Motorists facing three issues are being urged to check their paperwork and number plates after a fresh alert from the DVLA .
In a message to motorists, the DVLA said drivers whose number plates are lost, stolen or damaged must follow strict rules to get replacements - and failure to do so could land them in trouble. Drivers may assume replacing a number plate is as simple as ordering one online - but that is not the case.
The DVLA makes clear that you can only get a new plate from a registered supplier, and you must provide original documents before one is issued.
These include proof of identity and address, such as a driving licence or recent utility bill, along with evidence you are entitled to use the registration number - typically your V5C log book.
Failing to provide the right paperwork means you could be refused a plate altogether.
The warning is particularly important for motorists dealing with missing or damaged plates, which are among the most common reasons for replacements.
Even in these cases, suppliers are required to carry out full identity checks.
That means turning up without the correct documents - even for a simple replacement - could leave you unable to legally drive until the issue is resolved.
The DVLA says drivers in this situation must still prove both:
- their name and address
- their right to display the registration number
Separate rules apply if you are taking your car overseas - and many drivers are unaware of recent changes.
While number plates displaying the UK identifier and Union flag are sufficient in many countries, others still require an additional UK sticker.
Crucially:
- You must display a UK sticker if your plate has no identifier, or shows a GB marking or national flag (such as England, Scotland or Wales)
- You always need a UK sticker when driving in Spain, Cyprus and Malta
- You do not need one when driving in the Republic of Ireland
Drivers are also warned that old-style GB stickers are no longer valid and must be removed or covered.
More details can be found here.
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