The majority of modern number plates are generally made of acrylic, which is a type of plastic. However, acrylic isn’t the only material which has been used to create number plates. One other form of number plate you might be familiar with are aluminium number plates – sometimes referred to as pressed number plates.

The legality of these aluminium number plates however is something which isn’t entirely straightforward, and largely depends on factors such as how old your vehicle is, and when it was first registered. You may be interested in aluminium plates. You might even own an older vehicle which has these plates, but you’re unsure whether it is legally allowed on the road with them.

Whatever your situation, we’ve put together an overview of aluminium pressed metal plates, and we’ll also take a look at whether they are legal for your vehicle.

Aluminium pressed number plates – what are they?

Aluminium pressed metal number plates are essentially exactly what they sound like – they’re a type of number plate made out of aluminium. The ‘pressed’ part is referring to the letters and numbers they display, which are physically raised from the background through a process known as pressing.

Many drivers today find these plates to be aesthetically appealing, preferring them to the standard acrylic white and yellow number plates. They are especially popular on retro vehicles – especially when the vehicle’s country of origin allowed pressed plates at the time the car was manufactured. For instance, lots of people in the retro VW scene try to replicate the German pressed plates of the 80s or 90s.

As such, a wide variety of drivers are interested in using pressed aluminium plates on their vehicles. That brings us to the main question – is it legal to drive with aluminium number plates?

Are aluminium pressed number plates legal?

At one point in time, pressed plates were the standard type of number plate issued to cars. However, from March 2001 onward, rules regarding pressed aluminium plates changed. In that month, a new British Standard – BS AU 145D – was introduced, which went over exactly number plates have to be displayed for cars registered since then. This standard went on to be updated to the BS AU 145E in September 2021, where the rules surrounding aluminium number plates remained the same.

An aluminium pressed number plate would not meet the requirements of modern number plates, despite the rules not stating outright that pressed metal plates are illegal. In order for them to be road legal, number plates need to be made out of inherently reflective material – they can not have material or a coating added to them to make them reflective after the fact. Pressed aluminium plates made reflective in this way are referred to as being made ‘retroactively reflective’, and as we said, are not legally permitted.

Being inherently reflective is just one of the standards that pressed aluminium number plates don not meet. The rules also state that number plates must be resistant to bending. Pressed metal number plates are not flexible enough to retake their original shape if they end up getting bend out of it.

With all of this taken into consideration, any pressed metal number plates would not meet the standards to be considered legal for cars registered after March 2021. Whilst in the future there may be pressed plates that abide by the rules, being reflective and resistant to being bent out of shape, but as of right now, that’s certainly not the case. In order to ensure your number plates are road legal, make sure that you always purchase them from a specialist such as New Reg – it’s the best way to have confidence in your plates.

As we mentioned earlier though, at one point in time, aluminium number plates were the standard issued plates for cars. Due to this, the legality of aluminium number plates is actually very different depending on what car you own. It all comes down to what year your car was first registered in the UK.

When exactly are pressed metal plates legal?

While white and yellow acrylic plates are the standard in this day and age, cars registered in the UK in 1972 and earlier would have been issued with aluminium number plates. You may have seen these black pressed aluminium plates, featuring silver characters, still being used on the road today. The reason that they are still able to be read, despite aluminium not being an inherently reflective material, is that they are made retroactively reflective.

Cars from this time period are still allowed to use these kinds of number plates as they are deemed to be ‘classic cars’. However, the plates used by classic cars must still abide to the rules which were in place at the specific time they were issued.

Pressed metal number plates and classic cars

Vehicles which are considered ‘classic cars’ – that is, cars older than 40 which haven’t been subject to substantial modification – have a fair number of perks, many of which are related to the kind of number plates they are legally permitted to use. As we mentioned, cars which were registered during 1972 and earlier are legally allowed to make use of black and silver aluminium plates.

Vehicles from even earlier than this – from before the 1950s – are legally allowed to use black and white painted aluminium number plates. The font used on these classic number plates is also a slightly different size than modern plates. Going back even further than that, cars registered during or before the 1930s can use cast aluminium plates, forged from molten aluminium!

