mail Tracked 48’ Shipping would be added.

If you want to upgrade the delivery to ‘Royal Mail Tracked 24’ which is 24 hr next day service £5.99 would be the upgraded fee.

The fastest delivery we offer would be ‘Royal Mail Special Delivery’ which is guaranteed by 1pm the next day, for this £10 would be the upgraded fee.

We can’t currently guaranteed a next day delivery service as a result of couriers and Royal Mail not meeting their targets. However, 95% of our orders that are placed before 2pm on a weekday do arrive the very next day.
The one significant benefit by choosing to select Special Delivery, the option available at checkout, it is a slightly higher premium, but Royal Mail do guarantee to delivery by 1pm the next day or your Delivery fee is refunded.

One other service that may be of interest is same-day collections, yes, if you are close by and around the Rotherham/Sheffield or general South Yorkshire area and want to collect, we are here to help you.

As a DVLA registered number plate suppler, it is our responsibility to check your legal entitlement to the registration you are asking us to manufacture. You will need to provide 2 document reference numbers that prove your name & address, and entitlement to the registration. These reference numbers must be traceable to you (the consumer) and can be obtained from us by the police, the DVLA or the DVSA without notice at any time for any reason. We are required by law to collect this information from you.

You can use the following to confirm your name and address:

1. Driving licence, with or without a photo (doesn’t have to be issued in the UK)
2. Utility bill, Council Tax or rates bill in Northern Ireland (from the last 6 months)
3. Bank or building society statements (from the last 6 months)
4. National identity card (issued by the government of a state or territory other than the United Kingdom)

You can use the following to confirm your entitlement to the registration:

1. Vehicle registration certificate (V5C)
2. New keeper slip (green slip)
3. A certificate of entitlement (V750) to the number
4. A retention document (V778)
5. A renewal reminder for vehicle tax or SORN (V11)
6. A temporary registration certificate (V379)
7. A number plate authorisation certificate (V948) with an official stamp from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
8. An electronic number plate authorisation certificate (eV948) or an electronic trailer number plate authorisation certificate (eV948/2)
9. UK trailer registration certificate (VTRC)

When you are submitting your order to us “Upload your Documents here” will appear.
You can also of course send the two documents via email, post or WhatsApp if you prefer. You may also bring them in person and have your plates made while you wait and present the two documents at the same time.
Please use one of these methods to upload or send clear photos of your original documentation.

We need to see proof of identity and proof of entitlement to the registration number. These must be submitted before we can manufacture your plates. Your new number plates will soon be on their way!

To help you decide which documents to send please view our “Valid Documents” page here.

Yes; if your 4D and 3D Gel number plates are from NP4D, rest assured they are fully road legal and MOT compliant.
We strictly adhere to the standards and regulations set out by the DVLA, so you don’t need to worry about legality issues when it comes to our plates.
Just a few details that our plate will adhere to….

1. The registration number spacing is as per the DVLA documentation.
2. The Font used is Charles Wright and the size of each character is 79mm x 50mm, excluding the letter I or 1, (for UK number plates) or 64mm x 44mm, again excluding the letter I or 1 (for Motorbikes and Imported Vehicles).
   Number Plate Registration is fully Black.
3. Number Plate Registration is fully Black.
4. Licence plate will have the supplier details with post code and the British Standard Mark BSAU145e along bottom of the plate.

You can find more details, if you want to know more. Here is a link to the DVLA Government website that states “Characters on a number plate can be 3D.” – Government Number Plate Rules. (‘4D’ is just an industry standard name, they are still officially known as 3D).

Yes, our 4D Gel number plates are 100% UK road legal and MOT compliant, as they adhere to the current British Standard (BS AU 145e).
What makes 4D Gel characters road legal?
Number plates must have characters which comply with the criteria set out in BS AU 145e.

• They must display solid black characters in the prescribed Charles Wright typeface which complies with the rules governing size, spacing, grouping and positioning.
• Number plates may optionally have raised 3D characters of plain black colour (known as “4D” number plates) provided that they meet all requirements of British Standard BS AU 145e.

