The registration plates used on cars in the UK are unique in many ways and are very distinguishable from registration plates used in most other countries of the world. The history of UK number plates goes back to 1903 when they were first issued to the “Horseless Carriage” which came into being on British roads around this time. This was as a result of the Motor Car Act which came into force on the 1st January 1904 which required that all motor vehicles had to be entered on an official vehicle register and to carry a plate denoting the number issued to it. This act of parliament was passed in order that vehicles could be easily traced in the event of an accident or contravention of the law. Vehicle registration number plates in the UK are rectangular or square in shape, with the exact permitted dimensions of the plate and its lettering set down in law.

Since those early days and with the ever increasing numbers of vehicle on the road the styling of the UK Number plate has had to change in order to accommodate these increasing numbers. Currently the UK number plate has a method by which it is easy to identify the age of the vehicle although it is possible to put an older UK number plate onto a newer vehicle. This simple rule has meant resulted in an explosion in demand for older style UK number plates as many car and motor bike owners wish to “personalise” their vehicles will a private number plate which can be transferred from one vehicle to another as they acquire them.

The newer style of UK number plate has also meant that would be buyers of private registration plates can make up their own UK number plate to show their initials or to spell out the name of themselves or a company. There are restrictions of course and many combinations are not allowed, they may be in use, or the DVLA considers them unsuitable. The easiest way to make up your own UK private number plate is to use the tool which is specially designed for the purpose and accessible through the DVLA website.