The perks of owning a classic car don’t stop there though. Any car the DVLA considers to be classic is not required to pay road tax. They also do not have to take part in an annual MOT test. However, they are still required to be able to function in a way that is considered safe and fit for the road.

While checking out your private number plate online allows you to picture what it could look like displayed on your car, there’s no substitute for being able to see it assigned to your make and model of vehicle.

If you’ve asked yourself the question ‘how will a number plate look on my car?’, then here at New Reg, we can help.

We’ve created the innovative Number Plate Builder tool for this very purpose. Not only will you be able to view the plate you pick on a wide selection of models and auto marques, you can also try your hand at a little customisation. Read on to discover how you can get personal with your plates here at New Reg.

What will my number plate look like?

If you’ve pondered how a personal plate might look on your vehicle or wish to try on some styles for size before purchasing a private registration, we can assist you. With our easy-to-use Number Plate Builder tool, you’ll have the advantage of previewing your dream plate on your car and you can select from our range of customisation possibilities.

Our Number Plate Builder feature has been designed to give you a future glimpse of what your preferred plate will look like after it’s assigned to your vehicle. Super easy to use, in a matter of seconds you’ll see your private plate displayed on a range of popular models and makes.

All you need to do is input the registration you’re looking to buy and select the make and model of car that matches yours from the drop-down option list. When you’ve made your choice, simply click ‘view’ to see the result. The vehicle you’ve picked will now display your new personalised number plate.

Number plate styles

You might have a personalised registration or one that is standard issue, but regardless of this, UK law forbids altering the spacing between characters shown on a number plate. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has strict measurements concerning not just spacing between characters but also the margins surrounding them. While you can’t alter the height of a number plate, you can decrease the width of a plate if you possess a short registration with fewer characters. Failure to adhere to the rules could result in a hefty fine or MOT failure. These rigid laws are developed to make sure registrations are clear to read in all light conditions by both the authorities and other drivers.

With our plate builder you can see how your private number plate will look on your car of choice, but you’ll also be able to test a range of customisation options before buying. All our options for styling up your plate at New Reg stick to the UK laws for number plates, so you won’t have to worry about unnecessary fines or failed tests.

Through our Number Plate Builder, your private registration can be previewed in a selection of different styles that include carbon, standard and hiline, along with the very latest in 3D effects. You can also view what your plates will look like if they are framed by a smart black border.

While number plates carried by UK cars must always be yellow with black alphanumeric characters at the rear, and white with black alphanumeric characters at the front, you’ll still be able to add extra colour if you opt to include a national flag. Try out plates with a red, white and blue Union Jack, a red and white St George Cross, a blue and white St Andrews cross, or the red dragon of Wales.

When you need to transfer a private number plate, there are two steps that need to be completed. Firstly, the plate must be removed from the donor vehicle, unless it is already held on a retention certificate. Secondly, the private registration must be assigned to a recipient van, motorcycle or car.

How to transfer a private number plate

Removing a private number plate from a car and assigning it to another vehicle are procedures that involve informing the DVLA.

Removing a plate from a vehicle

Checking the vehicle’s eligibility is the first stage in removing a private number plate, as it must comply with the conditions set out by the DVLA. It should have road tax or be subject to a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). It must also possess an MOT certificate and be DVLA registered.

The car, van or other vehicle should be able to move under its own power and must also be available for inspection in case this is required by the DVLA.

When applying online, the registration might be removed immediately, while a postal application can take up to a fortnight to complete. When removing a private plate, you must either reassign it to another vehicle or obtain a V778 retention certificate to protect your rights to that registration. The DVLA currently charges an £80 fee for the removal.

How to transfer a private number plate from retention to a vehicle

If the number plate is already held on a retention certificate, or V778, then it’s a simple process to transfer the plate to a vehicle as long as the DVLA’s conditions are satisfied. These include having an MOT and car tax, as well as the ability for the vehicle to move via its own power. It should also be available for inspection.

