FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about ordering motorbike number plates from MotorbikePlates.co.uk.
Are you a DVLA-registered number plate supplier?
Yes. MotorbikePlates.co.uk is a trading name of Dean Callaway Ltd and is registered with the DVLA as an approved number plate supplier.
Our Registered Number Plate Supplier number is 70191.
Are your motorbike number plates road legal?
Products described as road legal are manufactured to meet the current UK requirements, including the relevant British Standard, legal character style, spacing, colours and required supplier markings.
You must select a road-legal product and enter the registration exactly as it appears on your entitlement document.
Products described as show plates are not road legal and must not be used on public roads.
What documents do I need for a road-legal plate?
To order a road-legal number plate, you must provide documents that:
- Prove your name and address
- Prove that you are entitled to use the registration number
Accepted identity documents include a driving licence, recent utility bill, Council Tax bill, bank statement, passport or national identity card.
Accepted entitlement documents include a V5C registration certificate, green new keeper slip, V750 certificate of entitlement, V778 retention document, V11 renewal reminder or an authorised V948 certificate.
Please visit our Documents Required page for the complete list.
Why do I need to provide documents?
Registered number plate suppliers are legally required to verify the customer’s identity and their entitlement to use the registration number.
These checks help prevent vehicle cloning, number plate theft, fraud and the unauthorised use of registration numbers.
How do I send my documents?
Please follow the document-upload instructions provided during or after checkout. Uploaded images must be clear, complete and readable, with all relevant information visible.
We may request another image, additional information or sight of the original document if the information supplied cannot be verified.
Your road-legal plate cannot be manufactured until the required checks have been completed.
Is my personal information secure?
Your documents are only used for identity, entitlement and record-keeping purposes connected with the supply of your number plate.
As a registered supplier, we are required to retain certain transaction information. Please read our Privacy Policy for more information about how personal information is handled.
What size is a standard motorbike number plate?
Motorcycle registration plates are normally displayed over two lines. The finished plate size can vary depending on the number of characters in the registration and the legal spacing and margin requirements.
Rather than relying on one universal external size, you should select a plate that safely fits your motorcycle while allowing the registration to remain fully compliant.
Can I order a smaller motorbike number plate?
Smaller plate sizes may be available, but a road-legal plate must still contain correctly sized and spaced characters with the required margins and legal markings.
Not every registration will fit legally on every plate size. If a selected size cannot accommodate your registration legally, we may recommend a larger size.
Small show plates are available for off-road, display and exhibition use but must not be used on public roads.
Can I choose a custom plate size?
Custom sizes may be available. Whether a custom-sized plate can be classed as road legal will depend on the registration, layout, character dimensions, spacing and margins.
Please contact us before ordering if you require a particular size and are unsure whether it can be produced legally.
Can I change the spacing to make my registration spell a word?
No. A road-legal number plate must display the registration exactly as it has been issued, using the correct character spacing and layout.
Characters must not be rearranged, altered or spaced in a way that makes the registration difficult to read. Incorrectly displayed plates can result in a fine and may cause the motorcycle to fail its MOT.
Do motorcycle number plates need to be displayed over two lines?
Motorcycle and motor tricycle registration plates should normally display the registration over two lines.
Motorcycles first registered before 1 September 2001 may be permitted to use a three-line format.
Does my motorbike need a front number plate?
Motorcycles and motor tricycles registered on or after 1 September 2001 must display a registration plate at the rear only.
Motorcycles registered before this date may also display a front number plate, although this is not compulsory.
Are 3D gel and 4D number plates road legal?
Raised 3D gel or 4D-style characters can be road legal when the complete plate meets all current requirements. This includes the correct font, character dimensions, spacing, reflective background, solid black characters and required legal markings.
A raised-character plate should only be used on the road when the product is specifically described as road legal.
What is BS AU 145e?
BS AU 145e is the British Standard applying to number plates fitted from 1 September 2021. It includes requirements relating to visibility, reflectivity, strength, durability and resistance to weather and impact.
