If you’re looking for how to print number plates for your vehicles or as part of your business, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Uniplate, we supply the latest printing machines, lamination equipment and everything you need to create your own personalised number plates. We break down how in eight simple steps.
Explore Our Number Plate Printers
What Are Number Plate Printers?
There are two types of number plate printers, using either thermal or laser printing technology. They are specialised machines specifically designed to print legal vehicle registration plates. These printers allow garages, dealerships, plate suppliers and vehicle owners to produce customised plates on demand while ensuring compliance with DVLA standards and regulations.
How They Work
Number plate printers use thermal transfer or laser printing to apply characters and designs onto reflective plate materials. Once printed, the number plate will be laminated or pressed to ensure durability, clarity and legal compliance.
Types Of Number Plate Printers
There are two main types of number plate printers:
- Thermal printers including the GoDEX HD830i, GoDEX G500, Citizen CL-S621 and Citizen CL-S700
- Laser printers can accompany thermal types and increase the efficiency of number plate making for businesses
Materials Used in Number Plate Printing
Several materials and components are needed to print quality and compliant number plates, including:
- Reflective sheeting for your trading name, postcode and other markings like logos
- Fixings and frames to attach the number plate to the vehicle
- Pressed aluminium blanks for vintage and classic cars
- Consumables and spare parts such as toners, thermal printer ribbons, printer heads, image drums and fuser units
Along with these materials and a printing system, you will also require the right software to modify your plates. This is easy to use and compatible with both Windows and Mac computers, as well as the printers we provide. Read more about what is needed to make a number plate.
How to Print Number Plates: In 8 Simple Steps
1. Register With The DVLA
If not already, you will need to register with the DVLA to sell or make number plates. Even if you’re displaying a self-printed number plate on your vehicle without the intention of driving it, the number plate will have to be registered.
The V940 form is for those with one place of business, while the V940/1 form is for those with more than one place of business. The process is fairly quick and straightforward, and well worth doing, as businesses could otherwise face fines of up to £5,000.
2. Contact Us
The next step is to contact us to discuss your printing requirements. We can recommend the ideal printers, laminators, and materials you’ll need for the types of plates you want to make. If you’re a business, we can set you up with a trading account, allowing you to benefit from our equipment bundle.
3. Purchase A System And Components
If you already have printing equipment, we are still available for any extras, consumables and of course special trading offers on our equipment. If you’re looking for a completely new number plate printing setup, Uniplate is the one-stop provider of the very best equipment, with delivery straight to your location.
You can order by calling us, or if you’re close by, come to our sales office in Tamworth.
4. Get Set Up
With your printing equipment and consumables delivered, all that’s needed is to set everything up. All equipment is user-friendly, and the software features an easy-to-use user interface and tutorials on how everything works. Once installed on your computer, connect your printers to your device, and you’ll be ready to start printing!
5. Add Vehicle Registrations
Enter the correct registration number into the software and double-check for accuracy, spacing, and font to ensure compliance with DVLA regulations. At this stage, you can also choose your plate size, layout, and supplier details.
6. Load Oralite Sheeting Into Printer
Remember the reflective sheeting? Also known as Oralite sheeting, it’s time to load it into the printer, ensuring it’s aligned correctly. This sheeting is the base layer of the number plate and must be handled carefully to avoid damage or misprints.
7. Print The Registration
With everything aligned and your registration typed out correctly, it’s time to hit the print button. The printer will apply the registration number to the reflective sheeting using either thermal or laser technology.
8. Laminate The Registration
The last step is to laminate the number plate. This can be performed with a manual roller or a motorised one and is necessary to ensure the plate is weather-resistant, tamper-proof and fully compliant with British Standards AU 145e.
Need a number plate laminator? Uniplate provides quality-tested laminators individually or as part of our equipment bundles. Get in touch with us to discuss our range with an expert.
Explore Our Expert Range of Number Plate Printing Equipment
Now you know how to print number plates! With Uniplate, we make business and vehicle owners’ number plate printing easy. We have all the equipment required to make fully compliant, custom number plates, from printers and laminators to the right consumables and reflective sheeting.
Reach our team on 01827 310 000 to discuss what you need. Alternatively, fill out our contact form and we’ll get in touch with you.
How to Print Number Plates: FAQs
Can I print number plates without being registered?
If you are looking to make or sell compliant number plates, even for display purposes, you will need to be registered with the DVLA.
Do I need special software?
You will need number plate printing software to be able to create compliant plates. Fortunately, all Uniplate customers can receive our special software for free! Get in touch with us and we’ll provide you with the very best software.
How much does it cost to print number plates?
Printing number plates is very cost-effective, especially if you plan to print on-site rather than relying on a third party. All our equipment and printing supplies are competitively priced, with special bundles for our customers. If you need to register as a number plate supplier, there is a one-off fee of £40.
Can I sell printed plates to customers?
Absolutely, but to sell printed plates to customers, you will need to register as a supplier with the DVLA, otherwise you could face penalties and fines of several thousand pounds. You must also keep records of each number plate you sell, including the registration number and the customer’s details.