Are you considering investing in a private number plate for your vehicle? Here is everything you need to know before you start shopping:
What Are Private Number Plates?
Private or personalized number plates are the same vehicle registration plates you receive from the DVLA, except with unique number or letter combinations. These combinations may be used to denote special dates, words, or phrases, and must be specially made and purchased, rather than randomly issued the way standard plates are.
Why Might a Person Want Private Number Plates?
Given the fact that randomly issued Private Number Plates are perfectly sufficient for driving in the United Kingdom, why would anyone choose to pay for a special plate? There are many reasons, and yours will be as unique as you are. Just a few of the most common reasons to get a personalized plate include:
● Personal expression. Tell people who you are, who or what you love, or just refer to a date, phrase, or word with your plate.
● Business branding. Whatever your line of work, you can use your plate to advertise your skills in a blink.
● Investment opportunities. While you may not think of a custom DVLA plate as an investment, it can be! Choose a plate that is likely to increase in demand over time, and you have an appreciating asset.
● Great gift idea. Are you looking for a gift for the person who has everything? Get them something they will love and use every day – and think fondly of you when they do!
As you can see, there are many reasons you might want a custom DVLA number plate. However, it is important to note that these plates have strict rules and regulations regarding their issuance and use. Being familiar with these can help you enjoy your custom plate without going afoul of the law.
Rules Regarding Private Number Plates
If you have your DVLA plate issued by the DVLA without any custom content, it will generally follow a pattern that includes some notation of your location, vehicle age, and other randomized letters or numbers. However, custom plates come with a little more leeway to be creative – but that does not mean they do not also include quite a few rules to ensure road legality.
● No offensive or inappropriate content. This includes more than just references to crude or offensive language. It also means nothing that could refer to a copyrighted company or intellectual property, or to royalty or government office. This prevents confusion on the road – and keeps your car from offending other drivers.
● Proper format. The DVLA accepts only three formats when it comes to number plates. These include the current style, the prefix style, and the suffix style. For more information on these – and to figure out which your vehicle’s plate falls under – visit the DVLA website.
● Size, spacing, and font. Yes, even the smaller details of spacing, font, and letter sizing are important when it comes to your number plate. These may vary from area to area, and the size of your plate itself will vary depending on the vehicle it is attached to. If you have questions about these specifications, ask your local DVLA representative.
● Legal display. When displaying your personalized number plate, it must always be easily readable and correctly attached to the vehicle. If your plate is damaged or obscured, you could face penalties. Ensure that it is kept clean and in good condition, and if you are unsure about the rules, check the DVLA guidelines or consult a professional plate supplier.
Where Can You Purchase Private Number Plates?
If the idea of private or personalized number plates appeals to you, you are not alone. These plates have become immensely popular in recent years, especially since the government-issued plates that many drivers receive can seem boring to younger drivers. Once you know what kind of plate you are looking for, there are several ways you can purchase a custom plate, including:
● Directly from the DVLA. This is the easiest way for most drivers to purchase their plates. The DVLA sells custom plates directly, or you can purchase your plate through an auction held at scheduled times and locations through the DVLA. This latter option might be right for you if you know you want a custom plate but are not yet sure what kind of words or phrases you want on your plate. Choosing an available option at an auction can give you that unique plate experience without the hassle of coming up with the content yourself.
● From a private seller. You may also choose to deal with a private seller to get your plate. If someone online or in your area has a plate you really want, they might be willing to sell or transfer it to you.
● Through a third-party retailer. Third-party dealers or retailers work alongside the DVLA to get you legal number plates, often with website features or special promotions that can help you grab a great deal.
However you purchase your plate, be sure to talk to someone at the DVLA about any transfer process that might be required. This way, you can put your new plate to use right away and enjoy it on your vehicle or as a collector’s item.
