All car number plate suppliers in the UK have to register with the DVLA, if they provide number plates that display the registration number of a car registered in the UK. If you only sell number plate parts (such as letters) or you only supply number plates for new cars, then it is not necessary to register.
Car number plates that display a UK registration number have to be in the layout prescribed by the DVLA. It is a legal offence to sell incorrectly formatted numbers and number plate suppliers that break this rule may be fined up to ?,500 per offence and may be removed from the register. These incorrectly formatted number plates are frequently known as show plates, can not be supplied with a UK registration number on them.
A factor in causing this change is the increase in numbers of speed cameras. Speed cameras depend on the font, size and spacing of car numberplate letters, and the contrast with the plain background in order to read the number plate accurately. Although unpopular with a lot of road users, it is also an offence to fix show plates on your car whilst driving on public roads. As with suppliers, those who display showplates whilst on the road are liable for a sizeable fine.
Car number plate suppliers have to keep records of each registration plate they sell, the name and address of the customer, a traceable unique number found on original documents such as the V5C (log book). Records must be retained for at least three years. These requirements only apply though where a car number plate is being supplied for a UK registration number, and not for show plates which can be supplied without a legal obligation to maintain records.
The rules do not only apply to car number plates. Motorbike number plates are also subject to them if they are UK registered. The rules donëª apply to overseas number plates.