What documents do you need to order number plates?

You need identity and entitlement evidence

GOV.UK says road-use number plates can only be made up by a registered number plate supplier. The supplier needs to see original documents that prove your name and address and show that you are allowed to use the registration number.

These are two separate checks. A document that confirms your identity does not automatically prove your right to the registration, so prepare evidence for both before placing a road-use order.

Documents that prove your name and address

The current GOV.UK list accepts a driving licence, national identity card, or a utility, Council Tax, rates, bank or building society document from the last six months as evidence of name and address.

A passport, bank card, police warrant card or armed forces identity card confirms your name only. If you use one of those, you will also need an accepted document that confirms your address. Check that names and addresses are current and that time-limited bills or statements are still within six months.

Documents that prove entitlement to the registration

Common entitlement documents include the V5C registration certificate, the green new keeper slip, a V750 certificate of entitlement or a V778 retention document. GOV.UK also lists the V11 tax or SORN reminder, V379 temporary registration certificate, stamped V948, electronic eV948 or eV948/2, and the UK trailer registration certificate (VTRC).

Fleet vehicles can use a qualifying authorisation letter that quotes the V5C document reference number. Fleets using the V5C on demand scheme can use the specified PDF from the view vehicle record service. Use the document that applies to the vehicle and registration rather than substituting an advert, receipt or photograph of the old plate.

Private registrations need the right paperwork

Buying a private registration does not include the physical plates. DVLA says a V750 proves the right to use a newly purchased number; a retained number may be supported by a V778. The registration must be assigned to the vehicle before it is displayed.

Check the registration on the entitlement or assignment record character by character. Do not order from a sales listing or confirmation email alone if it is not one of the accepted entitlement documents.

Prepare before using the Vista builder

Choose Road Legal in the Vista builder when the finished plate is intended for public-road use, then enter the registration exactly as it appears on the entitlement document. Review the front, rear or pair selection, size, lettering, badge, border and fixings before checkout.

Keep personal documents private and provide them only through the requested order process. Do not post a V5C, driving licence, passport or document reference number in reviews, social media comments or public messages. Official guidance checked on 21 October 2026.

• Prepare one accepted name-and-address document.
• Prepare one accepted registration-entitlement document.
• Check six-month limits on bills and statements.
• Match every registration character before ordering.
• Keep personal and document-reference details out of public messages.