4D number
plates.
Laser-cut acrylic characters bonded to a reflective plate — the sharpest, deepest-looking finish you can get on a road-legal plate. £40 a pair, made in 1–2 working days and posted signed-for anywhere in the UK.
Road-legal sets are made to BS AU 145e. Show plates are available for off-road display use only.
What are 4D number plates and how much do they cost?
4D number plates use individual characters laser-cut from solid acrylic and bonded onto a reflective plate, so the digits stand proud of the surface. A pair costs £40 (4D gel £45), made in 1–2 working days and posted signed-for anywhere in the UK. Road-legal sets are made to BS AU 145e and we need proof of your identity and entitlement to the registration before we make them.
- 4D (pair): £40 · 4D gel £45
- Standard £30 · 3D gel £35 · retro £60
- Character thickness: typically 3mm or 5mm
- Made to BS AU 145e for road use
- Made in 1–2 working days
- Royal Mail signed-for, UK-wide
Real plates, real photos.
What exactly is a 4D plate?
A 4D plate starts as a standard reflective acrylic plate. The characters are then cut individually from solid acrylic on a laser cutter and bonded onto the face, so they physically stand up off the plate. That's what gives 4D its hard-edged, machined look — the depth is real, not printed.
Character thickness is the main choice. 3mm is the subtler option and sits closer to the plate; 5mm is the bolder, more aggressive look you'll see on show cars and detailing builds. Both are made the same way and both can be road-legal when the plate meets BS AU 145e.
- 3mm characters — subtle, factory-plus look
- 5mm characters — bold, deep, show-car look
- Available on front and rear plates
- Made for cars, vans, 4x4s and imports
What sizes do you make?
We make every common UK plate size to order. If you know the size you need, pick it during the order; if you're not sure, message us with the car and we'll tell you which one fits.
- Standard oblong 520 × 111 mm (front and rear)
- Rear plinth / Range Rover style 533 × 152 mm
- 4x4 square rear 285 × 203 mm
- Full square 285 × 203 mm and short-oblong options
4D, 4D gel or 3D gel — which should I pick?
4D is flat-topped laser-cut acrylic: crisp edges, matte-black face, maximum definition. 3D gel is a domed gel resin character with a glossy, rounded top — softer looking and slightly cheaper at £35. 4D gel is the hybrid: laser-cut acrylic characters with a gel dome added on top, which keeps 4D's height and adds a wet-look gloss.
If you want the sharpest look, choose 4D. If you want gloss and depth together, choose 4D gel. Compare them in detail on our 3D vs 4D and gel plate pages.
How does ordering work?
The whole order happens online. You choose the style, size and character thickness, type the registration exactly as it appears on your V5C, upload your documents and pay in full — there's no deposit on plates.
We check the documents, make the plates within 1–2 working days, then post them signed-for. You get a text with the tracking number when they're on their way.
How much do plates cost?
All prices per pair, paid in full at order — there is no deposit on plates. Royal Mail signed-for postage is added at checkout and we deliver anywhere in the UK.
Road-legal or show plate?
Number plates made since September 2021 must comply with BS AU 145e. 3D and 4D raised characters can be road-legal provided the plate meets that standard — the mandated font and character height, correct spacing, the right colour and reflectivity, the supplier details and BS AU 145e marking, and nothing that misrepresents the registration.
Novelty and show plates that don't meet the standard are for off-road display use only. They must not be fitted to a vehicle used on the road. Tick the show-plate option at checkout if that's what you want and we'll skip the document checks.
What documents do you need?
Road-legal plates must be supplied by a DVLA Registered Number Plate Supplier, and the supplier has to see proof of your identity and proof of your entitlement to the registration mark before making the plates. You upload both as part of the order:
- Proof of identity — driving licence, or a passport with a recent utility/council tax bill
- Proof of entitlement — V5C log book, new keeper slip, V750/V778 retention certificate, or a lease/hire agreement
How does UK delivery work?
Plates are made in 1–2 working days and posted by Royal Mail signed-for, anywhere in the UK — you get a tracking number by text when they leave us. Everything is ordered online, so you don't need to be anywhere near our Dagenham workshop.
Plates are packed in rigid protective packaging with the fixing kit included. If you'd rather collect, that's still an option — but posting is the default for national orders.
Common questions.
Are 4D number plates legal?
They can be. Raised 4D characters are allowed provided the finished plate meets BS AU 145e — the mandated font and character height, correct spacing, correct colour and reflectivity, supplier details and BS AU 145e marking, and nothing that misrepresents the registration. Plates that don't meet the standard are show plates for off-road display only.
How much are 4D number plates?
£40 a pair for 4D and £45 a pair for 4D gel. Standard plates are £30, 3D gel £35 and retro £60. Prices are per pair and paid in full at order — no deposit. Royal Mail signed-for postage is added at checkout.
Should I choose 3mm or 5mm characters?
3mm sits closer to the plate and reads as a subtle upgrade; 5mm stands further proud and is the bolder, show-car look. Both are made the same way and both can be road-legal when the plate is made to BS AU 145e.
What documents do I need to send?
Road-legal plates have to be supplied by a DVLA Registered Number Plate Supplier, and the supplier must see proof of your identity and proof of your entitlement to the registration mark. In practice that's your driving licence (or passport plus a recent utility/council tax bill) and your V5C log book, new keeper slip, V750/V778 retention certificate or lease agreement. You upload both during the order.
How long does delivery take?
Plates are made in 1–2 working days, then posted by Royal Mail signed-for, which typically takes a further 1–3 working days depending on the service picked at checkout. We text you the tracking number on dispatch.
Can I order 4D plates without a V5C?
Only as show plates, which are for off-road display use and must not be fitted to a vehicle used on the road. For road-legal plates we're required to see proof of entitlement to the registration.
Do you deliver across the whole UK?
Yes — everything is ordered online and posted signed-for anywhere in the UK. Collection from our Dagenham workshop is available if you happen to be local, but it isn't required.
Order your 4D plates.
Pick your style and size, upload your documents and pay securely. Made in 1–2 working days and posted signed-for anywhere in the UK.
Start your order