How to transfer a private number plate to a car

There is also a DVLA rule stating that you cannot use any private number plate that might be misleading due to making the car seem newer than it actually is. For example, you cannot use a “17” plate on an “05” car, or an “03” plate on a car that originally had a “Y” prefix.

You can apply for the transfer online or by post. When applying online, the private plate could be immediately assigned, whereas a postal application may take up to two weeks. Applying for the assignment of the number plate is free.

How long to transfer a private number plate?

The removal and assignment steps may each take up to a fortnight, so if you are doing both by post, then you should allow around a month. It does depend on how you apply, as online applications often result in immediate removal or assignment when an inspection is not required.

How to transfer a private number plate online

Transferring a private number plate online is by far the easiest way to complete the process. Assuming a vehicle inspection is not required by the DVLA, the transfer may be completed immediately, meaning you don’t have to wait to remove a number plate or assign a new one.

To remove a number plate online, you will only need the vehicle’s log book (V5C), and you must be the owner of the vehicle.

When assigning a private plate online, you must have an online reference number, a V778 retention certificate, or a V750 entitlement document. You can apply via the DVLA website between 7:00am and 7:00pm, and the private number plate may be immediately assigned if the car does not need an inspection. You therefore need to have new number plates ready to put on.

If you want to transfer a number plate, there are two basic steps involved in doing so.

Firstly, you need to take that plate off the donor vehicle – unless of course the number plate is on a retention certificate rather than a vehicle. The next step is to assign that registration to the recipient vehicle.

When it comes to how to transfer a number plate, bear in mind that the processes of removing a number plate from a vehicle and assigning it to another vehicle must both be completed via the DVLA.

Taking a plate off a vehicle

To remove a personalised number plate from a vehicle, you must initially check eligibility. The vehicle itself must adhere to certain DVLA terms and conditions, such as having current road tax or a SORN in place, an MOT pass certificate, and being DVLA registered. It must also be able to move by means of its own power and be available for inspection, as the DVLA does decide to inspect some vehicles when an application is made.

You can then apply online or by post. With the former, the plate may immediately be removed, while postal applications take up to two weeks to process. When taking a plate off a vehicle, you either need to reassign it to another vehicle right away or put it on a V778 retention certificate to protect your right to use or trade it in future. There is currently a fee of £80 for the transfer.

How to transfer a number plate to another vehicle

If you are assigning the number plate to another vehicle, then you will need a retention certificate, an online reference number or a V750 “certificate of entitlement”. One of these will have been issued when you bought the number plate or removed it from another vehicle. Again, conditions apply regarding the vehicle, including availability for inspection as well as having a current MOT and road tax, plus the means to move under its own power.

Some numbers cannot be assigned. These include any that begin with “NIQ” or “Q”, and you also cannot put a different plate onto any “Q” registered car. Also, it is not permitted to use a number plate that would make a car seem newer than it really is.

Again, you can apply online or by post, and if applying online the number plate might be immediately assigned. Postal applications take up to two weeks to process. Either way, it’s free to apply.

How long does it take to transfer a number plate?

Whether you’re removing or assigning a number plate, each of these two steps can take up to two weeks to complete if you’re applying by post. When applying online, the number plate may immediately be removed and assigned, as long as the DVLA does not wish to inspect the vehicle concerned.

How to transfer a number plate to another person

Once more, you can apply online or by post to transfer your number plate to someone else. Either way, you will need the log book (V5C) of the vehicle to which you are assigning the plate, plus a V778 retention certificate or a V750 entitlement certificate. Online applications will normally result in the number being assigned to the recipient vehicle straight away, while postal applications take a little longer.

How to transfer a number plate online

To transfer a number plate online, you need to follow the relevant steps detailed above. The number plate will first be removed from the donor vehicle. Then it needs to be assigned, and the exact procedure differs slightly according to whether or not you know the person whose vehicle is to receive the number plate.

If you want to sell your number plate, you’re in the right place. At New Reg, we offer assistance from our number plate experts. Our experience from selling thousands of plates means we’re very well placed to give a realistic valuation, and then to sell the plate on your behalf. We have in-depth knowledge of personalised plate market trends, and if you want to access more buyers, with the aim of obtaining the highest price possible, then why not get in touch? We offer a free, no obligation number plate valuation service.

