Yes. "4D Gel" and "4D + Gel" are alternative names used elsewhere in the market for the same combination — raised acrylic characters with a gel finish. At Plate-Maker, we call this finish 5D.

4D plates use a single layer of raised laser-cut acrylic with sharp, defined edges. 5D plates add a gel/resin finish on top of that same acrylic construction, giving extra gloss, more depth, and a softer premium finish.

3D gel plates use raised resin only, with a rounded, glossy finish. 5D plates combine raised acrylic with a gel finish on top, giving more structure and depth than 3D alone.

Yes — when manufactured correctly. They must use the Charles Wright font, correct spacing, non-reflective solid black characters, and a reflective background that meets BS AU 145e requirements, with mandatory supplier markings included.

Yes, provided they use the correct font, spacing, markings and compliant materials — the same requirements that apply to any legal number plate.

Yes. Our 5D plates are manufactured to remain fully readable by ANPR and enforcement camera systems.

Our 5D number plates start from £29.45 per plate or £59.95 per pair. Use the plate builder above for the current price for your chosen configuration.

Yes. Enter your registration into our 5D number plate maker, choose your plate configuration, preview the design and upload the required documents at checkout.

Yes. You can order a front plate, rear plate or complete pair as a replacement, subject to the required identity and registration entitlement checks.

Yes. Once you hold the correct entitlement documents, we can manufacture 5D plates displaying that registration.

Yes. Same-day collection is available from our Ilford workshop — order by 2pm, Monday to Friday, and your plates are ready within 3 hours.

Yes — if your vehicle is eligible for Green Flash plates, you can order 5D plates with the integrated green EV flash.

5D adds a full second layer — a gel/resin finish over the same laser-cut acrylic base used in 4D — for genuinely more depth and gloss, not just a price difference. If you want the most premium finish we manufacture and don't mind paying more for it, 5D is the upgrade. If flat acrylic sharpness is enough on its own, 4D gives you that at a lower price.

With proper care, 5D plates are built to last for years. The durable acrylic structure and weather-resistant gel finish resist UV fading, rain and road salt under normal UK conditions.