Short Number Plates
Smaller Size Plates | Perfect Fit for Your Registration
From £34.97
Short number plates are narrower than standard 520mm plates, designed for vehicles with shorter registrations or smaller plate recesses. Available in 18.5", 16" and 14" widths — all road legal and DVLA compliant.
Design your plates in the 3D builder →
Short Number Plates we've made
What are short number plates?
Short number plates (also called small or narrow plates) use a reduced width compared to the standard 520mm (20.5") plate. They're ideal for registrations with fewer characters, imported vehicles with smaller plate recesses, or simply for a cleaner, more proportional look. We offer three short sizes: 18.5" (470mm), 16" (406mm), and 14" (356mm). All sizes use BS AU 145e compliant materials and correct character spacing. Learn about all UK number plate sizes.
Are short number plates legal?
Yes — short number plates are fully road legal in the UK. There's no minimum plate width in the regulations; only the characters, font, spacing and reflective materials must comply with BS AU 145e. As a DVLA-registered supplier, every short plate we produce meets all legal requirements. The key rule: character spacing must remain correct regardless of plate width. Full legality guide.
Short Number Plates prices
| Option | Pair | Single plate |
|---|---|---|
| Standard short Printed characters | £34.97 | £17.49 |
| 3D gel short Domed gel characters | £49.97 | £24.99 |
| 4D short 3mm Laser-cut acrylic | £44.97 | £22.49 |
| 4D short 5mm Laser-cut acrylic, bold | £54.97 | £27.49 |
Tracked UK delivery £3.99. Borders, badges and tints are optional extras priced in the builder.
Short vs full-size plate at a glance
| Full size | Short | |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 520mm (20.5") | 470mm (18.5"), 406mm (16") or 356mm (14") |
| Characters | Up to 7 | 4 to 7 depending on width |
| Character size | 79mm tall, 50mm wide | Identical; only the plate is narrower |
| Lettering | Printed, 3D gel or 4D | Printed, 3D gel or 4D |
| Pair price | From £24.99 | From £34.97 |
| Road legal | Yes, BS AU 145e | Yes, BS AU 145e; no minimum width |
| Best for | Seven-character registrations | Short registrations, narrow bumpers, imports |
Who are they for?
Short plates are perfect for drivers with shorter registrations (5–6 characters) who want a proportional, tidy look. They're also popular with imported vehicle owners whose plate recesses are smaller than standard UK size, and enthusiasts who prefer a cleaner aesthetic on performance and classic cars.
Care and lifespan
Short plates require the same care as standard plates. The smaller size makes them lighter and slightly easier to handle during fitting. Use adhesive pads for a secure, clean fitment. Avoid pressure washing at close range.
Frequently asked questions
Are short number plates road legal?
Yes. There's no minimum plate width in UK regulations. As long as the characters, font, spacing and materials comply with BS AU 145e, short plates are fully road legal and MOT-compliant.
What sizes are available?
We offer 18.5" (470mm), 16" (406mm) and 14" (356mm) short plates. Standard full-size plates are 520mm (20.5"). Check our full size guide.
Can I get short plates with 3D or 4D lettering?
Yes! Short plates are available with all our lettering styles including standard, 3D gel, 4D acrylic, and 4D gel. Design yours in our plate builder.
How do I know which size to choose?
Measure your plate recess or count your registration characters. 7-character regs fit standard width; 5–6 characters look great on 16" or 18.5"; very short regs (3–4 chars) suit 14".
What documents do I need to order?
Proof of identity (driving licence or passport) and proof of entitlement (V5C logbook). We collect these after checkout. Documents guide.
Which short plate size do I need?
Count your characters. Four or five fit a 14" plate, five or six fit 16", and six or seven fit 18.5". Then measure the recess or bracket on the car. Our measuring guide walks through it with a tape measure.
Are short number plates legal for MOT?
Yes, provided the characters are full legal size with the correct spacing and margins. A short plate is just a narrower plate with the same rules. See short number plate rules.
How much do short number plates cost?
From £34.97 a pair with printed characters. 3D gel and 4D short plates are priced in the grid on this page. Tracked delivery is £3.99.
Do you make short plates near me?
Every plate is made in our West Yorkshire workshop and posted nationwide, usually next working day. Design online, upload your V5C and driving licence, and the plates arrive by tracked post.
Can I have a short plate on the front and a full-size plate on the rear?
Yes, and it is a common combination: short on the front where the bumper is narrow, full size or square on the rear. Front and rear do not have to match. See do front and rear plates have to match.