If you have searched for gel number plates, resin plates or 3D number plates, you have probably found all three names used for the same thing. This guide explains what 3D gel resin number plates are, how they compare with 4D and printed plates, whether they are road legal, and how to look after them.
What Are 3D Gel Resin Number Plates?
A 3D gel plate starts as a standard road legal plate with black characters. A clear resin is then applied over each character and left to cure into a raised, rounded dome. The result is a glossy, “wet look” finish that catches the light and gives the registration real depth, while the plate itself stays smooth and easy to clean.
You will see them sold as gel plates, resin plates, 3D gel plates or domed plates. At Num8er Plates we call them 3D gel number plates.
3D Gel vs 4D vs Printed Plates
- 2D printed plates are completely flat. They are the simplest and cheapest option, from £10 per plate.
- 3D gel plates have raised, rounded resin characters with a glossy finish. They give a clear step up in style from printed plates.
- 4D plates use solid acrylic characters, laser cut and fixed to the plate. They have a sharper, flat-topped edge and a bolder look. See our guide to 4D laser cut number plates.
- 4D domed plates combine the two: laser-cut 4D characters finished with a gel dome.
Choosing between them is mostly about the look you want. Gel suits drivers who want a subtle, polished upgrade, while 4D suits a sharper, more aggressive style.
Are Gel Number Plates Road Legal?
Yes, as long as they meet the same rules as any other number plate. A road legal plate in the UK must be made to the BS AU 145e standard, which means:
- Solid black characters in the standard font.
- The correct character size and spacing, with no altered spacing.
- A reflective white front plate and yellow rear plate.
- The supplier’s name and postcode on the plate.
A plate that breaks these rules can fail its MOT and lead to a fine of up to £1,000. Coloured, tinted or stylised gel plates count as show plates, which are for display and off-road use only. Every road legal plate we make is produced to BS AU 145e by a DVLA-registered supplier. The same rules apply to raised 4D characters: see are 4D number plates legal in the UK?
How to Look After Gel Plates
- Wash them with the rest of the car using car shampoo and a soft mitt.
- Avoid scraping ice or dirt off the characters with anything hard.
- Fit them with sticky pads rather than screws, so the plate isn’t drilled.
- Keep them clean and legible: a dirty plate can still earn a fine.
Ordering 3D Gel Plates
You can design your 3D black gel number plates online from £19.99, in standard, short, hex, import, 4×4 and oversized sizes. By law we must check that you are entitled to the registration, so the builder asks you to upload proof of ownership and proof of ID. Orders placed before 1pm are dispatched the same day, and standard delivery is free on orders over £19.99.
Browse all our 3D number plates, made to BS AU 145e and dispatched the same day.
Prefer to see them first? Visit our shop at 133 Henry Street, Accrington, BB5 4EP, where plates are made while you wait.
