19 products
Acrylic Plates
Level up your numberplate with our high-quality acrylic custom plates, hand crafted in our workshop in Gloucester. Add 3D/4D Gel for added impact, customise with a GB badge, or choose border colours to make it your own.
Acrylic Plates FAQs
Are Acrylic License Plates Legal?
Yes, acrylic number plates are fully road legal in the UK, provided they comply with the current DVLA regulations and meet the BS AU 145e British Standard.
To be legally used on UK roads, acrylic plates must:
- Display the Charles Wright font
- Have black characters on a white (front) or yellow (rear) reflective background
- Include the manufacturer’s name, BS AU 145e mark, and postcode
- Maintain correct letter sizing and spacing
When purchased from a DVLA-registered supplier, acrylic number plates are 100% legal for both private and commercial vehicles.
What Is The Difference Between Acrylic And Metal Plates?
The main difference between acrylic and metal number plates lies in the material and construction. Acrylic plates are made from a durable plastic base with printed or raised letters (e.g. 3D gel or 4D acrylic). They're the modern legal standard for most UK vehicles and meet BS AU 145e regulations.
Metal number plates are typically pressed aluminium, often used on classic or vintage cars. While stylish, black and silver pressed number plates are only legal on vehicles registered before 1 January 1980 (or those with historic vehicle status).
What Styles Of Letters Are Available On Acrylic Plates?
Acrylic number plates come in several legal and stylish lettering options, including:
- Flat Printed – Standard DVLA-compliant print.
- 3D Gel – Raised letters made from a glossy, domed resin.
- 4D Acrylic – Bold, laser-cut characters (usually 3mm or 5mm thick).
- 4D Gel – A combination of 4D acrylic topped with gel resin for added depth and shine.
All styles are available in road-legal formats when built to BS AU 145e standards, using the Charles Wright font, correct spacing, and solid black characters. Whether you're after a premium look or classic simplicity, acrylic plates offer a wide range of personalisation options while staying UK road legal.
Do I Need To Show Documents When Ordering Acrylic Plates?
If you are ordering road-legal plates, yes. We’ll need your driving license as well as your entitlement document to your vehicle. This helps us make sure that your new acrylic license plate is ready to be installed as soon as you get it.
If you’re ordering show plates, we won’t need to see any documentation from you - however, you won’t be able to use these plates on public roads.
What Types of Acrylic Number Plates Are Available?
We offer several types of acrylic number plates, including 3D, 4D, and 4D gel. These plates offer a stylish twist on classic plates, highlighting your license plate while still being fully DVLA compliant.
Do Different Cars Need Differently Sized Acrylic Number Plates?
Depending on the make and model of your car, you may need a differently sized number plate. For example, the rear number plates of Aston Martins have a very different shape to standard plates, and Range Rovers can have an oversized rear number plate.
We have a range of differently sized plates here at Chase Lane Plates, suitable for a wide range of makes and models. If you have any questions on what would best suit your vehicle, get in touch with our sales team here.
