Number Plate Size Guide
Most cars use the standard 520 × 111mm plate, but some vehicles need something different. Use this guide to find the right size. If you are unsure, call us and we will help.
Quick answer
This is the standard size for most cars and vans, front and rear. Legal characters are 79mm high and 50mm wide, in the Charles Wright font, on plates made to BS AU 145e.
Common plate sizes
| Plate type | Size | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 520 × 111mm front and rear | Most cars and vans |
| Hexagonal | Four lengths: 14, 16, 18 and 20 inch | Matched to 4, 5, 6 or 7 characters |
| Short | Four lengths: 14, 16, 18 and 20 inch | Matched to 4, 5, 6 or 7 characters |
| Range Rover | 520 × 111mm front, 21 × 6in rear | Range Rover style rear plates |
| Motorbike and small | 9 × 7in, 8 × 6in, 6 × 6in, 7 × 5in, 9 × 3in | Motorbikes and vehicles that need a smaller rear plate |
| Japanese import | 12 × 6in or 13 × 6.5in | Japanese import vehicles |
| 4×4 square rear | 279 × 203mm | Rear plate for vehicles with a square plate space |
Legal character size
Character height
Character width (except 1 and I)
Stroke thickness
Space between characters
Gap between the two groups
Minimum margin around the characters
Motorcycle plates use smaller characters, 64mm high and 44mm wide. Do not change the spacing or the font, because plates that break the rules can fail an MOT.
Pick your plate by vehicle
Cars and vans
The standard plate for the front and the rear.
CDE
4×4 and square recess
A square two line plate for the rear of vehicles with a square plate space.
CDE
Motorbikes and small
Five small sizes, from 9 × 7in down to 9 × 3in, for a motorbike or a smaller rear plate.
Road legal checklist
- Black characters on a white reflective front plate.
- Black characters on a yellow reflective rear plate.
- The Charles Wright font with the correct character size and spacing.
- Plates made to British Standard BS AU 145e and supplied by a DVLA registered supplier.
- Raised 3D and 4D characters are fine when the plate still meets the standard.
Check before you order
Plates that break the rules can mean a fine and a failed MOT. We check your photo ID and proof of entitlement for road legal plates. See ID and documents needed.
How to measure
- Measure the width. Measure your current plate, or the space on your vehicle, from edge to edge in millimetres.
- Measure the height. Do the same from top to bottom. A standard plate is 111mm high.
- Check the shape. Square, short and hexagonal plates must suit your registration. Count the characters first.
- Choose your style. Pick the plate type and style in our plate designer. The correct size options appear for the type you choose.
Number plate size FAQs
What is the standard number plate size?
The standard plate for most cars and vans is 520 × 111mm, on both the front and the rear.
Which plate do I need if my registration is short?
Use a Short or Hexagonal plate. They come in four lengths, 14, 16, 18 and 20 inch, matched to 4, 5, 6 or 7 characters.
What size must the characters be?
On a standard plate the characters must be 79mm high and 50mm wide, apart from the number 1 and the letter I. Motorcycle plates use smaller characters, 64mm high and 44mm wide.
Does a 4D or 3D style change the plate size?
The style changes how the characters look, not the legal character size. Choose your plate type first, then the style, and the designer shows the size and the price per plate.
Can I order a size that is not listed?
Call us on +44 1753 926109 or message us on WhatsApp and we will tell you what we can do. Road legal plates must still follow the legal character rules.
Prices per plate
2D Printed
Standard plate
3D Gel
Standard plate
4D Laser 3mm
Standard plate
4D Laser 5mm
Standard plate
4D Gel
Standard plate
4D Retro Shiny
Standard plate
4D Retro Matt
Standard plate
Prices are per plate and include VAT. Other plate types have their own prices in the price list.
Questions? Call us on +44 1753 926109, message us on WhatsApp at +44 7544 509629, or visit 15 Diamond Road, Slough SL1 1RT. We are open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 7:00pm and Saturday 10:00am to 6:00pm. We are closed on Sunday.
Visit our shop
15 Diamond Road, Slough SL1 1RT
Monday to Friday 9:00am to 7:00pm
Saturday 10:00am to 6:00pm
Closed on Sunday
Related pages
Ready to order your number plates?
Design your plate online, call us, or message us on WhatsApp. We make every plate on site in Slough.