What makes number plates road legal?
All number plates are governed by the regulations set out in the British Standard 145e.
Number plates must have the following features:

• They must be the correct size as specified in the rules.
• The background of front plates must be the prescribed reflective white colour and rear plates must be the prescribed reflective yellow colour.
• They must have reflective properties complying with British Standard BS AU 145e.
• They must have physical resilience properties complying with British Standard BS AU 145e.
• They must display solid black characters in the prescribed Charles Wright typeface that comply with the rules governing size, spacing, grouping and positioning.
• They must bear the supplier’s name and postcode and the manufacturer’s mark.
• They must bear the current British Standard number, BS AU 145e.

READ: Are 4D Gel Number Plates Road Legal? ( I need this blog re writing)

Customer service is highly important to us at NP4D. We guarantee we will bend over backwards to accommodate your fair and reasonable requirements, you will always be met with a positive and helpful attitude whether it’s on the phone, online or face to face.

You have a few options to contact us: We have the contact forms, you will find many links throughout the site, it acts as an email to all intents and purposes. You can also email us direct at info@numberplates4d.com, you can call us on the phone…. 1234567890 and If it’s more convenient for you or you wish to send us a WhatsApp, we are available in office hours! (You should see the ICON in the bottom right of all pages) – Lastly, at checkout, you can add any final instructions or a note. We will come back to you swiftly.

One last guarantee, you may not always get immediate attention, it’s not always possible, but we will not make silly excuses and we will get back to you ASAP, if you leave a message.

We have no issue making the bold statement that we are one of the best number plate manufacturers in the UK. This is because we can confidently back this up with our service and products and our amazing customer feedback.
Rated 5-stars on Google and with 94% reviews marked as excellent on Trustpilot, our customers are clearly happy with the products they have received. Other reasons why you should choose Bespoke Plates for your next custom product are:

• We only use the highest quality of products and most advanced tools to achieve professional results. Our craftsmanship really does speak for itself, with each product going through a strict quality assurance process before it is given to our customers.
• We are DVLA-approved, meaning we can provide you with a fully legal custom plate that is supported by all the correct paperwork. This makes your plate road-worthy and MOT-passable.
• Sharing knowledge around custom number plates is also essential to us, so you can ask our team any questions that you may have.
• As well as manufacturing top-class number plates, we can also help with the installation to ensure your new accessory is securely in place.
• Customer service is what is most important to us. We want everyone to have an amazing experience, and we guarantee that you will always be met with a friendly face at Bespoke Plates.
• We also offer extensive modification choices for a selection of legal and show plate needs. As our name would suggest, we specialise in bespoke products.

If you are local to Rotherham or South Yorkshire, we have a walk-in store available for collections from Monday to Saturday, 9:30am to 4:30pm. You can place your order online and choose collection at the checkout, or order in person and pay via cash or card. Please bring your ID and proof of entitlement to the registration when coming to collect. Our workshop is based in Bradmarsh Business Park, Rotherham S60 1BY.

1. Fitting Number Plates with Sticky Pads
Sticky pads provide a clean and easy way to attach number plates without drilling holes. You will get them included in your order FREE of Charge.
What You Need:

• Double-sided adhesive sticky pads designed for number plates.
• (Optional) Cleaning materials (soap, water, alcohol wipes, or a degreaser).
• A cloth or microfiber towel.
• Masking tape.
• The Surface must be fairly flat.

Steps:

1. Mark the area:
• If the plate is not in a recess, apply masking tape around edge of the original plate to mark where new plate will go. Remove the existing original plate.
2. Clean the Surfaces:
• Thoroughly clean the surface of the vehicle where the plate will be attached.
• Ensure the back of the number plate is clean and dry.
• Use alcohol wipes or a degreaser to remove any grease or dirt.
3. Apply the Sticky Pads:
• Place sticky pads evenly across the back of the number plate.
• Recommended; use 4-6 pads depending on the plate size.
4. Attach the Plate:
• Inspect the alignment, make sure you are happy (you will not be able to remove and re-attach).
• Firmly press the plate onto the vehicle, starting from the centre and working outward.
• Hold and press the plate in place for 30 seconds to ensure a strong bond.
• It is recommended to fit the plate in moderate weather, dry and no frostiness!
• Make sure the plate is securely attached.

2. Fitting Number Plates with Screws and Caps
This method is suitable for vehicles that already have pre-drilled holes for number plates.
What You Need:

• Screws (appropriate size for your vehicle).
• Screwdriver or drill (if holes are not pre-drilled).
• Screw caps (to match the colour of the plate background).
• A spirit-level for alignment.