Road-legal plates must display the relevant British Standard marking along with the manufacturer or supplier details required by law.
What colour must a rear motorcycle plate be?
A standard rear motorcycle number plate must have black characters on a yellow reflective background.
The characters must be clearly visible, correctly spaced and must not be reflective.
Can I add a flag or national identifier?
Certain officially permitted flags, symbols and national identifiers can be displayed on a road-legal number plate when they meet the prescribed rules.
Decorative logos, badges and graphics that are not legally permitted are only suitable for show plates.
What is a show plate?
A show plate is manufactured for display, exhibition, private land, motorsport events or decorative use. It may use non-standard spacing, lettering, colours, badges or dimensions.
Show plates are not manufactured or sold as road-legal registration plates and must not be used on a vehicle driven or parked on a public road.
Can I order a plate for a personalised registration?
Yes. You will need to provide acceptable proof that you are entitled to the registration, such as a V750 certificate of entitlement, V778 retention document or an updated V5C.
A personalised registration must be officially assigned to the motorcycle before the plate is displayed on a public road.
Can I order a replacement for a damaged or lost plate?
Yes. You can order a replacement road-legal motorbike number plate, but you will still need to provide the required identity and entitlement documents.
If you believe your number plate has been stolen, you should also report the theft to the police.
Do you supply plates for imported motorcycles?
Yes, subject to the registration and suitable supporting documents. Imported motorcycles may sometimes qualify for a different plate format where there is not enough space for a standard-sized plate.
Please contact us before ordering if your motorcycle has a restricted plate mounting area or unusual registration format.
How should I enter my registration?
Enter the registration exactly as it appears on your V5C or other entitlement document.
You do not need to manually create the two-line motorcycle layout. We will arrange the registration into the correct format during production.
Please check every letter and number carefully before completing your order.
Can I change my order after it has been placed?
Contact us immediately if you notice an error or need to request a change.
Because number plates are made to order, changes or cancellations may not be possible once production has started.
What happens if I enter the wrong registration?
The customer is responsible for entering the correct registration at checkout. Please check your order carefully before submitting it.
If you notice a mistake, contact us immediately. We will try to help, but an order cannot usually be changed once the plate has entered production.
How long will my order take?
Production and estimated delivery information will be shown on the relevant product page or during checkout.
Road-legal orders cannot enter production until the necessary identity and entitlement checks have been completed. Missing or unclear documents may delay your order.
Will I receive tracking information?
Where a tracked delivery service is used, tracking details will be sent to the email address or mobile number supplied with your order once the parcel has been dispatched.
How should I fit my motorbike number plate?
Your plate must be securely attached at the rear of the motorcycle and displayed vertically, or as close to vertical as reasonably practical.
Depending on your motorcycle and plate holder, the plate may be fitted using screws, bolts or suitable adhesive fixings. Take care when drilling, as incorrectly drilled holes may crack or damage the plate.
Can I drill the plate myself?
Yes, but the plate should be supported on a flat surface and drilled carefully using an appropriate drill bit.
Avoid drilling too close to the edge or through any registration characters, supplier information or British Standard markings. Damage caused during fitting is not considered a manufacturing fault.
How do I clean my number plate?
Clean the plate using warm water, mild detergent and a soft cloth.
Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, harsh chemicals, solvents and pressure washing at very close range, as these may damage the surface or raised characters.
What should I do if my plate arrives damaged or incorrect?
Contact us as soon as possible and include your order number along with clear photographs of the plate and packaging.
Please do not fit or alter the plate before contacting us. We will review the issue and arrange the appropriate solution where the plate is faulty, damaged in transit or differs from the details confirmed in your order.
Can personalised number plates be returned?
Number plates are personalised and manufactured specifically for the registration and options selected by the customer. They cannot normally be returned simply because you have changed your mind.
This does not affect your rights if the product is faulty, damaged or not produced in accordance with your confirmed order.
Still Need Help?
If you cannot find the answer you need, please contact MotorbikePlates.co.uk. Our team will be happy to help with plate sizes, legal requirements, documents, ordering and fitting.