What is a word number plate?

Word number plates spell an actual word — BOSS, GOLF, a profession, a passion — rather than just initials or a name. They're among the most satisfying plates to own, because a clean word reads instantly to everyone who sees it, and they're a brilliant way to put a personality, a hobby or a business on the back of a car.

How a plate spells a word

The craft is in fitting the word to a registration format and, where needed, swapping numbers for letters — a 5 for an S, a 1 for an I, a 0 for an O, an 8 for a B. The best word plates need little or no substitution and read cleanly at a glance. Short, common words on dateless plates are the prized examples; longer words on modern formats are far more affordable.

Find your word

Think of the word you want — your name, your trade, your team, your hobby — and work out how it maps onto a plate. Browse the word plates listed and spotted on Plate Circle below.

Frequently asked questions

What is a word number plate?: A registration that spells a recognisable word, sometimes using numbers in place of letters.
How do you spell a word on a plate?: By choosing a format that fits the word and substituting numbers for letters where needed (5 for S, 1 for I, 0 for O).
Are word plates expensive?: Short words on dateless plates can be costly; longer words on current-style plates are very affordable.