Steps:

1. Remove Old Plates (if applicable):
• Unscrew the old plate and set aside the screws and caps for reuse, if suitable.
2. Drill New Holes (if needed):
• We do not supply new plates that are pre-drilled, mark the plate where you need to drill, use original plate as a template (if applicable).
• Drill small holes from the back of the plate, being careful not to crack or damage the new plate.
3. Screw the Plate Into Position:
• Secure the number plate to the vehicle using the screws
• Avoid over-tightening as this can crack the plate.
• Click and close the coloured screw caps (if applicable).
4. Check Alignment:
• Use a spirit- level to confirm the plate is straight.
• Make sure the plate is securely attached.

3. Fitting Number Plates with Plate Holders
Plate holders allow for easy installation and removal of number plates.
What You Need:

• A plate holder (appropriate for your vehicle and plate size).
• Screws
• Rubber Shock Absorbers (optional)
• Screwdriver (if screws are required).

Steps:

1. Install the Plate Holder::
• Position and insert the number plate shock absorbers into the holder
• Attach the plate holder to the vehicle using screws
2. Insert the Number Plate:
• Slide or clip the number plate into the holder.
• Ensure it is securely fitted and doesn’t wobble or rattle.
3. Secure the Plate:
• Some holders have additional clips or locking mechanisms; engage these to hold the plate firmly in place.
4. Check Stability:
• Gently tug on the number plate to ensure it is securely held by the holder.

Additional Tips:

• Always check your local laws regarding the positioning and fixing methods for number plates.
• Ensure the plates are aligned and visible, as misaligned or loose plates can lead to fines or penalties.
• If unsure, consult a professional to install your number plates.

We will send you your Royal Mail tracking number once we ship your order. Please go to Royal Mail’s Track & Trace system to see tracking updates.
If you haven’t received your tracking information, please contact us.

Yes! The correct format for All UK plates should be produced in the all CAPITALS format.
Our site will automatically deliver your order and information in all CAPITALS, whether it’s typed in CAPITALS or not.
Your proof will show you and us the correct format, it is important to input your information as closely to your V5 documents as you can.

The law permits the purchase of number plates as a gift, so the names do not need to match on both documents. You can use your own ID, and the entitlement certificate belonging to a family member or friend to purchase number plates from us.

No, licence plates do not come pre-drilled. The screw holes on number plates can differ from one car to another, the hole position on the front can be different to the back number plate. Therefore, we have no way of knowing where the required holes would need to be.

You have 3 options for fitting your number plates:

• Double sided self-adhesive Sticky Pads (Surface Must be 100% Clean and Fairly Flat).
• Screws & Caps (Drill plate from the back and to not overtighten the screws).
• Plate Holders (No need to create new screw holes or sticky pads).

Note: We have clear instructions for fitting within the FAQ’s. Also we will send a comprehensive fitting instructions email to you after your purchase, which will help with all your plate fitting questions.

To mis-space or mis-represent the digits on number plates is an offence under the Road Vehicles (Registration & Licensing) Regulations 1971. When you submit an order to NP4D, we will make the plate to your specifications regarding the registration number, however, if you type it in so it shows as illegal or different to your documents we will come back to you with a new proof to clarify your order.
Very Important. You cannot simply make up a registration number and use it on the UK highway. Either yourself or the person you’re buying for must already own the registration number you will use. Here at NP4D we do not sell registration numbers, we simply make number plates.

NO, for the correct format you should only add one space to your registration. The space should be in the correct location, it should match your documents, however our plate builder will automatically space your plates legally.
Please refer you your V5 log book and existing number plates. If you are still unsure please contact us for more information. See below examples for correctly spaced registrations vs incorrect:
Correct: SY72 DDD
Incorrect: SY 72DDD – SY 72 DDD – SY72DDD – SY72DD D – S Y72DDD

You cannot mis-space legal plates.

All Plates Must be in Charles Wright Font and must be all Black in the following styles….

Standard Printed Plates
4D 3mm thick and 5mm thick
3D Gel
4D + GEL on top
4D Ghost & 4D Pyramid
4D Retro

Are all legal in the UK

It is important to us to get your new plates to you as fast as you are hoping to receive them.

