How do I buy number plates as a Christmas present?
With the festive season upon us, a lot of people are asking the same question - how can I buy number plates as a gift?
The UK laws regarding purchasing number plates add some steps to the process, meaning it isn’t as simple as ordering a number plate and getting it delivered, however it isn’t a complex process by any means.
Before a Registered Number Plate Supplier can produce any number plates, they must first witness and record the details from two documents. One document must prove the address/identity of the individual purchasing the number plates, and the other must prove entitlement to the registration.
The reason for these documents being required is to reduce the likelihood of a ne’er-do-well purchasing number plates for the purpose of cloning a vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy number plates as a gift?
So long as you can provide your own ID/proof of address document and proof of ownership of the registration, you can indeed! The proof of ownership may be a V5C logbook, V750 certificate of entitlement, or V778 retention document.
I can’t access the proof of ownership of the registration. What can I do?
You could purchase a gift card, place an order for the number plates themselves, and then get the recipient to provide their proof of ownership after Christmas.
The proof of ownership isn’t in my name. Is that a problem?
Not at all! The proof of ownership doesn’t need to be in your name, as the law permits buying number plates as a gift.
Are 3D Gel or 4D Laser Cut number plates road legal?
Answering this depends entirely on the number plate supplier you purchase the plates from. When you order from Utopia Plates, we can guarantee that everything we provide is fully road legal. However, other companies may provide illegal number plates, either knowingly or through not understanding the rules.
How do I order from Utopia Plates?
You can place an order via our website, which includes free Tracked Royal Mail delivery, or you can visit our Durham store to get the number plates made up then and there, taking only 5-10 minutes on average!