Our Top Personalised Number Plate Ideas

personalised number plates

Finding the perfect private number plate can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You might have tried your name or initials, but come up short. This post is designed to give you the inspiration you need and provide some new ideas for your next personalised reg plate.

Understanding UK Number Plate Rules

Unlike some countries, UK number plates must always include at least one number. This means you can’t have a personalised number plate that’s purely made up of words or letters. 

This often leads to using numbers to represent letters. However, you can’t swap them at will. You must stick to one of the formats set out by the DVLA and maintain the correct spacing.

Understanding Auto Numerology

Auto Numerology is the art of using numbers to represent letters on your number plate. Here are some common substitutions:

  • 4 for A
  • 3 for E
  • 5 for S
  • 7 for T
  • 1 for I or L
  • 0 for O
  • 13 for B
  • 6 for G
  • 2 for Z
  • 8 for B
  • 9 for G

You can easily get creative with your number plate ideas. For example, “L30 NAS” can clearly be read as “LEONAS”. Using the above substitutions will give you the best results.

Top Ideas for Personalised Number Plates

Let’s explore some of the most imaginative and unique ways you can use a personalised number plate to express yourself. We’ve provided lots of ideas and ways you can get creative.

  • Name number plates: One of the most underused methods of creating a unique number plate is name number plates. If your name is difficult to represent using standard letter-to-number swaps, consider spelling it as it sounds.

For example, someone named “Barber” might opt for “B23 BER”. This approach opens a wide range of possibilities for names that might otherwise seem impossible to fit on a number plate.

  • Reflect Your Car brand or Model: Why not consider using your number plate to display the make or model of your car? If you drive an Audi, you could try “AUD”. Or maybe you own a BMW, you could try “BMW”. You might also want to include the specific model, for example “M3”, “M5”, “S3”, or “S60”.


This is a way of showing pride in your vehicle and your car’s brand, though it’s worth noting that this plate might become less relevant if you change your car.

  • Milestones and Memories: A personalised plate can be a great way to commemorate a special date. If you were born in 1960, you may want to include this. Or, if you’re buying a plate as a gift for an 18th or 21st birthday, you could include this on the number plate. Using a significant date adds a personal touch to your vehicle.
  • The “MR”, “MISS”, and “MS” Series: If you are looking for a simple but classic number plate, consider the “MR”, “MISS” or “MS” series. “M12” plates can easily be read as “MR”, and can be purchased inexpensively. Similarly, “M155” reads as “MISS” and “M5” as “MS”.


These are particularly useful if you are struggling to find a plate that fits with your name. Consider adding your name or initials after these prefixes for a personal touch.

  • Shout Out Your Passions: Show the world what you love with a number plate dedicated to your hobbies. If you are a golf enthusiast, perhaps consider “2 PAR” or “T33 OFF”. You could display “D4 RTS” if you love darts.

    You may want to show your support for your football club. For example, you may find “KOP” plates in Liverpool, or “8 WFC” plates for Bolton Wanderers fans.
  • Standout Number Plates: If you’re looking for a number plate to draw more attention, for example, “FA57 ONE” is guaranteed to gain more attention whilst driving. There are also number plates like: “BO55” then just add your name or car make or model. This will give the impression of a VIP feeling.
  • Your Unique Identity: You can use a number plate to display your personality, be that “80 SSY” or “CAT 13S”. These types of plates can showcase your unique traits and humor. There are endless possibilities for expressing who you are.
  • Fun number plates: Want to say “Hi” to passers-by? Use “H1” followed by your initials. Or if you have a fast car, you might want to go for “F1”. If you can get a “FA57” plate, this is guaranteed to get attention. Alternatively, you might consider “JUST”, for example, “JU57 WED” on a wedding car, or “JU57 LUK”.
  • Your Name in Lights: The classic approach of using your name is still a popular choice. You could use number substitutions such as “P3 TER”, “K4 REN”, “D4 VES”, “S7 EVE”, or “R4 LPH”. Many of the most desired name plates may already be owned, but you may find one on the second-hand market.
  • Initials with Impact: A more subtle approach than displaying your full name is to use your initials. This is a sophisticated way to personalise your vehicle, and you may want to consider a prefix plate from the DVLA. If you want a dateless plate you may have to look on the second hand market.
  • Showcase Your Business: If you own a business or are proud of your job, why not show this on your number plate? You might want to use “P21 NTR”, or “BU11 DER” to show off your profession. Some plates can even spell out the name of a company, such as “ET11 HAD”. Plates like these can be very effective for advertising.
  • Celebrate Your Personal Achievements: A personalised number plate can be a fantastic way to commemorate a milestone or achievement. If you’ve graduated, a plate like “D2 COS” (Dr Doctor) could mark the occasion. For those who’ve completed a significant sporting feat, such as a marathon or triathlon, something like “26 MLS” or “TR14 ATH” could highlight your accomplishment.
  • Career-related achievements: These also make great themes for a personalised plate. For example, a doctor might opt for “DOC 71R”, or a newly qualified solicitor could choose “LAW 73R”. These plates don’t just serve as personal motivators but can also subtly showcase your dedication and success.
  • Highlight Your Interests and Hobbies: One of the most effective ways to personalise your number plate is to showcase what you’re passionate about. Whether it’s a hobby, an activity, or a lifelong interest, your plate can be a fun way to share what you love with the world.
  • Music enthusiasts: Explore options like “ROK 1T” or “MUS 1C”, while car racing fans might go for something like “F1 LAP”. Nature lovers could choose plates such as “TRE 3S” or “W1 LDE”, and avid travellers could opt for “ROA 4M” or “FAN 613R”.

Whatever your passion, using a number plate to reflect it can make your vehicle feel even more personal and meaningful. These options are not only unique but also an extension of who you are.

Start Your Search with Reg Plates

If you’ve gained inspiration from our blog post, you might want to know where to look for your perfect plate.

At Reg Plates, we are an experienced supplier with over 30 years of industry experience and we are an official DVLA-registered supplier. Our team has decades of experience in the number plate industry. So we will make your buying process easy and hassle-free if you need any assistance.

Visit our contact page or call our number on: 01482 627 628.