We utilise FREE/standard and premium deliveries. For all orders placed before 2pm (Mon-Fri) we will dispatch same day via a FREE Standard ‘Royal Mail Tracked 48’ Shipping on orders over £40.00 Which is a two day service.

For orders under £40.00 an extra fee of £2.99 for Standard ‘Royal Mail Tracked 48’ Shipping would be added.

If you want to upgrade the delivery to ‘Royal Mail Tracked 24’ which is 24 hr next day service £5.99 would be the upgraded fee..

The fastest delivery we offer would be ‘Royal Mail Special Delivery’ which is guaranteed by 1pm the next day, for this £10 would be the upgraded fee.

We can’t currently guaranteed a next day delivery service as a result of couriers and Royal Mail not meeting their targets. However, 95% of our orders that are placed before 3pm on a weekday do arrive the very next day.
The one significant benefit by choosing to select Special Delivery, the option available at checkout, it is a slightly higher premium, but Royal Mail do guarantee to delivery by 1pm the next day or your Delivery fee is refunded.

One other service that may be of interest is same-day collections, yes, if you are close by and around the Rotherham/Sheffield or general South Yorkshire area and want to collect, we are here to help you.

Yes they are all legal and do conform to BSAU145e standards

Here are our current available text styles on NP4D (not available on all sizes of plates, but 90%)

Printed – Normal flat printed plates
3D Gel – Just Gel digits direct onto plate (Legal Size)
4D 3mm – 3mm ‘high’ = thickness 4D Laser cut digits (Legal size)
4D 5mm – 5mm ‘high’ = thickness 4D laser cut digits (Legal Size)
4D 3mm + Gel – 3mm laser cut 4D digits + the 3D gel on top of these (Legal Size)
4D 5mm + Gel – 5mm laser cut 4D digits + the 3D gel on top of these (Legal Size)
4D 3mm – 3mm laser cut 4D digits + 3mm GHOST digits on top of these (Legal Size)
4D 5mm – 5mm laser cut 4D digits + 3mm GHOST digits on top of these (Legal Size)
4D 3mm – 3mm laser cut 4D digits + 3mm PYRAMID digits on top of these (Legal Size)
4D 5mm – 5mm laser cut 4D digits + 3mm PYRAMID digits on top of these (Legal Size)

When you type your order out on our Plate Builder our software will automatically change any lowercase letters into CAPITALS, as well as add the correct location for the space between the two banks of characters. However, it is worth studying your V5 and inputting your order as correctly as you can to avoid any mistakes. Our system is designed to spot any errors and report them to us and in turn we would contact you to make sure you are happy for us to continue with your order as you 100% absolutely want the plates to be. We would submit a second proof to you if it was felt something was incorrect.

However, if we receive an order that doesn’t conform to the DVLA correct format and standards contained with British Standard Mark BSAU145e, we will do all we can to contact you to clarify your true wishes. Please carefully type your correct registration and correct spacing (all in UPPERCASE) so as to reduce the needs for our admin team to contact you needlessly.

Yes borders are road legal and can be added via the our Plate Builder. You have a few choices available.

No, Smoked or Tinted number plates are not legal in the UK. This is because their tinted or darkened appearance may lead to less number plate visibility for ANPR cameras and police, which is illegal as per the DVLA guidelines.

Yes, You can buy a number plate without a car. Many people buy show number plates or normal number plates for either showcasing inside the house or for their future vehicle purchase.

No, Green badge number plates are not a legal requirement. They are part of the initiative to promote the use of electric vehicles. The main purpose of Electric car number plates is to create an identifiable recognition for electric vehicles and it also provides practical benefits to the car owners like being eligible for several incentives and exemptions.

A number plate in the UK becomes illegal when the DVLA guidelines are not adhered to and the number plate might have one of the issues like incorrect font, obscured characters, improper spacing, non-standard characters, non-reflective materials, incorrect size and shape, inappropriate background or borders, damaged or worn plates, or unapproved design elements.