How to sell a number plate

Selling a personalised number plate privately can be a time-consuming task, so why not let New Reg deal with the sale? We can attract buyers, answer any questions and do everything we can to make the process as simple and straightforward as possible. If you want to sell a private number plate, why not contact New Reg today?

A free valuation

The first thing you need to do when selling a number plate is to get a realistic valuation, which is why we provide a simple valuation form that takes only a few moments to complete. It’s completely free to use, and you are under no obligation to sell through us. All we need is the private plate you might want to sell, as well as your contact details. Once one of our professionals has valued the registration, they will get in touch with you to provide the quote.

Sell with New Reg

If you decide to go ahead and put the plate up for sale, we can agree a price with you. Only when you’re completely satisfied will we advertise the plate here on the New Reg website, immediately reaching buyers who are searching for the perfect personalised plate. When selling via New Reg, you benefit from exposure to our high rates of site traffic.

How do I sell my number plate privately?

You can of course sell your number plate privately. The main concern here is reaching interested buyers, so you have to think carefully about how you plan to do this. Would you place an ad in a shop window, the local newspaper, or on a social media buying and selling page? If so, you might attract buyers that live near you, but what about the rest of the country?

Supply and demand

Selling a private number plate is all about what someone is willing to pay for it. The price tag generally increases when there is more interest in it, so having access to more buyers is clearly beneficial. You can get your free, no obligation quote from New Reg before deciding how to proceed.

How to sell a number plate on retention

If you have a number plate that’s on retention rather than in use on a vehicle, then the process is very much the same. In fact, it is even simplified by the fact that you do not need to remove that plate from a vehicle at any point as the sale progresses. A number plate on retention can be assigned to another car, van or motorbike right away, so once we’ve found a willing buyer, the sale should progress very smoothly and rapidly indeed.

How to sell a number plate back to the DVLA

The DVLA does have its own dedicated number plate sales website, but doesn’t buy plates from private sellers. In order to sell your plate through a number plate dealer, you need to use a company like New Reg, who can handle the sale on your behalf.

If you are planning to change or get rid of your car, motorbike or van, then you may need to remove and retain a personalised number plate from the vehicle. In some cases, you might be purchasing a private number plate as an investment and not intending to use it on a car, van or motorcycle. The following guide will help if either of these apply to you.

Why retain a private number plate?

Putting a private number plate on retention gives you the right to assign or sell it in future. The majority of private number plates can be placed on retention for use in the near or distant future. The exception is plates that start with “Q’ or “NIQ” .

A V778 retention document can be obtained from the DVLA, and this protects your right to the private registration. The document lasts for a decade, and can be renewed before it expires. If you retain a private plate and the donor vehicle is to be used, it will be given a replacement registration; this is often the one it formerly had.

The alternative to retention is to surrender your right to the private plate. This is not generally advisable, bearing in mind the often high value of personalised registrations.

How to retain a private number plate

A set of conditions relating to the vehicle apply to private number plate retention. It must be DVLA registered. It will also usually require an MOT pass, or in the case of a heavy goods vehicle (HGV), an HGV test pass. It should either have current road tax, or a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). If the SORN has existed for more than five years, the vehicle needs current tax. The vehicle also has to be capable of motion by means of its own power. Sometimes, the DVLA will inspect vehicles. The organisation will get in touch if this is required.

You can apply by post or online, although only by post if the vehicle doesn’t belong to you, as the replacement log book would have to be sent to the actual owner.

How to retain a private number plate online

You can apply for your retention online between 7:00am and 7:00pm on the DVLA website. The log book, or V5C, will be needed. The private number plate will be removed straight away if an inspection is not deemed necessary, so you should be ready. Your vehicle must not be driven with the private number plate once the DVLA has confirmed its removal. Thus, you need to replace the plates with the new registration or you cannot use the car.

