UK businesses in the automotive world specialise in all sorts of areas, from servicing, MOTs and repairs to selling second-hand or brand-new models in a dealership. Just because your business specialises in one area, it doesn’t mean it can’t branch out to number plate printing for an additional, viable source of revenue.
But how can businesses achieve this, and where can they get their number plates printed to legal requirements to apply to their stock or sell to their customers? Find out with the help of Uniplate.
Explore Our Number Plate Printers
Why Offer Number Plate Printing In-House?
If you’ve been thinking about designing, printing and selling number plates for business, you could outsource this service or do it all yourself. Offering number plate printing in-house provides your business with more.
Extra Revenue Stream For Garages And Dealerships
Imagine displaying a range of printed number plates at your garage, or kitting your new cars out with customised plates that make customers’ heads turn. They might ask, ‘Where can I get number plates printed like that for my car?’ You can then direct them towards your services to get brand-new printed number plates. You’ll not only improve customer service but make more money at the same time.
Faster Turnaround And Better Customer Service
A benefit of having your own number plate equipment in-house is that, as a supplier, you won’t have to wait around for a third party to print and deliver the plates to either your location or your customers’. Any customer concerns can also be addressed directly, improving business reputation and customer service.
Also, printing number plates can be done in a matter of minutes, so any customer wanting a plate right there and then can be served in a timely manner.
Compliance With DVLA Regulations
Quality control is essential when printing number plates. If you outsource your printing, your supplier may miss off certain details, make mistakes or, worse, not follow ‘Road Legal’ and DVLA standards. Printing your own plates ensures minimal room for error and full compliance.
What You Need to Start Printing Number Plates Legally
Becoming A DVLA Registered Supplier (RNPS)
To legally print number plates, your business must register with the DVLA under the Register of Number Plate Suppliers (RNPS). This ensures your business is authorised to produce plates that meet British Standards.
Required Equipment And Materials
You won’t just need printing equipment, you’ll need approved number plate printing equipment. This will include printers, reflective materials, acrylic plates, laminators and other components. The approved equipment ensures your business stays compliant using the right fonts, materials and other fine details.
Documentation And Record-Keeping Requirements
Every plate printed and sold must come with documentation and must be kept in a record. These records should include the customer’s ID and entitlement to the registration number, and the plates themselves must have your business’s name, postcode and BSAU number. Records must be kept securely for at least three years, in line with DVLA guidelines.
Number Plate Printing Equipment For UK Businesses
What equipment is needed to make a number plate? Below is the main equipment you’ll need and what type of plates you can print with them.
Printers And Software Overview
Two types of printers work best for number plate production: thermal printers and laser printers.
- Thermal printers – available in 4” and 8” versions. A 4” thermal printer is ideal for single-panel printing at high volumes, while an 8” thermal printer offers more versatility in the shapes and sizes you can produce.
- Laser printers – more suited for motorcycle garages and dealerships, as they can produce oblong and square number plates with ease. Accompany your thermal setup with a laser printer to increase production efficiency.
You will also need number plate printing software to design and customise your plates. The software should allow you to set your own parameters, whether company logos, plate size and text position, but also conform with DVLA requirements for compliance.
Types Of Plates You Can Print
With the software and printers, you can produce several types of number plates. These include 3D gel plates, 4D plates, which are great for setting trade and test vehicles apart, lipped number plates that can feature company colours or branding, and, of course, standard made-up plates for your customers.
Training And Support Options
If this is your first venture in number plate printing, it can be challenging to understand all the DVLA regulations, wrap your head around the printing software and which equipment will work best for your requirements. Any advice and support you need is available from the team at Uniplate.
Why Buy from Uniplate?
Printing your own number plates as part of your automotive business is highly beneficial, from making more profit to positive expansion and customer service. Most importantly, you’ll be producing number plates that are compliant with British Standards.
Getting started with printing your own number plates is made easy with the help of Uniplate. We have all the approved equipment you could need to make legal number plates, from printers and laminators to software, PMMA high impact acrylic, reflective sheeting and fixing and frames. Get in touch with us on 01827 310 000 for any help. We also have exclusive number plate equipment bundles with everything you need at competitive prices.
Where Can I Get Number Plates Printed? FAQs
Can any garage legally print number plates?
Only garages and other businesses that are DVLA-registered under the RNPS (Register of Number Plate Suppliers) can legally produce number plates in the UK, unless exempt (please enquire to find out more). They must follow strict regulations on identity checks, documentation and record-keeping.
How much does it cost to set up number plate printing?
Startup costs vary based on how much equipment you require. This includes compliant printers, plate blanks, software and laminating equipment. Additional costs may include DVLA registration. To receive an accurate estimate for your set-up, talk to our team.
Is number plate printing profitable?
Number plate printing is a profitable add-on service for garages, MOT centres and car dealerships. With low material costs and consistent demand, especially for replacement plates, it can generate steady revenue with relatively low overheads.
What kind of printer do I need for number plates?
You’ll need a specialist number plate printer, either a thermal or laser printer, capable of printing direct to reflective sheeting. Uniplate supplies printers that meet all compliance standards, ensuring durability, clarity and legal validity for UK roads.