What Are 3D Number Plates?

3D number plates are an upgrade from standard printed plates. They are made differently – the standout feature being the raised gel resin characters that give a subtle, stylish depth to your registration. The numbers and letters have a glossy, domed finish. 

Ideal for drivers looking for a premium look without being overly flashy!

At Plate Mate, every 3D number plate is crafted using the OKI Pro 9541. This is a repurposed commercial-grade printer originally designed for high-end labels and media. It allows us to produce sharper colours, deeper blacks, and cleaner finishes for your 3D plates.

What Size 3D Plates Can I Buy?

For road compliant 3D plates, we offer 13.5 x 6 inches (this is the smallest you can go) all the way up to 20.5 x 4.4 inches (the biggest). We offer several other sizes within this size range too, which you can find on our 3D plate builder.

For motorbikes, we offer standard 9 x 7 inch 3D plates. 

The above size plates are all road-compliant under the current DVLA requirements. However, if you would like to buy 3D plates in a different size or with further customisation options, you’d be better off switching to our show plate option on our plate builder.

Remember, show plates are not road compliant! So you won’t be able to drive these on the road, as you would with a normal 3D number plate.

How We Create Your 3D Number Plates

At Plate Mate, quality isn’t an afterthought, it’s built into every plate we make. Our 3D number plates are made with polyurethane gel resin which provides a smooth finish, and a slick raised profile due to the letters underneath. Better yet, the characters are also printed underneath to ensure road compliance. 

With us, you’ll be getting:

• Hand-finished every time: Unlike many competitors who rely on basic frames and shortcuts, our 3D plates are carefully hand-finished in our Jersey workshop. Our team ensures perfect alignment, spacing, and finish on every plate.
• Superior printing: We don’t just use off-the-shelf equipment. Your 3D number plates are printed using the powerful OKI Pro 9541 – a repurposed, commercial-grade printer that delivers a sharper, more vivid finish than traditional garage printers.
• Materials that last: Whether you choose eco-friendly options or our premium acrylics, every 3D plate is made to resist fading, weather damage, and everyday wear.
• More customisation with our plate builder: Our industry-unique Plate Builder gives you freedom to personalise even further. This includes badge selection / creation and background colours. (Note: certain customisations are for show plates only and not for road-legal plates.)

Plus, we won’t ask you for any documentation. We cover more on the ins and outs of 3d number plates on our ‘Are 3D Number Plates Legal?’ article.

Fitting Your 3D Number Plates

Fitting your new 3D plates is simple, and you have two main options depending on your preference:

Sticky Pads for a Clean Finish

For a seamless, no-drill look, use our strong adhesive sticky pads. They securely fix your plate to your car or bike without the need for any tools.

• Quick and easy: Simply peel and stick.
• No drilling needed: Ideal for leased vehicles or when you want a clean install.
• Included option: Add a sticky pad set to your order at checkout.

Screw Fixing Kits for Extra Security

Prefer a traditional fit? Our screw fixing kits allow you to bolt the plate directly to your vehicle. You can buy them on our Fixing Kits Products page (they’re at the bottom).

• Use your existing holes on your car or bike where possible.
• Drill carefully through the plate (we recommend drilling from the back if acrylic and front if our ‘standard’ plates).
• Secure with screws and coloured caps for a neat, durable finish.

All fitting options are available to purchase alongside your 3D plates from Plate Mate, and full instructions are provided.

FAQs

Are 3D plates road legal in the UK?

Yes. As long as the plates meet DVLA standards for font, spacing, size, and reflectivity, 3D plates are fully legal. All 3D plates from Plate Mate are built to comply with UK regulations if designed within the ‘road compliant’ tab of the plate builder.

How long do 3D plates last?

Our 3D plates are built to last many years. They’re resistant to UV fading, weather damage, and general road wear.

Will 3D plates pass an MOT?

Yes, provided the plate stays within DVLA rules and remains clearly legible. Our 3D plates are fully MOT-compliant when fitted correctly.

How do you fit 3D plates?

You can fit your 3D plates easily using either sticky pads or a number plate fixing kit. Sticky pads offer a cleaner, no-drill look, while screws provide a more permanent option. Both are available when you order from Plate Mate.

Can I add a badge or custom border?

Yes! Our Plate Builder tool lets you choose from a wide range of custom badges, backgrounds, and borders. You can even select your own colours for an added dash of personalisation.