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How to get a number plate made up

A registration number must be correctly displayed in line with the law. You’ll need to go to a registered number plate supplier to get new number plates for your vehicle. The registered supplier will need proof of your identity, as well as proof that the registration number belongs to you.

What you need

The number plate supplier will need to see at least one document from each of the lists below. This will allow the number plate supplier to confirm your name, address and entitlement to the registration number. All documents must be original, not copies.

Documents to confirm your identity

One of the following:

  • driving licence, whether or not issued in the United Kingdom (UK) (with or without a photo) - this is preferred because it’s a secure, government-issued document showing both name and address
  • a bill issued by your electricity, gas or water supplier, a landline telephone bill, or a council tax bill (current within the last six months) or rates bill (in Northern Ireland only)
  • a bank or building society statement
  • a passport, whether or not issued in the UK
  • a national identity card issued by the government of a state or territory other than the UK
  • a debit or credit card issued by a bank or building society
  • a police warrant card
  • an armed forces identity card

Documents to establish your entitlement to the registration number

One of the following:

  • vehicle registration certificate (V5C or V5CNI) - these are the preferred documents
  • the new keeper supplement (V5C/2 or V5C/2NI) of the registration certificate
  • certificate of entitlement (V750)
  • retention document (V778) (not applicable in Northern Ireland)
  • vehicle licence renewal form (V11)
  • temporary registration certificate (V379) (not applicable in Northern Ireland)
  • authorisation certificate (V948) with an official stamp from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) or Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA)
  • a letter of authorisation from a fleet operator (including lease or hire company) (not applicable in Northern Ireland) - the letter must quote the document reference number from the registration certificate, not the vehicle identification number

Find your nearest registered number plate supplier

Remember, you should only use a registered number plate supplier. They will need to see original documents before they can supply you with new number plates.

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