How Much Is A Replacement Standard Number Plate?

Have you recently taken your car for MOT, or had a small car park bump that’s knocked your standard number plates unreadable? Number plates are one of the most important features on your car as they give each vehicle a unique identity mark, otherwise known as a vehicle registration mark or VRM. Every car has a number plate. With one on the front and back, it makes a vehicle unique, for many of us, number plates are just a random sequence of letters and numbers that can sometimes be difficult to remember.

In this blog, we’ll answer the never ending question, ‘How Much Is A Replacement Number Plate?’

DWDPLATES are a Limited Company which are registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). We have been registered for years, and have followed the regulations meticulously to ensure we are on the correct side of the law. Over the years, we have sold thousands of 3D Plates, 4D Plates and 4D Gel Plates. After all, we are the UKs Number 1 Number Plate Manufacturer. In addition to the above, we also specialise in Personalised Number Plate Key Rings, and Private Number Plates. If it’s Number Plate related, we have it!

What Is A Standard Number Plate?

A standard number plate, also known as a 2D plate or flat print plate, is a plate that is released from the DVLA for every vehicle on UK roads, whether it’s a car, bike or caravan. When a car is released it is assigned a unique registration which is printed as a standard number plate. Most standard number plates seen on UK roads today use a format that was introduced in 2001. This is a 7-character layout, split into 2 sections – except for Northern Ireland which uses a modified version of this.

The sequence follows a rule of 2 letters followed by 2 numbers, then 3 more letters after a space. Formally known as a local memory tag, the 2 letters represent where in the UK the car was first registered. The first letter represents the area – for example, L represents London, Y is Yorkshire, B is for models registered in the Birmingham area and S signifies Scotland. The second letter tells you the postal area it was registered in. For example, Hampshire and Dorset have 3 postal areas – Bournemouth, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. Multiple letters are used for each postal area.

When Should I Get A Replacement Number Plate Made?

With a huge increase of vehicles on UK roads, the M1 Motorway now carries over 130,000 vehicles per day. With so many vehicles on the road, you may find yourself with a damaged set of number plates. The reasons for a damaged number plate are endless, but one thing is for sure, if you have a damaged number plate, you must get this replaced as soon as possible as it may mean your car is no longer road worthy. Here are some reasons you may need to purchase a standard set of plates:

• Damaged Plates Due To Accident
• Damaged Plates Due To Rough Road Conditions
• Damaged Plates Due To Theft or Criminal Damage
• Deteriorated Number Plates
• Upcoming yearly MOT
• Number Plate Gift For Family & Friends
• Private Plate Purchase

DWDPLATES specialise in all things number plates, so you can be sure that we can provide you with a level of service that is unheard of. Whether you’re looking for a standard plate, 3D Reg Plate, or even a set of brand new 4D Number Plates, we have it all. DWDPLATES are DVLA registered and can manufacture and distribute fully road legal number plates, meaning you can fly through your yearly MOT.

What Are The Key Differences Between Custom Plates and Standard Plates?

• Material: Custom Plates such as 3D Number Plates, are manufactured from Polyurethane Resin which is a thermoplastic polymer, whereas standard plates are completely manufactured from reflective material as well as acrylic materials. Standard Plates do not have extruded characters, they are imbedded into the printed reflective.
• Visual: Custom Number Plates typically have characters that extrude in depth and have rounded edges, with a gel or acrylic finish. Standard plates are completely flat, and do not have any depth.
• Manufacturing: With both styles of these plates, DWDPLATES manufacture everything in house, and make these plates by hand. For custom plates, characters are placed manually by our highly trained team, leaving you with an elite and elevated finish. Standard plates, are also assembled by hand, but no characters are placed, they are instead printed.
• Cost: Due to higher manufacturing times, and material cost, custom plates typically start at £45, where as you can pickup a set of replacement standard plates for just £30.

Below, the difference between the plate styles are shown, there is no style that is better than the other! Plates highlight your personality, and are therefore based off opinion and preference!

2D Flat Print Number Plate

4D Acrylic Number Plate

3D Gel Custom Number Plates

When purchasing a number plate, you will be asked for legal documentation to prove your identity and your rights to use a registration. If you are not asked, this should be a red flag and you should immediately avoid this seller. If you are found to be driving with illegal number plates, you can find yourself in trouble with a hefty fine to pay! Here is a list of the documents you may be asked to provide.

How Do I Order Acrylic Plates?

DWDPLATES make the process of ordering a number plate easy and seamless, the process is as follows:

1. Head to the DWDPLATES website.
2. Browse our various number plate styles, such as 3D Gel Plates & 5D Gel Plates. Select the plate style you want in our shop section.
3. Enter Your Registration in the box provided, your number plate will be manufactured to this exact specification.
4. Once selected, you are able to choose custom options, such as tinting, custom sizing and even legality options.
5. Select preferred optional accessories such as our Number Plate Key Rings and Number Plate Sticky Pads.
6. Check out using our trusted and secure payment methods. We offer PayPal, Credit Card, Debit Card & even Klarna!

In Summary:

• Standard Number Plates are known as 2D or Flat Number Plates
• Standard Number Plates are released on every vehicle released in the UK as standard.
• You might need a replacement number plate if your plate is damaged, stolen or deteriorated.
• Standard Plates typically cost £30 for the set, front and rear.
• Although they seem similar, 2D Plates and custom plates are in fact very different, and your choice is completely down to preference!