There’s more to UK number plate types than meets the eye. Whether you’re customising your car or replacing a tired plate, the style you choose matters.
From standard 2D designs to 3D, 4D, and even show plates, each type comes with its own look — and its own rules. Some are fully DVLA compliant, while others are for off-road display only.
Knowing which is which doesn’t just keep you legal — it helps you pick a plate that actually suits your vehicle.
1. 2D Number Plates (Standard)
2D plates are the UK’s standard issue — flat, clear, and made from acrylic. They’re used on most cars and vans, offering a legal, no-fuss option.
These legal number plates UK wide follow DVLA rules for spacing, font, and reflectivity. Simple as they are, you can still add a personal touch with borders, tints, or badges.
For anyone wanting a clean look without going full show plates, 2D remains a solid choice — straightforward, compliant, and built to last.
2. 3D Number Plates
3D number plates use gel resin to give characters a raised, domed effect. It’s a subtle upgrade that adds texture and a touch of style without being too bold.
They’re popular with enthusiasts who want something more personal while staying within DVLA rules. As long as the font and spacing meet standards, these are DVLA number plates.
To avoid issues, it's best to buy from a trusted source like Demon Plates — not every raised plate is approved, even if it looks like a 3D number plate.
3. 4D Number Plates
4D number plates use laser-cut acrylic letters to create a sharp, raised finish. They’re clean, modern, and stand out more than 3D plates.
To be DVLA compliant, they must follow strict rules on font, spacing, and materials. When done right, 4D plates offer a bold, stylish upgrade — legal for road use and perfect for drivers who want their registration to make a statement.
4. 5D Number Plates
5D number plates add a gel layer over raised acrylic letters, giving extra gloss and depth. They’re eye-catching and popular for personalised number plates with a premium feel.
To be DVLA compliant, they must meet visibility and spacing rules. Not all 5D plates are road-legal, so buying from a trusted source like Demon Plates keeps you on the safe side.
5. Show Plates
Show plates are made for display only — think car shows, garages, or gifts. They’re not bound by DVLA rules, so you can customise fonts, colours, and layouts however you like.
That freedom makes them a hit with enthusiasts, especially for off-road or event use. But always remember; they’re not legal for public roads. Show plate drivers still need a compliant set for everyday use.
They’re creative, fun, and visually striking — but strictly for show, not the street.
6. New/Current Style Number Plates
Since 2001, all new UK vehicles use the current number plate format — something like AB51 CDE. The first two letters show where the car was registered, the numbers indicate its age, and the last three letters are random.
This layout keeps things easy to trace and is fully DVLA approved. These legal number plates UK are standard on most cars today and must meet rules on spacing, font, and reflectivity.
Simple, clear, and built for the road — it’s the default legal format.
7. Prefix Style Number Plates
Before 2001, number plates followed a different structure: one letter at the beginning, followed by up to three numbers, and ending in three letters — like A123 BCD. That first letter (the prefix) indicated the year the car was registered, which made it easy to tell a vehicle’s age.
Prefix plates were used from 1983 to 2001, and they still pop up regularly in the market for old-style number plates UK collectors or anyone hunting for a personalised plate with a bit of character.
8. Suffix Number Plates
Suffix plates were the UK’s go-to format from 1963 to 1983. They flip the structure seen in prefix plates — starting with three letters, followed by up to three numbers, and ending in a single letter that reveals the year of registration. Think ABC 123A.
These plates now fall under the category of old-style number plates UK collectors tend to love. They’re popular with vintage vehicle owners and anyone keen on keeping things era-appropriate, especially for restorations.
9. Dateless Number Plates
Dateless plates don’t include an age identifier, which makes them ideal for disguising a vehicle’s true age. Formats like AB 1234 or 1234 AB were used before 1963 and now feel sleek, timeless, and a bit premium.
They’re legal across the UK, and often chosen for prestige cars or personalised number plates where symmetry and simplicity matter most.
10. Northern Ireland (NI) Number Plates
NI number plates have their own thing going on. They use a different format — often something like ABZ 1234 — and don’t include an age identifier. Because of that, they’re technically dateless number plates and can be transferred to vehicles anywhere in the UK.
They’re fairly affordable, too, which is why they’re sometimes used by drivers who want to hide a car’s age without paying top-end prices.
Which Number Plate Styles Are Legal?
Not every plate you see online is road-legal. For DVLA-compliant number plates, you’ll need:
- The Charles Wright font
- Correct spacing and sizing
- Reflective material (white front, yellow rear)
- No tints, patterns, or re-ordered characters
Show plates can’t be used on the road — even if they look close to legal. Using the wrong plate can land you a fine or MOT failure. Stick to approved suppliers to stay safe and compliant.
Are Old Style Number Plates Still Legal?
You can still use old style number plates UK-wide, but only in very specific cases. If your vehicle qualifies as a historic or classic car (typically over 40 years old and registered as such with the DVLA), you’re allowed to display black and silver plates that reflect the era.
These aren’t just for aesthetics — they’re part of preserving authenticity. However, they can’t be used on modern vehicles, even if you just prefer the vintage look.
Buy Personalised Number Plates
If you’re ready to give your vehicle a more personal touch, personalised number plates offer loads of creative options — initials, words, meaningful numbers, and more.
You can browse available combinations directly on the Demon Plates site, then choose from styles including 3D, 4D, or even show plates if it’s just for display.
Whether you're shopping for a gift, branding a business vehicle, or upgrading your own car, buying from a trusted supplier helps you stay stylish and street legal.