What Size Number Plate Do I Need?
If you need to replace a damaged, cracked or faded number plate, one of the first questions you may have is: what size number plate do I need?
For most cars in the UK, the familiar rectangular number plate size is:
520mm wide × 111mm high
This is the standard size used for our road-legal replacement number plates.
What is the standard UK number plate size?
The standard rectangular number plate commonly fitted to UK cars measures approximately:
520mm × 111mm
This is the conventional size you will see on the front and rear of most cars on UK roads.
At Number Plate Supply, we specialise in this standard size, making it straightforward to order a replacement front plate, rear plate or pair.
Will a 520mm × 111mm number plate fit my car?
For most standard UK cars that currently use a conventional rectangular number plate, 520mm × 111mm is the size you are likely to need.
A simple way to check is to measure your existing plate before ordering.
Measure:
- the overall width
- the overall height
- the fixing position if you plan to reuse existing screw holes
If your current plate is approximately 520mm × 111mm, our standard replacement plate should be suitable.
Are all UK number plates the same size?
No. Different vehicles can use different plate formats and dimensions.
For example, some motorcycles, imported vehicles and vehicles with unusual mounting areas may use different plate shapes or sizes.
However, the standard 520mm × 111mm rectangular plate is widely used on UK cars and is the size we supply.
If your vehicle currently uses a significantly different size, it is worth checking the dimensions before placing an order.
Can I fit a smaller number plate?
You may see cars fitted with shorter or unusually shaped plates, particularly where the registration itself is short.
However, number plates still have to comply with the legal rules governing character size, spacing, margins and visibility.
A plate should not simply be made smaller if doing so causes the registration to fall outside the required specifications.
At Number Plate Supply, we keep things simple by supplying the standard 520mm × 111mm car number plate.
How do I measure my existing number plate?
Measuring your current plate only takes a few seconds.
Use a tape measure or ruler and measure from one outside edge to the other.
For a standard plate, you should get approximately:
Width: 520mm
Height: 111mm
Small manufacturing differences may exist, but it should be close to these dimensions.
If your existing plate matches these measurements, you can order a standard replacement with confidence.
Does the front plate need to be the same size as the rear?
On many cars, the front and rear number plates use the same standard rectangular dimensions.
However, the important thing is to check what is currently fitted to your vehicle.
If both of your existing plates are approximately 520mm × 111mm, you can order a matching pair.
When should I replace my number plate?
You should consider replacing your plate if it has become:
- cracked
- faded
- delaminated
- difficult to read
- badly scratched
- broken around the fixing points
A damaged number plate can potentially cause MOT or legal problems if the registration is no longer clearly visible.
If your current plate is the standard UK car size, you can replace it with a new 520mm × 111mm plate.
Order a standard replacement number plate
Number Plate Supply provides standard 520mm × 111mm replacement number plates for UK cars.
You can order:
Front plate
Rear plate
Front and rear pair
BUILD YOUR ROAD-LEGAL PLATES HERE
FAQs
What is the standard UK car number plate size?
The standard rectangular size commonly used on UK cars is approximately 520mm × 111mm.
What size number plates does Number Plate Supply sell?
We supply standard 520mm × 111mm rectangular car number plates.
How do I know if a standard number plate will fit my car?
Measure your existing plate. If it is approximately 520mm wide and 111mm high, the standard plate size should be suitable.
Do you sell short number plates?
No. Number Plate Supply specialises in the standard 520mm × 111mm rectangular car number plate.
Do you sell motorcycle number plates?
No.
