Number plates are a legal requirement for all motor vehicles on UK roads and so it’s important that you ensure that your car has a number plate on the front and rear of the vehicle that are clean and visible for other road users.
There are different rules for motorbikes, but all four-wheeled vehicles must have a front and rear plate.
The number plate at the front of the vehicle will be white and the one at the rear will be yellow. Both can also have a blue bar on the left-hand side of the plate that has the country of origin’s flag, a GB or EU logo.
There are several reasons that you might need to get an additional number plate but the most common of these is if you are towing or carrying something that blocks your rear number plate from view.
If you are towing a trailer or a caravan they will need to have a separate number plate for the rear of them. Similarly, if you have a bike rack on the back of your vehicle then you might need to buy a number plate to go onto this so that your registration is visible to those behind you.
Other reasons that you might need to get another number plate include:
Any number plates that you have made must be made by a registered plate supplier and you can find your local supplier on the government’s website here.
You will usually need to take with you two original documents. The first is a document that proves your name and address, for example your driving licence, a utility bill or a bank statement that is from the last six months. The second is the document which shows you are authorised to have this plate made, which will usually be the V5C. If you are leasing there is more information on the documentation you need to take below.
It is important to make sure that you keep the address on your V5C up to date for a number of reasons, including the fact it is a legal requirement, and you will need to make sure that the address on your V5C matches the one on the additional document you are taking to prove your name and address.
It will be your responsibility to pay for the cost of any additional number plates that you have made.
If you are leasing the vehicle then the V5C will be kept by the lease funder and you will not have this, which means you will need to request a copy along with a letter of authorisation or certificate of entitlement to prove you are using the vehicle and can have the additional plate made.
When requesting authorisation from your lease company they will usually ask why you require a copy of the V5C and why you need an additional number plate made.
Please note that when they provide you with a copy of the V5C there will be some details blacked out. These will not be needed by the plate making company and has been done by your lease provider to ensure the vehicle’s ownership remains in their name.
If your lease vehicle is through Xcite Car Leasing then you can call our Support Team on 01722 322 888 and they can provide you with the correct contact details or request these documents for you.
Check out one of our helpful guides or our explaination of leasing to get all your questions answered.
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