Birth Date Plates – What They Are and How to Get One
If you’ve ever wanted a car plate that shows the day you were born, you’re not alone. Birth date plates are a type of personalized number plate that includes your birthday digits, like 07 JUNE or 1508. They let you add a personal touch to your vehicle and can be a great conversation starter.
In the UK, you can apply for a custom plate through the DVLA or a private dealer. The process is straightforward, but there are a few things you need to watch out for, like format rules and price differences. Here’s a quick guide that walks you through everything you need to know.
Rules and Formats for Birth Date Plates
The DVLA allows a limited set of characters on a plate: letters, numbers and a space or hyphen. For a birth date, you usually work with the numbers only, because the DVLA won’t accept full month names. A common format is DDMM, like 1508 for 15 August, or a shorter version like 0706 for 7 June.
Make sure the plate you choose follows the length limits: standard plates have up to seven characters, private plates can have up to eight. If you want a prefix or suffix (like a regional code), you’ll need to fit the digits in without breaking the rules.
Cost, Buying Options, and Tips
Prices for birth date plates vary a lot. Simple numbers can be cheap, while a highly sought‑after date (like 0101 or 3112) can cost thousands of pounds. You can check the DVLA’s online database to see what’s already taken and get an idea of the price.
Buying through a private dealer often adds a service fee, but many people like it because the dealer handles the paperwork. If you go direct to the DVLA, you’ll fill out the V750 form and pay the registration fee yourself.
Here are a few practical tips:
- Search early – popular dates sell fast.
- Consider adding a letter prefix or suffix to keep the cost down while still showing your birthday.
- Double‑check the spelling of numbers; a typo can mean you end up with a plate you don’t want.
- Keep a copy of the purchase receipt; you’ll need it if you ever sell the plate.
Once you’ve got your plate, the DVLA will send a new registration certificate and you can fit the plate to your car. Remember to keep the old plate safe if you plan to sell it later.
Birth date plates are a fun way to show a bit of yourself on the road. Whether you’re buying for yourself or as a gift, the process is simple enough for anyone willing to follow the steps. Start searching today and get ready to see your birthday everywhere you drive.
Albanians in Switzerland Turn to Personalized Car Plates Featuring Birth Dates and Personal Data
More Albanians in Switzerland are buying custom car plates with personal features like birth dates. These plates, which cost more than one franc, highlight a growing trend of seeking unique vehicle identifiers despite tight Swiss registration rules. The phenomenon raises questions about regulations, privacy, and cultural pride inside Swiss borders.