3D Gel Number Plates

3D gel number plates have high-gloss black characters: each letter and digit is cut from black vinyl, applied to a reflective BS AU 145e plate and then domed with a clear polyurethane gel resin, so the characters stand a couple of millimetres proud of the surface with a rounded, glossy face. It is not a 4D plate: there is no cut acrylic beneath the gel, which is why the edges are curved rather than square. Sold as a pair (front and rear) for cars and vans, made in County Durham by a DVLA-registered number plate supplier. Order before 2pm on a working day with your documents approved and we make them the same day.

How it is made

The characters are black vinyl, cut in Charles Wright at the prescribed size and spacing and applied to the reflective face, and a clear polyurethane gel resin is then applied over each one. The resin flows to the edge of the character and cures with a domed, glass-like surface that keeps its gloss without fading in sunlight. The plate is a white front or yellow rear reflective plate carrying our supplier name, postcode and the BS AU 145e mark. If you like the dome but want a square-edged, deeper character under it, the 4D gel plate puts the same resin over a 3mm acrylic character; for raised characters without gel see the 4D 3mm plate. The differences are explained in 3D gel versus 4D number plates and compared across every style in our 4D number plates guide.

Are 3D plates legal?

Yes, when the finished plate meets BS AU 145e. The standard is about the plate as a whole, not the profile of the characters: Charles Wright characters at the right size and spacing, a single shade of non-reflective black, a reflective white or yellow background with no tint or pattern, and a registered supplier's mark. Every 3D gel plate we make is built to it, and a plate that meets the standard meets its readability requirements, which are written for ANPR. Tint, a patterned background, a non-standard font or spacing, or damage are what stop a camera reading a plate. Our guide to 3D and 4D number plate legality goes through the rules in full.

A proposed BSI amendment that would stop the production of raised-character plates was consulted on until 13 December 2025 and is still under consideration; nothing has been adopted, BS AU 145e:2018 remains the current standard, and 4D plates remain legal to make, sell and fit. We have not been told when any change would take effect or how plates already fitted would be treated, and we will say so here as soon as we are. Checked 8 September 2026.

Sizes

A standard car plate is 520mm × 111mm. We also make 3D gel as a shortened plate cut to your registration with a 16mm margin, a 4x4 square rear plate, an oversize rear plate, a hex plate and a 3D gel motorbike plate.

Care

Gel characters can be pressure washed at a sensible distance and washed by hand; keep solvents and abrasive polish off them. See can I jet wash gel number plates and cleaning your 3D or 4D number plates.

Warranty

36 months against manufacturing defects, which covers the plate, the print, the gel and the bond between character and plate. It does not cover damage from fitting, impact or chemicals.

What to order

3D car number plates are sold as a pair; motorbikes take a single rear plate. Select 3D gel in the plate builder, then send the proof of registration listed under valid documents. Postage is covered under delivery options.