Documents You Need to Buy Road Legal Plates in the UK
, by Reece Dennis, 6 min reading time
When purchasing road-legal number plates in the UK, you need to make sure you provide the correct documentation to ensure that the plates are legally registered to your vehicle. This is essential to guarantee that your number plates pass MOT and comply with DVLA regulations.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the required documents for purchasing road-legal plates, as well as tips on how to avoid delays in the process.
📄 1. Vehicle Registration Document (V5C)
The V5C (also known as the vehicle logbook) is a vital document when ordering road-legal plates. This document proves you are the registered keeper of the vehicle and ensures that the number plate is linked to your car.
What you’ll need:
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A current V5C registration certificate for the vehicle
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The vehicle’s registration number
This document confirms your vehicle details and verifies that you own the car you're registering the plates for.
🆔 2. Proof of Identity
To ensure that number plates are being sold to the correct person, suppliers will often require a proof of identity. This is a crucial step for road-legal plates, as it verifies that you are the legitimate keeper of the vehicle.
Acceptable forms of ID:
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A passport
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A driving licence
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A utility bill (addressed to you within the last three months)
This proof is required to help confirm that the plates are being ordered for a legitimate vehicle owner.
🛠️ 3. MOT Certificate (If Applicable)
If your vehicle is over three years old, it’s required by law to have an MOT. In some cases, your number plate supplier may ask to see a valid MOT certificate to confirm that your vehicle is roadworthy and in compliance with MOT regulations.
When you’ll need it:
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If your car is over three years old and requires an MOT
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If you're updating plates due to a failed MOT inspection
It’s a good idea to ensure your MOT is valid before purchasing your new plates.
🏷️ 4. Number Plate Supplier’s Details
In accordance with the DVLA rules, the number plate supplier must include certain details on the plates they provide. This includes:
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The supplier's name or business name
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The supplier's postcode or contact information
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The British Standard (BS AU 145e) mark
Make sure the supplier provides this information, as plates that don’t meet these regulations will not be road legal.
📑 5. Proof of Purchase (Invoice)
Once you’ve placed an order for your road-legal plates, you’ll receive a proof of purchase or invoice. This document isn’t always needed to purchase the plates initially, but it’s a good idea to keep it for your records in case you need to make a claim or prove your purchase in the future.
What to check for:
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The plate details (size, font, style)
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The vehicle details (make, model, registration number)
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Supplier’s contact information
This ensures everything was ordered correctly and legally.
⚠️ Do I Need Different Documents for Show Plates?
No! Show plates (non-legal plates for display purposes) do not require any of these documents. They are purely for decoration, car shows, or other non-road uses.
When ordering road-legal plates, always make sure to clarify that you need plates compliant with DVLA regulations and provide the necessary documents to avoid issues.
🛍️ Order Your Road-Legal Plates Online
At [Your Company Name], we ensure that your number plates are fully DVLA-compliant, and we make the process of ordering your plates as seamless as possible.
We offer a wide range of road-legal plates, including 3D gel plates, 4D acrylic plates, and standard plates. Our team is here to guide you through the ordering process, ensuring you have all the necessary documentation to get your plates fast and stress-free.
✅ Key Takeaways:
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Have your V5C (vehicle logbook) ready.
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Be prepared to provide proof of identity (passport, driving license, or utility bill).
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Ensure your vehicle has a valid MOT certificate (if applicable).
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Your supplier will need to add their business details on the plates (including the BS AU 145e mark).
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Keep your invoice or proof of purchase for records.
Ready to order your road-legal plates? Head to our shop and start the easy process today. With the right documents, getting your legal plates couldn’t be simpler.
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