3D Number Plates UK

UK Number Plate Maker

3D Number Plates UK

Premium 3D gel number plates with a smooth, glossy raised resin finish. From £17.45 per plate, manufactured in our Ilford workshop, with same-day collection or UK-wide delivery.

From

£17.45

per plate

Design Your 3D Number Plates

Buy 3D Number Plates Online

Buy 3D Number Plates Online

3D number plates, also known as 3D gel number plates or 3D gel plates, are a premium alternative to standard printed number plates. Instead of flat printed characters, they use raised resin characters to create a smooth, glossy three-dimensional finish.

At Plate-Maker, every 3D gel number plate is manufactured in our Ilford workshop. Choose a front plate, rear plate or complete pair, enter your registration into our 3D number plate maker, and preview your plate before you order.

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Manufactured in IlfordPremium quality. Made by us.

British MadeSupporting UK manufacturing.

Design Your 3D Number Plates

What Are 3D Number Plates?

What Are 3D Number Plates?

3D number plates use raised resin characters bonded to a reflective number plate base. The resin creates a rounded, domed finish that catches the light and gives your registration more depth than a standard printed plate — sitting between a traditional flat plate and the sharper look of a laser-cut 4D plate.

On this page, "3D number plates" refers to genuine raised 3D gel/resin plates, not printed shading effects.

What Are 3D Number Plates?

Rated 5 Stars by UK Drivers

28,000+ 3D plates produced. Verified reviews from Trustpilot, Google & Facebook.

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Real Customers. Real Vehicles. Real Reviews.

Crafted for a Higher Standard.

Precision Engineering. Premium Results.

How We Manufacture Our 3D Number Plates

Every 3D gel number plate is manufactured using precision laser-cut reflective acrylic. The characters are formed from UV-stabilised polyurethane resin and cured under industrial UV lights in our Ilford workshop. This creates a weather-resistant bond that won't yellow or crack, helping your gel resin plates outlast cheaper alternatives.

Our 3D gel characters are precisely 2mm raised — the height that gives the best visual impact while keeping the plate fully readable by ANPR cameras.

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Precision
Manufacturing

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Premium
Materials

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Built to
Last

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Laser-Cut Reflective AcrylicPrecision cutting for a perfect fit and flawless finish.

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UV-Stabilised Resin CharactersPremium polyurethane resin for durability and a long-lasting gloss finish.

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Cured Under Industrial UV LightsCreates a strong, weather-resistant bond that won't yellow or crack.

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2mm Raised CharactersThe ideal height for visual impact while remaining fully readable by ANPR cameras.

Legal. Compliant. No Compromises.

Are 3D Number Plates Legal?

Yes. Raised 3D characters are permitted on UK number plates when the finished plate complies with the current requirements — correct Charles Wright font, character spacing, reflective material, and the BS AU 145e standard where applicable, plus your supplier's markings. Ours are manufactured to meet every current requirement, including our registered RNPS ID.

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BS AU 145eCompliant

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CorrectCharles Wright Font

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ANPRFriendly

Style Comparison

3D vs 4D vs Standard — Which Should You Choose?

Each style offers a different look. Compare them side by side to find the perfect match for your vehicle.

Most Popular
3D Gel number plate style

3D Gel

From £17.45

Look
Smooth & glossy
Character
Raised resin
Finish
Rounded/domed
Choose 3D Gel
4D number plate style

4D

From £17.45

Look
Sharp & defined
Character
Raised acrylic
Finish
Flat-topped
Choose 4D
Standard number plate style

Standard

From £12.45

Look
Traditional
Character
Printed
Finish
Flat
Choose Standard

Choose 3D gel if you want a premium raised finish with a smoother, more understated appearance. Choose 4D if you prefer sharper, more defined acrylic characters. Choose standard if price and a traditional look are your priority.See our 4D Number Plates or Standard Number Plates for a closer look.

Compare All Styles

The Technical Detail.