Yes, Ghost number plates are legal in the UK when conform to the DVLA correct format and standards contained with British Standard Mark BSAU145e. The basic requirements that need to be fulfilled include the number plates must be made from durable material, must have correct size and shape, and the letters as well as numbers must be visible and legible.
This needs a link to the more details page of the Ghost plates

Yes, Hex number plates are legal in the UK when they meet all the requirements of the DVLA. The most critical factors to be followed and taken care of are the dimension and spacing between the characters, these must be accurate and a minimum margin between letters and the edges should be 11 mm.
This needs a link to the more details page of the Hex plate

Yes, Metal number plates are legal in the UK when they follow specific guidelines set by DVLA for pressed metal number plates.

Find a link to a blog for me details Mark

Need to source a supplier yet also??

This isn’t an advertisement. However, it’s a legal requirement to have the manufacturer’s name and postcode and the British Standard Mark BSAU145e on license plates. It is Mandatory for legal plates.

Sorry, Unfortunately this is no longer allowed.

Yes, and quite rightly so. NP4D’s plates are made using the highest quality material that meets the British Standards BSAU145e. Our 4D, 3D and printed number plates are picked up by speeding cameras, ULEZ, Congestion, Barriers and Tunnels etc.

Add these in to the paragraph…..

Standard Printed Plates
4D 3mm thick and 5mm thick
3D Gel
4D + GEL on top
4D Ghost & 4D Pyramid
4D Retro

Here at NP4D, the quality of our products is of paramount importance to us and we promise NEVER to send you an item that has not passed our strict quality checks. We also provide lots of opportunities for proofing your order and plate design to ensure any issues are picked up before you order leave us.

Due to the custom nature of our plates, we can only provide a refund if there is damage or an unnoticed mistake on our part on the final plate. We are sure you understand this, as with each plate being unique, we cannot then pass this product on to another customer. Please, therefore, ensure that you are 100% sure about your purchase before you place your order, as we will regretfully be unable to refund your money if you simply change your mind.

Should you have a problem such as damage or an error, we will be, of course, happy to refund you asap. If you do need to obtain a refund, please get in touch with our team by either calling, emailing, or by visiting our contact form. Please, at this time, provide full details of the error or damage and we will look to action your requests accordingly.

Your right to cancel an order starts the moment you place your order and doesn’t end until 14 days from the day you receive your goods.
There are some orders where you won’t have the right to cancel, these include items that are bespoke or personalised.
Made up Number Plates are a bespoke item, therefore we are unable to offer a full refund, If you need to cancel or change your order, you need to get in touch within 1 hour of placing your order to find out if the plate(s) have been made. If plates haven’t been made, we can cancel the order and offer you a full refund or alternatively you can change the order to another specification for example, if that’s what you want.
If plate is already made, then we cannot cancel the order, nor can we offer a refund. It’s your choice, you can have the plate(s) delivered to you or you can request it/they be destroyed.
In any case we will do all we can to help you however we can. Also, however we can refund the cost of accessories, and fitting kits if they are unused/unopened.

Yes we do, as we have our own in-house laser cutting and printing technology that we can make practically do anything you desire. If after searching the options within the ‘Bespoke’ section and you are struggling to see what you are searching for, fear not…. please either contact us via the contact form, you can email us, call us on the phone, if it’s more convenient for you or send us a WhatsApp; we are available in office hours! – Also on the Payment page, you can add any final instructions or a note. If we need to, we will submit a new proof to you for your final approval, before we manufacture your order).

No, Show plates are illegal for use on public UK roads – they are strictly intended for Show purposes only.
Following the latest iteration of the British Standard (BSAU 145e) in September 2021, various number plate styles (including 4D Krystal, 4D Neon Gel and Carbon Gel) are no longer road legal in the UK.
Consequently, NP4D strictly sell these as Bespoke plates. This means they are printed without our manufacturer details and the British Standard.

The law permits the purchase of number plates as a gift, so the names do not need to match on both documents.
You can use your own ID, and the entitlement certificate belonging to a family member or friend to purchase number plates from us.
For more information, please email help@aplates.co.uk.

We recommend using a mild soap solution and a microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials to keep your plates in top condition.

We are proud of our work and are confident in our workmanship. So much so, we offer a free 3-year warranty on every plate sold here at NP4D.
For more details and information about our warranty, please see our warranty policy page.

Yes, you can. If you are still waiting on the official documents, then please upload the purchase invoice to confirm your entitlement.

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