You must provide proof of identity (e.g., driving licence) and proof of vehicle entitlement (e.g., V5C logbook) before a supplier can produce legal plates.

You can place your order online by choosing your preferred plate style and size, entering your vehicle registration details, and uploading valid proof of identity (such as a driving licence) along with proof of vehicle entitlement (such as a V5C logbook). Once we verify your documents, we will manufacture your plates to the BS AU 145e standard using high-quality, durable materials for maximum reflectivity and legibility. After production, we will securely package your plates and ship them via tracked delivery to ensure they arrive safely.

If you prefer to collect your plates in person, you can place your order online or in-store. When ordering, please allow adequate time for us to manufacture your plates. For urgent orders, call us so we can prioritise your request. You are also welcome to visit our store, choose your preferred style, and wait while we prepare your plates — just remember to bring valid proof of identity and proof of vehicle entitlement.

Store address:
2A Duke Street,
Bedford, MK40 3HR

We recommend checking our opening times before your visit.

Yes. You are welcome to visit Bedford Number Plates and browse our display wall, which showcases a wide range of number plate styles, including 3D, 4D, gel, and standard designs. You can choose your preferred style in-store, place your order, and either wait while we make your plates or return later to collect them. Please remember to bring valid proof of identity (such as a driving licence) and proof of vehicle entitlement (such as a V5C logbook) so we can verify your documentation before starting production. We recommend checking our opening times before your visit to ensure we can serve you promptly.

We take great care to ensure your number plates arrive in perfect condition. All plates are securely packed in bubble-padded envelopes specifically designed for safe transit, and sized to fit through standard letterboxes where possible. Orders are sent via Royal Mail using their tracked service for your peace of mind. By default, we use Royal Mail Tracked 48, which typically delivers within 2–3 working days. You can upgrade to Royal Mail Tracked 24 for 1–2 working day delivery, or choose Royal Mail Special Delivery for guaranteed next-day arrival by 1 PM.

Yes, you can cancel your order within 30 minutes of placing it for a full refund — simply contact us immediately with your order details. After 30 minutes, we begin the manufacturing process, and cancellations will be subject to a 50% deduction from your refund, as the plates cannot be undone once production starts. We process all refunds as quickly as possible, although your payment provider may take additional time to complete the transaction. Refunds are issued using the same payment method you used for your original order.

Because our number plates are custom-made and unique to each order, we do not offer refunds once production is complete. However, if your plates develop a fault within 12 months of purchase — such as delamination (letters coming off) or tunnelling (water ingress between the reflective layer and acrylic) — we will replace them or issue a refund. If your plates are damaged during transit, please take photographs of the damage, including the packaging, and email them to us. We will work quickly to arrange a replacement so you’re back on the road as soon as possible.

All UK number plates must use the Charles Wright font, with characters 79 mm tall and 50 mm wide, spaced 11 mm apart. The plate must also meet the BS AU 145e standard for durability, reflectivity, and visibility.

Yes. 3D and 4D number plates are legal if they have solid black characters, correct font and spacing, proper reflectivity, and include the supplier’s name, postcode, and BS AU 145e marking.

Yes. ANPR cameras can read 3D and 4D plates as long as they meet reflectivity and legibility standards. Raised characters do not affect detection.

Front number plates improve vehicle identification, road safety, and law enforcement efficiency. The law requires them on all vehicles first registered after 1973.

The two numbers in the middle of the plate indicate the vehicle’s registration period, revealing its age. For example, “25” means registered between March and August 2025.

Front plates are white for maximum contrast against headlights, while rear plates are yellow to differentiate them instantly for drivers and enforcement cameras.

You must provide proof of identity (e.g., driving licence) and proof of vehicle entitlement (e.g., V5C logbook) before a supplier can produce legal plates.

DVLA-registered suppliers hold a Registered Number Plate Supplier (RNPS) number, display it publicly, and ask for identification before making plates.

Plates become illegal if they have incorrect font, spacing, or colour; use non-reflective or tinted materials; lack required markings; or obscure legibility in any way.

No. Any cover, tint, or film that reduces plate visibility or reflectivity makes the plate illegal and could result in fines or MOT failure.

Yes. Private plates are legal if they comply with size, font, spacing, and marking regulations. You cannot make them appear to show a different age for the vehicle.

Yes. You can transfer a private plate using the DVLA’s retention or transfer service, provided both vehicles meet the eligibility requirements.

The first two letters (region code) show where the vehicle was registered. The last three letters (memory tag) are random and help identify the vehicle.

“25” means the car was registered between March and August 2025, while “75” means between September 2025 and February 2026.

Yes. Some imports and classic cars can display only a rear plate if they were not designed to hold a front plate, but they must meet exemption criteria.

Ghost plates use materials or coatings that obscure detection by ANPR or speed cameras. They are illegal in the UK and carry severe penalties.

No. Plates must be securely fixed to the front and rear of the vehicle in clearly visible positions.

Illegal plates can result in fines of up to £1,000, plate seizure, and MOT failure. Driving with such plates is also an offence.

Yes. These details must be printed on the plate to prove it meets legal standards.

Ensure the plate is clean, damage-free, uses the correct font and spacing, and was made to the BS AU 145e standard by a DVLA-registered supplier

No. Any change to the legal spacing of characters is illegal and may result in a fine or MOT failure. UK law requires exact spacing as set by DVLA standards.

Legal number plates must be made from durable, reflective acrylic or similar approved materials that meet the BS AU 145e standard.

No. Carbon-effect or patterned fonts are illegal. All characters must be solid black in the approved Charles Wright typeface.

Yes. A thin border or a legal national flag badge is allowed, but it must not obscure any part of the registration or affect reflectivity.

No. Show plates are for display purposes only and cannot be used on public roads, as they may not meet legal font, spacing, or marking requirements.

Motorcycle number plates must display characters 64 mm tall, with correct spacing, and must be large enough to meet DVLA visibility rules.

Yes. Fully electric vehicles can display a green flash on the left-hand side of the number plate to indicate zero emissions.

Yes. You can customise a plate’s look within DVLA guidelines, ensuring it uses the correct font, size, spacing, reflectivity, and legal markings.

Trailers must display the same registration number as the towing vehicle, in the correct legal format and position.

Replace plates if they become cracked, faded, bent, or illegible. Worn plates risk fines, MOT failure, and ANPR detection issues.

Only if they meet BS AU 145e standards and are fitted to vehicles originally designed for them, such as some classic or imported cars.

No. Driving without a number plate is illegal and may result in fines, regardless of whether you’re awaiting a replacement.

Yes. The rear number plate must be lit at night so it is clearly visible from a reasonable distance.

Diplomatic plates use unique colour schemes and formats, while military plates follow separate regulations but must still remain legible.

No. Black and silver plates are only legal for vehicles registered before 1 January 1980 that qualify as historic vehicles.

3D gel plates have raised gel resin characters, while 4D plates feature laser-cut acrylic characters for a sharper, more defined appearance.

You may cover or remove plates on private property or at off-road events, but they must be displayed again before driving on public roads.

Yes, you can display novelty plates on private property, but they cannot be used when driving on public roads.

Yes. You can keep a number plate on retention through the DVLA without assigning it to a vehicle, making it an asset you can sell later.

You must replace damaged plates as soon as possible. Driving with unreadable or broken plates can result in fines and MOT failure.