3D Number Plate Specifications

DVLA Requirements for Gel Number Plates

To be road legal, all 3D gel plates must meet the exact government specifications set out in British Standard BS AU 145e. Here's how ours measure up:

RequirementSpecificationOur Compliance
FontCharles Wright 2001 (mandatory)
Character Height79mm (cars), 64mm (motorcycles)
Character Width50mm (excluding '1' and 'I')
Stroke Thickness14mm
Character Spacing11mm between characters
Age Identifier Gap33mm
Background/ColourPlain white (front) / yellow (rear) — no patterns, tints or textures
ReflectivityBS AU 145e standard
Supplier MarkingsRNPS ID and postcode
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BS AU 145e is the current British Standard for number plates — read our BS AU 145e Explained guide for the full detail. Every plate we manufacture is batch-tested against these parameters, and our gel characters are precisely 2mm raised for maximum visual impact while remaining fully readable by ANPR cameras.

3D Number Plates UK close-up

Compliant
by Design.

PNPM
ILFORD

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DVLA CompliantManufactured to BS AU 145e

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Precision EngineeredExact specifications, every time

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Tested for the Real WorldReadable by ANPR cameras

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Quality You Can TrustIn-house production in Ilford

More Than a Plate.

Why Choose 3D Number Plates?

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Raised, glossy characters

A smooth, domed resin finish gives your registration genuine depth — not just a flat printed effect.

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A premium step up from standard plates

More depth and definition than a flat printed plate, without moving to the sharper, bolder look of 4D acrylic.

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Subtler than 4D

The rounded gel finish gives a refined, understated look rather than an aggressively raised character — ideal if you want it noticed, not shouting.

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Manufactured in Ilford, not outsourced

Every 3D gel plate is made in-house at our own workshop, with strict quality control on every batch.

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Order online or collect same-day locally

Design and order online for UK delivery, or collect from our Ilford workshop the same day.

Trusted Supplier. Real Quality. A Higher Standard.

Why Buy Your 3D Number Plates From Plate-Maker?

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Registered number plate supplier(RNPS ID 75449)

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Manufactured in our own Ilford workshop,not outsourced

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The full range in one place— 3D, 4D, 5D, Bevel and Ghost

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Real document verification by our compliance team

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6-month manufacturing warranty on every 3D plate we produce

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Same-day Ilford collection or UK-wide delivery

Fast. Local. Convenient.

Same-Day Collection for 3D Number Plates in Ilford

Need your 3D gel number plates today, not tomorrow? While most online suppliers only offer delivery, we give you a real local option: same-day collection of 3D plates from our Ilford workshop at Eastern Ave.

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Our Ilford WorkshopEastern Ave, Ilford
Essex, IG6 2RT

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OpenMonday – Friday
9:00am – 5:30pm

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How Same-Day Collection Works

  1. 1Design your 3D gel plates using our legal plate builder above
  2. 2Select "Collect from Ilford" at checkout
  3. 3Order by 2pm (Monday–Friday)
  4. 4Your 3D plates are ready within 3 hours
  5. 5Visit us, present your original documents, and drive away with MOT-ready 3D gel plates
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Why Collect Your 3D Plates From Our Ilford Workshop?

Same-day 3D number plate collection from our Ilford workshop. When you collect, you get:

  • Immediate verification — bring your V5C and ID, we verify on the spot
  • No delivery delays — perfect for MOT deadlines or last-minute replacements
  • See the quality firsthand — inspect your 3D gel finish before you drive away
  • Meet the makers — visit the workshop where your 3D plates were manufactured
  • No outsourcing — every 3D gel plate is made on-site
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Prefer Delivery? We Cover the UK

Not local to Ilford? No problem. Your 3D gel number plates can be delivered:

  • Free tracked delivery on orders over £15
  • Next-day delivery UK-wide
  • Secure packaging to prevent damage to your 3D gel characters
  • Real-time tracking so you know when your plates arrive
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Coming From Outside Ilford?

We regularly welcome customers collecting 3D gel plates from Barking, Romford, Dagenham, Stratford and Watford — just 15 minutes from Romford, 20 minutes from Barking, with easy access by car or tube.

Simple. Secure. Straightforward.

Buy 3D Number Plates Online

From design to delivery, we make it simple. Order your 3D number plates in just a few steps and enjoy a fast, secure and fully compliant service.

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Enter your registration

into our 3D number plate maker to view a real-time preview before ordering

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Choose front, rear or a complete pair

, and select your size and any legal options (badges, borders, etc.)