How to retain a private number plate by post

If a vehicle inspection isn’t required, the private number would be removed within a couple of weeks. To apply by post, you must send documentation to the DVLA. The organisation will require the log book, or if you’ve just acquired the car, the new keeper slip with a completed V62 form. You also need to send a V317 to the address on the form, enclosing the stipulated fee.

If you must tax the vehicle, you also need to send an “application for vehicle tax” (V10) form, along with the correct amount of tax and the vehicle’s MOT pass certificate.

How much is it to retain a private number plate?

The DVLA charges a transfer fee when you apply for a private number plate retention. At the time of writing, this is set at £80, but this can of course change. You may also need to pay for new number plates to be made up.

If you are thinking of changing your car, or even doing without one for a while, you might wish to retain a personalised number plate that was in use on the vehicle. You may also want to buy one or a series of number plates for investment purposes, without actually putting them onto a car, motorcycle or van. If you need to know how to retain a number plate, the following guide should be helpful.

Why might you retain a number plate?

If you place a number plate on retention, it will remain yours to assign, or sell on, in the future. A retention document protects your right to that registration. It lasts for 10 years, and can also be renewed.

When retaining a private plate, the vehicle will be assigned a replacement number – usually the one it would have been registered with in the first place. Most number plates can be retained for later use or to assign to another vehicle in the near future – unless they begin with “NIQ” or “Q”. Neither of these types of plate can be retained.

The alternative is to give up the right to a private plate if you don’t wish to use it, but in reality this would not be a wise course of action, as personalised registrations can be very valuable.

How to retain a number plate

There are certain conditions that apply to number plate retention, and these depend on the vehicle itself. To be eligible, the vehicle has to be registered with the DVLA. It must be able to move by means of its own power, and be the kind of car, van or motorcycle that normally has to pass an MOT. If it’s a heavy goods vehicle (HGV), it must also have passed an HGV test. It should either have a continuous Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) in place for five years, or should be currently taxed. If a SORN has been in place for over five years, the vehicle has to be taxed when you apply for the retention. In some cases, the DVLA may wish to inspect vehicles, so it must be available if this happens.

You can apply for the retention either by post or online. If it isn’t your vehicle, then only postal applications are permitted, and the new log book would be sent to the owner in due course.

How to retain a number plate online

You can apply between 7:00am and 7:00pm each day via the DVLA website. You will need the V5C, or log book, when you apply. You also have to pay the DVLA transfer fee when applying; this is currently £80 but may be subject to change.

If your vehicle doesn’t need an inspection, the number plate will be removed right away. Therefore you must be prepared before taking this step, as the car or van cannot be driven with this number plate once it has been removed by the DVLA.

How long does it take to retain a number plate?

Your number plate may be removed instantly if you apply online. If you make a postal application, the number plate will be removed within two weeks of its receipt. You will be sent a V778 retention document, your MOT certificate and a new V5C. The latter may take up to six weeks to arrive.

The V778 retains your rights to that number plate for a decade, and you will receive a reminder before expiry. Your right must be renewed if you wish to continue with the retention. It is vital not to sell or otherwise dispose of your vehicle until you get the V778, as you could lose your right to that number plate.

So you’ve made the decision to change your standard number plate for a personalised one. You’ve found the perfect private number plate, and New Reg has sorted out the transfer paperwork with the DVLA and we’re producing your new plates. They will arrive in the post any day now, so you need to start thinking about how to physically take off the old number plates in preparation.

Before you try to remove your number plate

The first step in removing the old number plates is to determine exactly how they have been fixed on. There are several options. They will have been secured with screws or pop rivets, or they will have been stuck on with super strong double sided tape or sticky pads. The process of removal differs slightly for each option.

How to remove the number plate

Here is a brief guide to removing your number plates, depending on how they were fixed onto your vehicle:

How to remove screws from a number plate

If your number plates are fixed by means of screws, the first thing to do is to remove any plastic screw covers, if there are any. These are usually white, black or perhaps yellow plastic caps that hide the screws and give a neater finish.

Once any screw covers are out of the way, you can proceed with unscrewing. Once the screws are loose, you can pull the number plate off. It’s wise to take care when doing this, however.

