What Are Silver Mirror Number Plates?

Silver mirror number plates feature reflective, chrome-like lettering applied to a clean acrylic base. 

The letters have a high-shine, metallic look that catches the light. Unlike standard black 3D gel or 4D acrylic characters, silver mirror letters have a polished, almost glassy surface that makes them popular for show cars, modified vehicles, or anyone wanting a standout look.

These plates are made using ABS (the same as our standard plates), but the finish of the characters pushes them into show plate territory. That means they’re ideal for display, events, private land, and car meets, but not for everyday road use in the UK or Channel Islands.

Are Silver Mirror Plates Legal in the UK?

No, silver mirror number plates are not road legal in the UK or Channel Islands.

The DVLA and DVS regulations require number plates to meet strict visibility, reflectivity and formatting standards. Characters must be black, non-reflective, and made using approved materials and fonts, such as the Charles Wright font, to ensure plates can be easily read by ANPR cameras and enforcement officers.

Silver mirror characters often deviate from the approved typeface, making them non-compliant for road use. This means you can’t legally use silver mirror plates on public roads, and doing so could result in MOT failure and fines.

That said, silver mirror plates are a brilliant option for off-road use, including:

• Car shows or exhibitions
• Private land
• Showrooms or promotional vehicles
• Photoshoots

If you’re after that mirror-finish look for aesthetic purposes, silver mirror plates are a solid choice, just keep them off your daily runaround.

Why Choose Silver Mirror Plates?

Lots of reasons! Silver mirror plates are certainly one of the rarer number plate types you’ll see out and about. They’re popular for a many reasons, here are just a few:

Bold, reflective finish

Arguably their main appeal, the mirror chrome effect gives your characters a high-shine, premium look, especially when mounted on a black plate.

Great for photo shoots and events

Silver mirror plates photograph beautifully under lighting and flash. If you’re showing your car at an event, or just want standout photos for socials, these plates look brilliant.

Pairs perfectly with black show plates

We often see customers combine silver mirror letters with our black plastic plates for a clean, high-contrast finish that mimics classic vintage styles with a modern twist.

Personalisation without compromise

You can customise font and layout, within our plate builder, and we won’t charge extra for small design tweaks. If there’s a design you want that you can’t do on the builder, let us know and our design team will jump on it.

Just remember, these are show plates, not road plates. 

Alternatives to Silver Mirror Plates

Love the look of silver mirror but want something road compliant? Here are a few options:

Black and Silver Plastic Plates

If you’re after a classic or vintage aesthetic, our black and silver plastic plates offer a similar visual impact. They’re lightweight, budget-friendly, and make a great alternative for display vehicles, garages, or collectors.

Explore black plates 

3D Gel and 4D Acrylic Plates

For a more modern, road-legal option that still delivers depth and shine, check out our 3D gel or 4D acrylic number plates. These use gloss finishes and raised lettering to create a premium feel, all while staying fully compliant.

• See 3D gel plates
• See 4D plates

Each of these options gives you a stylish alternative to silver mirror plates, depending on your budget, needs, and whether you’re looking for road-legal or show-only.

Ready to Order Your Silver Mirror Plates?

Whether you’re after a premium show plate for a standout look or simply love the sleek, chrome-like finish, our silver mirror number plates, these plates fit the bill.

Every plate is handmade in our Channel Islands workshop, with the same care and attention to detail that sets Plate Mate apart, no hidden fees, no cheap shortcuts, just high-quality craftsmanship.