How do personalised number plates work ?

Personalised number plates are a way of making your car more individual. You will pay extra money to have your own choice of numbers and letters on the registration-usually a phrase , slogan or initials that mean something to you.

The cherished number. transfer scheme was introduced by the DVLA to give motorists the opportunity to personalise their vehicles.

WHAT TYPES OF PERSONALISED PLATE CAN YOU GET ?

CURRENT

As the name suggests, current is the style used for new car registrations today. This design has been around since 2001 and comprises seven characters. Its made up of two letters indicating the region the region it was registered , followed by two numbers indicating the vehicles age and finishing with three random letters.

Example - AB18 ABC

PREFIX

This style of plate was used in the UK between 1983 and 2001. It's called a prefix because the first letter indicates the vehicles age . For instance, a prefix plate that begins with a G was registered in August 1989.

Example A123 ABC

SUFFIX

This style of plate was issued in the UK between 1963 and 1983. It starts with the letter A and ends with a letter that indicates its age . If the plate ends on B for instance you will know its from 1964.

DATELESS

Dateless- style plates were used prior to 1963. They can be any combination of up to four numbers and three letters. There is nothing to indicate the vehicles age which makes them more desirable.

Example - 1 AB

WHAT ARE THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

Once you have bought your personalised number plate the DVLA will send you a certificate of entitlement (V750) which permits you to put the plate on your car.

You won't receive the actual number plate in the post, so you will need to take proof of your identity such as your driving license, along with your V750 to your nearest registered number plate supplier. They will make up your plate to fit your vehicle.

There are strict rules governing the correct display of registration plates. A private number plate must display :

. be made from reflective material

. display black characters on a white background on the front plate

. display black characters on yellow background on the rear plate

. not have a background pattern

. not have altered font or spacing

. not make the car seem younger than it isl