Buying a personalised number plate is a fun, unique way to make your car stand out from the crowd, all while giving it a personal touch.
In the UK, personalised number plates need to follow certain rules and regulations in order for them to be road legal. They’re available in a range of styles and, when picked right, can add a touch of character to your vehicle.
Below, we’ve shared five tips that you can use to choose a personalised number plate that’s a good match for both your vehicle and your personality, all without breaking the bank.
Understand How the Format Works
In the UK, personalised number plates need to follow a certain format, meaning you can’t use a plate that’s exclusively made up of just letters or numbers. There are three different plate styles, each of which is designed according to the DVLA’s standards.
Classic style number plates consist of five characters and use the following format — one letter, followed by one number, followed by three letters.
Current style number plates are made up of seven characters and use the following format — two letters, followed by a one or two-digit number, followed by three letters.
Finally, dateless number plates only consist of a combination of letters and numbers, with the letters appearing first. These plates can be used to make interesting words, such as specific nicknames or car model numbers.
Even if you choose a personalised number plate, it will still need to comply with the formatting standards set by the DVLA. Stick to these formats and you can pick any combination of letters and numbers that works for you and is available.
Special Car? Consider Using its Model Number
If you have a unique or eye-catching car, you can use its model number to make a personalised number plate that will stand out to car enthusiasts while generally flying under the radar with the general public.
For example, a dateless plate with 911 is a great choice if you’re a Porsche owner. Using a car’s model number allows for a massive variety of combinations, especially if you opt for a dateless plate.
Consider a Date of Birth and Initials Plate
Another popular option is to use your date of birth and initials to create a personalised number plate that’s purely yours.
For example, if your initials are JCR and you were born on May 18th, you could create a plate that uses “JCR” and “185”. Another option is to pick a four-number dateless number plate and use your year of birth for the number section.
Use Your Nickname for a Fun Custom Plate
If you have a fun nickname that can be shortened down to just a few letters, or written using a combination of letters and numbers, you may be able to find a personalised number plate that spells it out.
For example, if your name is Suzanna, a number plate like “SU54 NNA” spells out your name perfectly. For men, combinations like “JAM 3S”, “LEW 3Y” and “M477 HEW” can all easily fit onto a personalised number plate.
Choose a Lucky Number or Special Date
If you have a lucky number or special date, adding it to a personalised number plate is a great way to discreetly add a personal Reg number to your vehicle.
Special dates like birthdays, the day you met your partner or got married, special memories or other occasions can all work great on a personalised plate. Likewise, any combination of lucky numbers can add a personalised touch to your car, all without standing out to the public.
