Number plate supplier markings and BS AU 145e: what to check
Understand the supplier details and British Standard marking on UK road-use number plates, where to find them and what an MOT does not check.
Why the bottom markings matter
On a road-use number plate, the small details along the lower edge are part of the specification rather than decoration. GOV.UK says the plate must be marked to show who supplied it and the British Standard number it meets.
These markings normally sit away from the main registration so the letters and numbers remain dominant. Check that a holder, border or fixing does not hide them when the plate is fitted.
What BS AU 145e identifies
DVLA leaflet INF104 says the British Standard covers characteristics including visibility, strength and reflectivity. New or replacement plates fitted to a vehicle from 1 September 2021 must be permanently and legibly marked BS AU 145e; plates fitted before that date may carry BS AU 145d.
The printed standard number is one check, not proof on its own that every part of a plate is correct. The complete plate still needs the right background, characters, spacing, layout and other required markings for the vehicle.
Which supplier details should appear
INF104 says every plate meeting the British Standard must be permanently and legibly marked with the name, trademark or another way of identifying the manufacturer or supplier. It must also show the name and postcode of the supplying outlet.
Road-use plates can only be made up by a registered number plate supplier. The supplier must see original documents proving your identity and your entitlement to use the registration, so prepare the accepted documents before ordering.
What an MOT does not check
The current DVSA MOT inspection manual says an examiner does not have to check the supplier's name and postcode or the British Standard number. The test instead covers points such as the plate's security, condition, colours, characters, spacing and legibility.
That inspection instruction does not remove the legal marking requirements. An MOT pass should not be treated as confirmation that every production detail on a number plate complies with the road-use rules.
Check the Vista preview and finished plate
Choose Road Legal in the Vista builder when the plate is intended for public-road use. The Road Legal preview shows the supplier line and BS AU 145e reference; Vista confirms the final typeface, size and production markings before manufacture. Show Plates omit the road-use supplier markings and are for display use only.
Before checkout, compare every character with your entitlement document and review the plate position, size, lettering, badge, border and fixings. Once fitted, check that the whole registration and the lower markings remain visible. Official guidance checked on 18 October 2026; the current DVSA MOT manual was updated on 14 October 2026.
- Choose Road Legal for a plate intended for public roads.
- Look for the British Standard and supplier details along the lower edge.
- Keep holders, borders and fixings clear of the markings.
- Compare the full registration with your entitlement document.
- Use the official guidance for the latest requirements.