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Upload your identity and entitlement documents

via our encrypted portal — our compliance team verifies 98% of orders within 60 minutes

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We manufacture your plates

in our Ilford workshop

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Collect same-day from Ilford

, or receive UK-wide delivery — order by 2pm for same-day dispatch

Design Your 3D Number Plates

clock icon From design to order in 3 minutes.

shield-badge-check icon 100% legal. 100% secure.

The Plate-Maker Advantage

A Better Way to
Buy Number Plates

Simple.
Secure.
Sorted.

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No Hidden Stepsdesign, verify and order in 3 minutes

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Legal Preview Guaranteesee exactly what you're buying

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Secure Uploadbank-level encryption, files deleted after dispatch

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Nationwide Deliveryshipped across the UK via tracked couriers

Real Plates.
Real People.
Real Service.

Document Verification

What Documents Do I Need for 3D Number Plates?

UK law requires every order to comply with the Road Vehicles Regulations 2001. As a DVLA-registered supplier, we're legally required to verify your identity and entitlement to the registration mark before manufacturing.

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Proof of Identity(Choose One)

  • Current UK driving licence (full or provisional)
  • Valid passport (UK or international)
  • Bank or building society statement — an official, complete copy (not a screenshot or cropped image), dated within the last 6 months
  • Utility bill (gas, electricity, water — not mobile phone)
  • Council tax bill (dated within the last 6 months)

Accepted identity documents may vary depending on your circumstances. If you're unsure whether your documents are suitable, contact us before placing your order.

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Proof of Entitlement(One Required)

  • V5C logbook (vehicle registration certificate) — clear photo of the full document
  • V778 retention certificate — for private registrations on hold
  • V750 certificate of entitlement — if you've bought new registration rights

Screenshots, heavily cropped photos, or black-and-white photocopies are not valid.

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Need help?If you're unsure whether your documents are suitable, contact us before placing your order.

Contact Our Team
Replacement 3D Number Plates

Damaged, Faded or Worn Plates?

Replacement
3D Number Plates

Need to replace damaged, faded or worn plates? Order replacement 3D gel number plates as a front plate, rear plate or complete pair, subject to the same identity and entitlement checks as any new plate.

Order Replacement Plates
shield-badge-check iconFront, rear or complete pair
layers iconSame design and quality
file-shield-check iconFull compliance guaranteed

Got a Private Registration?

3D Number Plates for Private Registrations

Recently assigned a private registration? Once you hold the correct entitlement documents, you can have the physical plate made in 3D gel by a registered supplier like us — giving your registration a more premium finish than a standard printed plate.

Order Your Private Registration
gem iconA more premium finish
file-shield-check iconFully compliant and road legal
car-sports iconExpert support at every step

Answers to Your Questions

3D Number Plates — Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Raised 3D characters are permitted on UK number plates when the finished plate complies with current requirements — correct font, spacing, reflectivity and supplier markings. Ours meet every requirement and display our registered RNPS ID.

Still have a question?Our UK support team is here to help.

Contact Our Team
Order Your 3D Number Plates Today

Ready to Order?

Order Your 3D Number Plates Today

From £17.45 per plate |  £34.95 per pair

Premium
Plates for
Every Journey.

Design Your 3D Number Plates
phone-call icon 020 3576 6603mail icon contact@private-numberplates.ukmap-pin icon242 Eastern Ave, IlfordSame-day collection (within 3 hours)

Need help with your order? Call our UK support team on 020 3576 6603, email contact@private-numberplates.uk, or visit our Ilford workshop at 242 Eastern Ave to collect your plates in person within 3 hours.

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BS AU 145e Compliant

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DVLA Registered Supplier

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28,000+ Plates Produced

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Same-Day Collection & UK Delivery

More Options. A Perfect Fit.

Sizes, Badges & Accessories

3D Gel is also available in our full size ladder — down to a Short 3 Digit plate if your registration is shorter, or up to Motorcycle, Oversized, Hex or Japanese Import formats if you need a specialist size. You can also add a UK, EV or national badge, and optional extras like sticky pads or a fixing kit at checkout.

See the full Sizes, Badges & Accessories guide for every option
Standard number plate

Standard

520mm x 111mm

123

Short 3 Digit

226mm x 111mm

Motorcycle number plate

Motorcycle

235mm x 178mm

Oversized number plate

Oversized

533mm x 152mm

UK Flag

GB

England

Scotland

Wales

EV

Sticky Pads

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Fixing Kit