Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Number Plate FAQ's
Yes, all of our number plates are 100% road legal and fully comply with DVLA regulations and British Standard BS AU 145e. We ensure every plate is made to legal specifications, including correct font, spacing, and reflectivity. We also offer custom or show plate designs (e.g. custom fonts, spacing, colours) strictly for off-road use, such as car shows or private display. These will be clearly marked as ‘not for road use’ at the time of purchase and are not MOT compliant.
Yes, both 3D and 4D number plates are legal in the UK, provided they comply with DVLA regulations. This includes using the correct font (Charles Wright 2001), appropriate character spacing, and a single shade of black for characters. Plates must also display the supplier's name and the British Standard number 'BS AU 145e' for plates fitted after 1 September 2021.
To be road legal, UK number plates must:
- Be made from reflective material.
- Display black characters on a white background (front plate) and black characters on a yellow background (rear plate).
- Use the standard 'Charles Wright 2001' font.
- Have characters of the correct size and spacing.
- Include the supplier's name and postcode.
- Show the British Standard number 'BS AU 145e' for plates fitted after 1 September 2021.
No, not all sellers are legally authorised to supply number plates. While you might find very cheap plates from sellers on platforms like eBay or unverified websites, these are often not registered with the DVLA and may produce illegal or non-compliant plates. Only DVLA-registered number plate suppliers (like DWDPLATES) can legally manufacture and sell road-legal plates. Always carry out due diligence before purchasing — check that the seller is registered, complies with British Standard BS AU 145e, and provides valid documentation. Buying from a trusted supplier ensures your plate is MOT compliant, road legal, and won't result in fines or failed vehicle inspections.
Driving with illegal number plates can result in:
- A fine of up to £1,000.
- MOT failure.
- Vehicle seizure in severe cases.
No, your number plates are still legal if they were manufactured and fitted before 1st September 2021. These plates adhere to the previous standard, BS AU 145d, which remains valid for plates installed before that date. You are not required to replace them unless they become damaged, faded, or otherwise illegible. The updated standard, BS AU 145e, applies only to number plates supplied and fitted on or after 1st September 2021. This newer standard introduces enhancements for durability and legibility, including improved resistance to abrasion and better readability by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems. As long as your existing plates meet the BS AU 145d standard and remain in good condition, they are fully compliant with current UK regulations.
Yes, you can display certain flags or identifiers on your number plate, such as the Union Jack, St George's Cross, or national identifiers like 'UK'. However, these must comply with DVLA specifications regarding size and positioning.
We dispatch all orders the same day if placed before 2pm (Monday to Friday). Orders placed after 2pm or on weekends will be dispatched the next working day. Delivery times vary based on your location, with standard next day delivery taking 1-3 business days.
As all our number plates and custom key rings are made to order, we do not accept returns unless the item is defective. If you believe your product is defective, please contact us as soon as possible. We will require verification of the defect before processing any returns or exchanges. For more information, please visit our Returns Policy page.
Once your number plate order is confirmed, we begin processing it right away. If you need to make changes to your order, please contact us as soon as possible. If your order has not yet been produced or dispatched, we'll do our best to accommodate your request. Please note that custom items may be more difficult to alter once production has started.
Key Ring FAQ's
No, your keyring can say anything you like! Whether it’s a loved one’s name, a special phrase, or a registration you’ve always wanted, it’s completely up to you.
No charging needed. Our Key Rings naturally absorb light from any source, whether it’s daylight or artificial lighting. Just leave them on your desk or countertop, and they’ll glow in the dark automatically.
You can personalise your keyring text in any way you like. Get creative and swap letters for numbers (like “S” for “5” or “E” for“3”), add spaces, or combine names and phrases.
You can use up to 12 characters (including numbers). All alphabet letters and numbers are allowed. Special characters (like “-” or “/”) may be possible upon request.
No, our keyrings are single-sided only. A solid backing is needed to securely hold the design and keyring together, so double sided printing isn’t possible with these items.
Once your custom key ring order is confirmed, we begin processing it right away. If you need to make changes to your order, please contact us as soon as possible. If your order has not yet been produced or dispatched, we'll do our best to accommodate your request. Please note that custom items may be more difficult to alter once production has started.
