Show plates
Custom number plates for shows, events, photo shoots and display – in 4D, 3D gel or printed styles, spaced exactly how you want.
What is a show plate?
A show plate is a number plate made for display rather than for the road. Because it doesn't have to follow the DVLA display rules, you can choose your own character spacing, use a shorter or shaped plate that wouldn't fit legal-size characters, or add a smoked tint. Show plates are popular for car shows and meets, track days, photo and video shoots, dealer showrooms, private collections – and as a gift for a car-mad friend.
What you can do on a show plate
- Space it your way. Move the gap or remove it to spell a name or word – for example R4 CEY as R4CEY.
- Choose any style. Standard printed, 3D gel, 4D acrylic in 3mm or 5mm, or 4D gel.
- Pick a size or shape. Standard, short, hex and large rear plates – even sizes too small for full-size characters.
- Add a smoked tint for a darker, stealthy look.
- Add a border, flag or identifier to finish it off.
No documents needed
Road-legal plates can only be made once we've seen your V5C (or other proof of entitlement) and photo ID. Show plates don't need either, so they go into production as soon as your order is placed – order by 2pm on a working day and we start the same day. See delivery and returns.
Where you can and can't use them
Show plates are legal to own and display off the road: on a show ground, on private land, at a track day, in a garage or showroom. They must not be fitted to a vehicle being driven on a public road. A plate that breaks the display rules can mean a fine of up to £1,000, an MOT failure, and the DVLA can withdraw a personalised registration.
Going to a show? Drive there on your road-legal plates and swap to your show plates once you're parked up. Our fitting guide covers quick-swap options.
Show plates carry no British Standard marking, so they can't be mistaken for road-legal plates. If you want plates for everyday driving, choose Road legal in the builder – it checks the font, size and spacing for you. Read the road legal guide to see what's allowed.
Show plate FAQs
Are show plates legal?
Yes, to buy and display off the road – at car shows, on private land, in a garage or showroom. They're not legal on a vehicle driven on a public road.
Do I need documents to buy show plates?
No. Proof of entitlement and ID are only needed for road-legal plates.
Can I space my registration to spell a name?
Yes – on a show plate you can space the characters however you like.
Can I drive to a car show with show plates fitted?
No. Drive there on your road-legal plates and swap once you're parked on the show ground or private land.
Which styles can I have as a show plate?
Every style we make – standard printed, 3D gel, 4D acrylic in 3mm or 5mm, and 4D gel – in standard, short, hex and other sizes, with an optional smoked tint.