Why Use Plate Mate to Design Your Show Plates?

At Plate Mate, we’re trusted by thousands across the UK for high-quality custom show plates. We’ve been creating, printing and delivering high quality show plates for over 20 years and our customers agree!

Where Can You Use a Show Plate?

Show plates are not road legal, but are perfect for several other uses. A few common uses include:

• Car shows and exhibitions – Display your vehicle with a personalised touch.
• Garage or workshop signs – Add a custom plate to your workspace.
• Garage showrooms.
• Business branding – Use a plate as promotional signage.
• Photography and film – Ideal for set design and marketing shoots.

As show plates aren’t held back by any legalities, they aren’t subject to any regulations. This means you can customise them any which way you want! And if you’d like something super bespoke and you can’t create it on our builder, speak to us directly and we’ll design it for you.

Everything is hand built in our Jersey workshop by professionals with decades of experience. You can choose Express 1 Day Delivery or our standard 3-5 days if you’re not in a rush. 

Unique Badge Builder

Plus, unlike other number plate companies, we offer a unique Badge Builder that lets you fully customise your plate’s badge. Choose from a wide range of icons, background colours, and text styles, or pick from a selection of pre-set designs. This level of personalisation means your show plate is truly one of a kind.

Text Character Manipulation 

We also offer text character manipulation, allowing you to create a plate with characters that resemble specific letters or numbers. Whether you want a ‘3’ to look like an ‘E’ or ‘12’ to resemble an ‘R’, our team can carefully adjust the design to achieve your desired look.

No Documentation Required!

And if you need to buy a road compliant number plate, you don’t need to provide any documentation as we’re based in Jersey.

Whether you need a standout plate for a car show, a garage display, or business branding, we’re your #1 Plate Mate.

FAQs

• Are show plates legal for road use?

No, show plates are not road legal and cannot be used on public roads. They do not meet DVLA regulations and should only be used for display purposes, car shows, or private collections.

• Can I design my show plate however I like?

Yes! Since show plates aren’t bound by legal requirements, you can customise fonts, colours, spacing, badges, borders, and slogans without restrictions. If you want something super bespoke, please speak to us directly and our designers will create something special

• What materials are used for your show plates?

Our standard show plates are made from ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), otherwise known as our enviro plate material.  We also offer 3D and 4D raised lettering options for a premium look.

*All the materials we use conform to UK road requirements, it is only your design that wouldn’t be compliant.

• How long does it take to receive my show plate?

We offer fast UK delivery, with express 1-working-day shipping (if ordered prior to 3pm) available. Standard delivery usually takes 3-5 working days.

• Do I need to provide documents to order a show plate?

No, as show plates are not road legal, you don’t need to provide any documents like a V5C logbook or ID. Simply design your plate and place your order and we’ll send it to you.

• Can I get a custom logo or design on my show plate?

Absolutely! If you want a company logo, custom artwork, or a design not available in the builder, contact us, and we’ll create a fully bespoke plate for you.

• Can show plates be used for garage or home decoration?

Yes! Many customers use them for garage signs, business branding, home décor, or collector displays.

• What size options do you offer?

We offer standard UK plate sizes, as well as square, short, and oversized plates for different display needs.

• What payment options do you accept?

We accept all major debit/credit cards, PayPal, so you can pay securely and flexibly.