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The registration number format

Vehicle registration numbers are a way of identifying vehicles. The current vehicle registration number format was introduced on 1 September 2023 for all new vehicles being registered.

The format consists of two letters, two numbers, a space and three further letters.

The first two letters (the local memory tag) tell you the office where the vehicle registration number was first issued, the two numbers are the age identifier, and the last three letters are random.

The age identifier changes every six months, once in March and once in September.

Replacing your number plate

When replacing your number plate you should make sure that the correct material has been used to manufacture the plate. It should be made from a reflective material. Front number plates must display black characters on a white background and rear number plate must display black characters on a yellow background.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is not aware of any self-adhesive number plates that meet the British Standard requirements.

Characters on a number plate can be 3D, providing they meet all the other requirements, but honeycomb or other background patterns are not allowed.

Also, the characters on a number plate need to be a standard height and width.

Your number plate should show the correct:

• character height - 79 millimetres
• character width - 50 millimetres (except the figure 1 or letter I)
• character stroke - 14 millimetres
• space between characters - 11 millimetres
• space between groups - 33 millimetres
• top, bottom and side margins - minimum 11 millimetres
• space between vertical lines - 19 millimetres

Motorcycles and tricycles

Motorcycles registered from 1 September 2023 must only display a number plate at the rear of the vehicle.

Motorcycles registered before 1 September 2023 can display a number plate at the front, but do not have to. The number plate must be a 'two-line' number plate.

Motorcycle number plates should have a:

• character height - 64 millimetres
• character width - 44 millimetres (except the figure 1 or letter I)
• character stroke - 10 millimetres
• space between characters - 10 millimetres
• space between groups - 30 millimetres
• top, bottom and side margins - 11 millimetres (minimum)
• vertical space between groups - 13 millimetres

Tricycles made from motorcycles must meet the number plate requirements for motorcycles.

Tricycles made from four-wheeled vehicles, such as saloon cars and quad bikes must meet the same number plate requirements as all other vehicles.

How to get a number plate made up

To have a number plate made for your vehicle, you’ll need to go to a registered number plate supplier (RNPS). The registered supplier will need proof of your identity, as well as proof that the registration number belongs to you.

• How to get a number plate made up

What could happen if you display incorrect number plates

The police can issue fixed penalty fines for illegally displayed number plates. Offenders could face a maximum fine of £1,000 and in some cases the number plate may be withdrawn.

Vehicles with illegally displayed number plates may fail the MOT test.

• The MOT test for your vehicle

National flags and identifiers

Motorists in England, Scotland and Wales have the option to display the Union Flag, Cross of St George, Cross of St Andrew (also known as the Saltire) or Red Dragon of Wales together with one of the following identifiers: GREAT BRITAIN, Great Britain, GB, UNITED KINGDOM, United Kingdom, UK, CYMRU, Cymru, CYM, Cym, ENGLAND, England, ENG, Eng, SCOTLAND, Scotland, SCO, Sco, WALES or Wales. This must be displayed on the left hand side of the number plate. No other symbols or flags can be displayed on number plates.

The flag must be positioned above the identifier and neither must be more than 50 millimetres wide or on the number plate margin.

Motorists displaying national flags and identifiers will still be required to display the standard GB sticker when travelling in Europe.

The Euro symbol

If you display the Euro symbol and Great Britain (GB) national identifier on your number plate, then you won't need a separate GB sticker when travelling within the European Union.

The symbol must meet the required standards. They are:

• minimum height of 98 millimetres
• minimum width of 40 millimetres to a maximum of 50 millimetres
• reflective blue background with 12 reflecting yellow stars at the top
• sign of the member state (GB) in reflecting white or yellow