If you’ve ever wondered whether you can create your own private number plate, the answer is… no, you can’t create a completely custom combination from scratch.
he DVLA doesn’t allow you to invent a new format or submit your own design. But don’t worry – the fun and creativity lie in finding the perfect plate from the vast pool of available options that looks like it was made just for you.
Can you create a custom number plate format?
No, you can’t create a brand new plate combination that doesn’t already exist in the DVLA’s formats. Instead, you choose from available DVLA-issued registrations (current or historical) that follow approved formats, including:
- Current style
- Prefix and suffix
- Dateless formats
- Auction-only or previous issued plates
How to find a plate that feels personal
Use our tools to explore creative combinations that match your name, birthday, initials, or favourite word.
Basic Search: Start with simple keywords like your initials, a special band, or just a favourite word (If you want a dirty word, you’re going to have to be extra creative as the DVLA bans certain registrations). Our system will pull up all relevant matches from our extensive database.
Suggested Searches: Not sure where to start? We got you covered. Just type in anything, like your name, your partner’s name, your dog’s name and our suggested searches feature will inspire you with popular choices and creative combinations that might not have crossed your mind.
Advanced Search: You can use our advanced search to specifically look through new and prefix plates, one letter or number at a time. You select the combinations and we’ll tell you what is available.
Why you can’t invent your own registration plate format
The DVLA controls all UK vehicle registrations and they’ve got set rules on why drivers can’t just make their own. These include:
- Plates must follow UK registration formats for legal and insurance tracking
- Plates can’t make a car look newer than it is
- Offensive or misleading registrations are banned
Approved number plate formats
Sometimes knowing the formats of the number plates can often help you choose the right combination for you. Check them out in our Ultimate Guide to Private Plates and DVLA Plates. These include:
- Current/Millennium Plates: Introduced in 2001, these plates consist of two letters indicating the registration location, two numbers indicating the year, followed by three random letters. For example, “AB21 XYZ“.
- Prefix Plates: Used between August 1983 and July 2001, these plates start with a letter that indicates the year of registration, followed by up to three numbers and then three letters. For example, “A123 XYZ“.
- Suffix Plates: Used from 1963 to 1983, these plates end with a letter indicating the year of registration, preceded by up to three numbers and then three letters. For example, “XYZ 123A“.
- Dateless Plates: These plates, used before 1963, do not have a year identifier and can be assigned to any vehicle. They typically contain a simple letter region code and a unique number. For example, “AG 1“.
Each format gives you different creative flexibility depending on your car’s age and what you want to say with your plate.
Plate Printing and Legal Requirements
Once you’ve chosen your ideal plate, Yellowhite takes care of the rest. We are DVLA approved to print your new plates, ensuring they meet all regulatory standards. Your plates will be made from reflective material, displaying black characters on a white background for the front plate and a yellow background for the rear plate, as required by UK law.
We offer two main types of number plates, each fully compliant with the British Standard BS AU 145e.
Premium Acrylic. Comes in yellow rear and white front, using the mandatory ‘Charles Wright 2001’ font in black. You can add a non-reflective border or a national emblem for a personal touch.
Laser Cut 4D plates. Opt. for our premium 4D plates featuring laser cut 3mm raised letters for a bold, stylish look that truly stands out. You can also add a border or a national emblem.
It’s crucial to buy your number plates from a licensed supplier, like us! Plates from unlicensed sellers can lead to fines of up to £1,000 and an MOT failure for your vehicle. At Yellowhite, all our plates adhere to the legal standards set by the DVLA, so you can drive with peace of mind knowing your plates are fully compliant.
Looking for something that feels completely unique, like you designed it yourself?
Explore over 68 million combinations with our advanced Private Plate Search and find the one that says you.
