Personal Reg Plates: Understanding UK Number Plates and How to Gift Them

Number plates in the UK are more than just car identifiers—they're a piece of history and a way to personalise your vehicle. Personal reg plates have become incredibly popular, giving car owners a unique touch to their beloved vehicles. In this blog, we'll dive into the fascinating history of UK number plates, how they work today, and how you can gift them to someone special. Whether you're a car enthusiast or just curious, this guide has got you covered.

The History of UK Number Plates

Number plates in the UK date back to the early 1900s. Before then, cars were mostly for fun, so there weren't enough of them to need identification. But as the 20th century rolled in and cars became more common, the need for a proper identification system arose. By 1904, with around 20,000 cars on the roads, the first number plates were introduced.

The original format was quite simple. The first letter indicated where the car was registered, based on population size. For example, London had 'A', and the other letters followed according to the size of the area. The numbers that followed were between 1 and 9999 and were assigned randomly.

These early number plates were black with white lettering—a stylish combination you might still see on classic cars today. But as the number of cars grew, this system quickly ran out of combinations. To solve this, more characters were added to the plates, and certain combinations were banned to avoid inappropriate words.

Fast forward to today, and the number plate system has evolved significantly. But before we get to the modern format, let's take a closer look at the changes over the years and why they were necessary.

Understanding Current Number Plates

Modern UK number plates follow a simple format: two letters, two numbers, and three random letters (e.g., FG68 KLM). Here’s a breakdown of what each part means:

• First two letters: These show where the car was registered. For example, a car from London will have an L in the first letter, followed by another letter to specify the exact area.
• Two numbers: These indicate the year of registration. Plates issued in March use the last two digits of the year (e.g., 22 for 2022). Plates from September add 50 to this number, so a car registered in September 2022 will have 72 as its identifier.
• Last three letters: These are random and help to make each plate unique.

The appearance of the plates also follows a standard: front plates are white, and rear plates are yellow, both using the Charles Wright 2001 font.

How to Change Your Number Plates

Changing your number plates is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out.

Why Replace Your Number Plates?

There are several reasons you might need to change your number plates:

• Damage or loss: If your plates are damaged or missing, you must replace them to avoid fines or penalty points.
• Illegal or unclear plates: If a previous owner fitted illegal or unclear plates, swap them out.
• Changing registration numbers: If you’re transferring a personalised number plate, you’ll need new plates.
• Personalisation: Customise your plates with legal badges, surrounds, and trims.

Removing the Old Number Plates

Unscrew or Unstick: Start by removing the old plates. If they’re screwed on, lift off the screw covers and remove the screws. Keep the screws aside. If they’re stuck with adhesive pads, gently pry them off with a tool like a wallpaper scraper, being careful not to damage your car.

1.Drill holes: Before fitting the new plates, drill holes in them. Use the old plate as a template. It’s best to drill from the back to keep the front looking neat. Mark the spots, make a small indent for the drill bit, and then drill carefully without applying too much pressure to avoid cracking the plate. 2. Clean the holes: Remove any waste from the holes. 3. Screw in the new plates: Use new screws if you have them, or reuse the old ones. Tighten them firmly but not too much, as over-tightening can crack the plates. If you have colour-matched caps, fit them on, and you’re done!

1. Prepare the surface: Make sure the area where the plate will go is flat, clean, and dry. Remove any old adhesive with a scraper if needed. 2. Attach adhesive pads: Fix the pads to the back of the number plate. Use enough pads to ensure a strong hold, but remember that more pads mean it’ll be harder to remove the plate next time. 3. Place the plate: Remove the covers from the adhesive pads, line up the plate carefully, and press it onto the car. Apply pressure for about 10 seconds to secure it. Double-check it’s in place before you start driving.

And there you have it! Your new number plates are fitted and ready to go.

Gifting Number Plates

Yes, you can gift number plates in the UK! It’s a popular choice for birthdays, Christmas, and other special occasions. Imagine the joy of receiving a personalised 3D or 4D number plate. But there are a few legal hoops to jump through.

To gift a number plate, you’ll need: 1. Identification: Your own ID and proof of address. 2. Registration Entitlement: The recipient’s V5C logbook or V750 certificate of entitlement.

The trickiest part is getting the recipient's proof of entitlement without ruining the surprise. It's a legal requirement, so plan carefully!

You’ll need one of the following:

• Utility bill, telephone bill, or council tax bill (from the last 6 months)
• Bank or building society statement (from the last 6 months)
• Driving license (photo-card or paper counterpart)
• National identity card

For name confirmation, you can also use:

• Passport
• Bank or building society debit or credit card
• Police warrant card
• Armed forces identity card

Acceptable Registration Entitlement Documents

To prove the recipient’s entitlement, you’ll need:

• Vehicle registration certificate (V5C or V5CNI)
• New keeper's supplement (V5C/2 or V5C/2NI)
• Certificate of entitlement (V750 or V750NI)
• Retention document (V778)
• Renewal reminder for vehicle tax or SORN (V11 or V11NI)
• Temporary registration certificate (V379 or V379NI)
• Number plate authorisation certificate (V948) with an official DVLA or DVSA stamp
• Electronic number plate authorisation certificate (eV948)
• Letter of authorisation from a fleet operator (quoting the document reference number from the registration certificate)
• PDF of the vehicle’s details from the view vehicle record service if your fleet is in the V5C on-demand scheme

So, if you’re ready to gift a number plate, visit the Easy Number Plates Store to check out the collection and make someone’s day extra special!

Exceptions and Special Cases

Spotting the Odd Ones Out

While most UK number plates follow the same format, you might notice some exceptions. Here’s a quick guide to understanding those anomalies:

Letters to Avoid

You won’t see the letters “I” and “O” on a number plate. They’re easily confused with numbers. Since 2001, "Z" is also only used in the random letter sequence at the end.

Special Plates with Q

Plates starting with “Q” are for vehicles where the age or identity is unclear. This could be kit cars or imported vehicles that don’t have clear registration histories.

Diplomatic Plates

If you see plates with three numbers, the letters “D” or “X”, and three more numbers, these belong to diplomats and their accredited staff.

Personalised Plates

Personalised plates are popular but must follow certain rules: - You can’t make your car look younger than it is. For example, you can’t use a 2024 plate on a 2010 car. - The plate must be in the correct format and use the Charles Wright 2001 font.

So, whether it’s spotting a diplomatic plate or gifting a personalised one, knowing these details can make you a number plate expert. Happy motoring!

Understanding the ins and outs of UK number plates can make a real difference, whether you're changing your plates, diving into their history, or planning a special gift. From the origins in the early 1900s to the sleek, modern designs we see today, number plates carry a rich history and practical importance. Replacing or gifting a number plate doesn't have to be complicated. By following the steps and knowing the legal requirements, you can confidently navigate this process.

Ready to explore more about personal reg plates or looking to buy one as a gift? Keep an eye out to see what personal reg plates will be the perfect gift for your loved one. If you have any questions or need help, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Let’s make your vehicle stand out!