Welcome to Plates&Co – Your Entry Point into the Number Plate Industry

Thinking about launching a business in the profitable number plate sector? Plates&Co is your trusted partner, offering unmatched expertise in the design and production of high-quality number plate solutions.

 

Register of Number Plate Suppliers (RNPS)

The RNPS scheme, overseen by the DVLA, plays a vital role in regulating the UK’s number plate industry. It ensures that all suppliers meet the legal requirements for plate quality, design, and manufacture, as defined by British Standard BS AU 145e.

Registering with RNPS is your first essential step toward operating legally and responsibly. Before purchasing equipment or components, make sure your business is officially registered and compliant

Click here to view GOV website and register

Important information...

To legally manufacture and sell number plates, businesses must register with the DVLA under the RNPS (Registered Number Plate Supplier) scheme. This process requires demonstrating compliance with industry standards and a commitment to maintaining them consistently.

Record-Keeping Requirements
Registered suppliers must keep detailed records of every number plate produced and sold. This includes customer documentation proving entitlement to the registration mark and valid identification. Records must be retained for at least three years and made available for inspection if requested by authorities.

Entitlement Verification
Before producing a plate, suppliers must confirm the customer’s legal right to use the registration number. Accepted documents include the V5C vehicle registration certificate or entitlement

certificates such as V750 or V778.

Preventing Misuse
The RNPS scheme helps prevent illegal use of number plates—such as those made for stolen vehicles or non-compliant ‘show plates’ used on public roads.

Audits & Compliance
While rare, the DVLA may conduct audits or compliance checks to ensure suppliers follow regulations. Failure to comply can result in penalties or removal from the RNPS register.

 

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

💷 How much does it cost to register with RNPS?

Registering with the DVLA under the Registered Number Plate Supplier (RNPS) scheme currently costs just £40. Even better—it’s a one-time payment for lifetime membership, with no renewal fees required.

🚫 Can I sell number plates without RNPS registration?

No. It is a legal requirement to register with RNPS before selling number plates. Operating without registration could result in a £1-5000 fine and may mislead customers into believing they’re purchasing road-legal plates, when in fact they may not be compliant.

🏢 Do I need to register with Companies House?

Not necessarily. You can start your number plate business as a sole trader or partnership without registering with Companies House. This is the most common route for new startups entering the industry.

💡 Do I need a VAT number?

For new businesses, VAT registration is not required unless your annual turnover exceeds £85,000. While reclaiming VAT on supplies may seem beneficial, registering prematurely can add complexity. Once your sales surpass the threshold, VAT registration becomes mandatory.