[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Read this article to learn how to order custom 3D gel number plates online, if they’re legal, rules to follow, and everything else you need to know.
We love dimensional plates, whether they are for yourself or as a gift to a friend or family member. However, getting them can be a challenge if you aren’t familiar with the process. Because of this, we will cover how to order custom 3D gel number plates online, and walk you through the process.
At the Number Plate Clinic, we explore everything there is to know about number plates. From the history and evolution of 3D gel plates, their regular benefits and environmental benefits, and their manufacturing process. We also explain how to spot quality 3D plates and remove and replace your own 3D gel plates.
So, if there’s something you want to learn, why not check out our articles and see what piques your interest? For now, let’s focus on how to order custom 3D gel number plates online.
What is a 3D Gel Number Plate?

The characters on 3D gel number plates have domed resin over them to give them a different effect compared to standard printed plates. They stand out more, and are likely to set both you and your vehicle apart from the crowd by giving your car an aesthetic boost without being in your face like some other dimensional plates.
These number plates are made either from acrylic or aluminium base sheet, and the characters (letter and numbers) are laser cut from acrylic before getting covered with a polyurethane gel resin. The resin gives them the raised profile, and is the route of the names that these plates go by, including 3D domed gel or 3D gel resin plates.
Can They Be Used on Roads in the UK?
The good news is, 3D gel number plates are legal in the UK, provided the rules and regulations set out by the government are followed. These rules ensure that plates across the UK follow the same design and structure so that cameras like ANPR and ULEZ can scan them. If any plate cannot be read by these cameras, they are not legal – for example carbon gel plates, which reflect too much light.
If you are getting non-standard licence plates, remember to declare them when doing insurance, since they are seen as a modification. These plates won’t make you fail your MOT as long as the rules are followed, and you should not be getting fined for having them. If you do, make sure to dispute it if you know your plates are legal, and get the issue resolved.
For anyone wondering, here are some of the rules set out by the government that all number plates need to follow:
- Not have reflective characters (letters, numbers)
- Not have removable characters (letters, numbers)
- Be made with a background of reflective material
- Have a plain background, with no pattern or distracting characteristics
- Front plates must have black characters on a white background
- Back/rear plates must have black characters on a yellow background
- Show who supplied the number plate (mark of provider is required)
- Have a British Standard number for any plates fitted after the first of September 2021
- Must have characters written in the Charles Wright 2001 font
- Can have raised characters (3D & 4D)
- Can display certain identifiers such as flags or symbols
Why Would You Want a 3D Gel Number Plate?

If you aren’t convinced that 3D gel plates are for you, you might be wondering… why would you want one of these plates? The answer is simple – these plates stand out on the road and are durable.
They are often chosen over standard plates because of their enhanced aesthetics, and will look great on any vehicle you put them on, all the while staying at a reasonable price. These plates can increase car resale value, just like 4D plates, and are sure to get you noticed wherever you go without being too much.
How to Order Custom 3D Gel Number Plates Online

For how to order custom 3D gel number plates online, we will use our own store as an example. First, you will go to the correct page (3D gel number plates), and you will be faced with a screen that is asking for information such as:
- Registration – you will need to provide us with your private registration number OR standard DVLA number
- Plate Type/Quantity – tell us if you need front, back, or both plates
- Legal Plates OR Show Plate – we offer standard plates (road legal), premium reflective plates (road legal), show plates (NOT road legal), and tinted plates (NOT road legal)
- Fittings – let us know if you want us to provide a means of fitting the plate (we recommend our extra strong adhesive sticky pads, but also offer plate holders, or we can fit the plate for you in-store
- Additional Notes – let us know if there is anything else you want included, or any other requests you might have
There, you also have the choice to upgrade to 4D number plates if you want. You will notice a cost difference between 3D gel and other custom plates, with 3D gel plates costing between £60 and £65, while you pay £30 for a standard plate and between £70 to £165 for 4D plates. Bear this in mind when ordering any plate, because numbers quickly add up.
To order a custom 3D gel number plate, follow these steps:
- Head to a trusted number plate provider, like us
- Input the necessary information we went through above
- Provide proof of vehicle ownership (V5C or V5CNI logbook, V5C/2 or V5C/2NI new keeper slip, or the V778 certificate)
- Provide a valid ID (utility bill, passport, or driving licence)
- Pay for the plate, and we’ll get it made!
The process is relatively straightforward, and as long as you can provide all the legally-required information, we can get your plane to you within three days.
How to Care for Your Number Plate Once it Arrives
In order to make your 3D gel number plate last as long as possible, there are a few things you should be doing:
- Get quality plates to begin with
- Install them properly (screwing them in voids the 3-year warranty we offer)
- Use accessories like number plate holder to deter theft and secure the plate more
- Maintain your number plates as and when needed
- Be mindful of where you drive and park (dirt roads cut the longevity of plates shirt)
What Else Do We Offer?

At the Number Plate Clinic, we offer a variety of products that you will love. From standard, 3D and 4D road-legal plates and non-road legal options to accessories like plate holders, screws, keyrings, and more.
Choose from our different plate types, including square, import, EV, show, short, and hex/Lambo plates, and get your next set of number plates from a trusted seller who will never let you down.
Get Your Next Plates from Number Plate Clinic

The Number Plate Clinic is the best alternative to Halfords, and we have a wide range of plates for you to look at, not just 3D ones. If you have been thinking about getting custom plates, bear in mind the 2024 private plate laws when doing this, and make sure to keep everything legal if you want your plates to be road-legal.
Read through our terms and conditions, privacy policy and refund policy before making a purchase. You can also learn about our workshop and affiliate program, or find out more by speaking with our customer service if you want to purchase high-quality, DVLA-compliant number plates.
Now that you know how to order custom 3D gel number plates online, what’s stopping you from ordering some and giving your vehicle a little makeover?
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