Make sure you hold the plate firmly after the screws have been taken off, as this stops the plate falling and causing damage to your car. You also need to be aware that some screwed-on number plates will have had double sided tape or sticky pads applied, to improve adhesion. If this is the case, see below for a guide on how to remove these.

It is worth retaining your current number plates if you want to screw on your new number plates, as you can use these as a template to show exactly where the screw holes should go.

How to remove double sided tape from a car number plate

You can use this method to remove either sticky pads or tape. Some stuck-on number plates can easily and quickly be removed. Place your fingers under the edge of the number plate and pull firmly but evenly. This may be enough to unstick the plate.

If the plates are more firmly attached, the best technique is to use some dental floss, fishing line or string to aid removal. This method cuts through the stickiness while avoiding damage to your vehicle’s bodywork. Just wrap some around your fingers, and work it back and forth behind where the number plates are stuck, working your way along until the number plate can be removed.

If still more assistance is required, the application of heat can be helpful, so try using a hairdryer or heat gun to loosen the adhesive.

How to remove pop rivets from a number plate

Pop rivets are tubular-shaped metal fixings, and they are fitted into a pre-drilled hole. They might then have been locked into place using a rivet gun. Pop rivets are not used that often to fix car number plates, and removing them can pose more of a challenge than screws or adhesives.

Normally, the procedure would be to use the same sized drill bit as was used for fixing, but this will enlarge the existing hole, so use a slightly smaller drill bit if that’s possible. If the hole is enlarged, then a larger drill bit would be required when re-riveting – if you plan to do so. Alternatively, you could decide to stick the new plates in place instead.

At first glance, a car number plate can seem like an arbitrary sequence of numbers and letters. To some degree this is the case, as certain parts of each plate are simply sequences that are random. This is to ensure there are enough unique combinations so that each vehicle is distinguishable from the next.

The format of a plate, however, is not random, and it can tell you a bit about the vehicle. If you know how to read car number plates, you can often tell a car’s age and where it was first registered. Private plates often ‘hide’ these variables, and this is one of many reasons why they are so prized.

It is illegal to use any number plate that would make a motorcycle, van or car seem newer than it really is, so even where personalised registrations are used, you can be confident that the vehicle is the age indicated by the plate – or older. It will not be newer – unless the driver is breaking the law.

How does the number plate system work?

The format of each number plate depends on its age. There are four main types of number plate in use – the current (or new style) plate, the prefix plate, the suffix plate and the dateless plate.

New style plates

The format currently used by the DVLA dates back to 2001, and should remain in use for some time yet to come as it was specifically designed to produce as many plates as possible. This is to satisfy increasing demand.

These plates begin with two letters which indicate the area in which the car or van was first registered. These are followed by two numbers, which denote the year. There is then a gap, followed by three random letters. These are used to give a large number of unique sequences, so that each vehicle has a distinct number plate for identification.

Prefix plates

Prefix plates preceded new style plates. They begin with a letter which once more relates to the year of manufacture. There are then two or three digits between 21 and 999. (Numbers 1 to 20 were reserved by the DVLA for special issue, as were several other numbers such as 40 or 888). After the space, prefix plates end in three letters; the last two often show the location where the vehicle was first registered.

Suffix plates

Suffix plates start with a random three-letter sequence. After the space, there are one, two or three numbers, then the plate ends with the suffix letter. The suffix indicates the age of the vehicle, just as the prefix does on the plates that came later.

Dateless plates

Dateless number plates go back as far as 1903. The sequence starts with one or two letters, which indicate the area of issue. There is then a space, followed by a series of digits between 1 and 9999. In 1932, the dateless plate format was altered, and the plates then began with three letters. They were followed by a space, and finally a three-digit combination between 1 and 999.

How to read number plates

The first step in reading number plate is to establish the type by checking which of the above formats apply. You can then tell the age of the car – although it could be older if a private plate is in use. If you know the area codes, you may also be able to establish the region in which the vehicle was first registered. Beyond these, the combination is a random sequence, enabling a unique number plate to be issued to every single vehicle registered in the UK.