Frequently Asked Questions

We're here to help you!

Document Questions

Q. What documents are required to purchase classic number plates ?

A. We will need to see scans or images of two types of documents: proof of ID (for the person buying the plates) and proof of entitlement to the registration.
Usually these are a photocard driving licence and V5C. Other proofs we can accept are shown in this DVLA poster
You upload your documents to our secure server after placing your order and making payment.

Q. Do you need to see originals or are copies acceptable ?

A. We only supply Framptons number plates to pre-1980 vehicles and copies of documents are acceptable for these vehicles.

Q. I’m ordering as a gift and the logbook (V5C) is in someone else’s name, can I still order ?

A. Yes! Framptons plates make brilliant, unique gifts and we’ve had some lovely feedback to say they’ve made someone’s day. We can accept the proof of entitlement (e.g. V5C logbook) in someone else’s name, providing the copy of the form of ID is in the person’s name who is paying for the order.

Eligible vehicles and plate styles

Q. What years are eligible to display Classic Plates ?

A. Vehicles pre-1980 – in the Historic Tax Class.

Q. What is the most suitable type of plate for my age of vehicle ?

A. From oldest to newest:
  • Hand Painted and Cast Aluminium: 1904-1930
  • Ace Cast Aluminium Digits 1930 – 1960
  • Pressed Aluminium 1940 – 1975
  • Raised Riveted 1950 – 1975
  • Smooth and Ribbed Acrylic 1960 – 1970s
*Please note this is just a guide, the style of plate to suit your vehicle is very much down to personal preference. Vehicle dealers would select their preference of plate at the time, which is why there is some crossover of styles for certain years. An example of this is would be that Hand Painted plates were most typical on early cars and bikes, whereas Cast Aluminium were common on more industrial and agricultural vehicles.

Fixing my plate

Q. Do you sell fixings to suit my classic plate ?

A. We do indeed! Please take a look at our range here

Q. Do you pre-drill the plates ?

A. We do not pre-drill any of our plates
If you’d prefer not to drill the plates, we sell adhesive pads in our range here

Production

Q. Can you produce custom size or shaped classic number plates ?

A. Yes, we certainly can! As the manufacturer we can create most custom shapes and size classic number plates, providing they are cut from one flat sheet of aluminium (before pressing/riveting the digits).
Please contact our Customer Care to discuss
Because of the additional labour involved in creating your custom number plate, please note an additional premium will be charged.
Typically the starting price for custom sizes or shapes is around £75.

Q. Can you make classic showplates ?

A. No, I’m afraid we are unable to produce any plates that resemble a registration number. We are required by law to collect documentation for any number plate ordered.

Q. How are your plates made ?

A. At Framptons, we have been handmaking classic and vintage number plates for as long as number plates have existed, since 1903!
To find out more how we make number plates, take a look at our About Us page.

Q. Can you produce special characters like hyphens, dashes or dots ?

A. Because our number plates are made using original dies and the original set of British digit dies did not include hyphens, dashes and dots, unfortunately we are unable to produce hyphens, dashes or dots on our plates.

Delivery

Q. What is your lead time to despatch my classic plates ?

A. Your order should be despatched within 7 working days of when we receive it. If we can, we will despatch it quicker. Please do get in touch if you are working to a particular date and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Q. What’s the cost of shipping to a UK address ?

A. A typical pair of plates will weigh just under 500g.
Orders up to 500g are sent by Royal Mail and charged at £7.80 + VAT .
Orders over 500g or worth over £50 are sent by carrier and charged at £11.95 + VAT.

Q. How do you ship classic plate orders ?

A. Depending on the weight and value of the order, we use either Royal Mail First Class or FedEx / DPD Next Working Day service.
Orders up to 500g are sent by Royal Mail First Class
Over 500g (typically 3 number plates) or orders worth over £50 are sent via Fed-Ex.