Motorbike private plates
Motorbike private plates work in the same way as car plates: the right to a registration is bought, then assigned to your bike. We show all-in prices for every seller, and include short registrations that fit a bike plate.
Short motorbike private plates, cheapest first, all-in
An all-in price covers the plate, plus VAT, plus the £80 DVLA assignment fee. Cheapest comes first in the list and the order never changes; buying through a link may earn us a fee (our commission disclosure).
Lowest prices from other sellers
Each seller is listed with its lowest all-in price.
Does my bike qualify for a private plate?
Yes, provided your bike meets the rules that apply to cars. Your bike must be a type that requires an MOT, and tax or a SORN must have been in place for the past 5 years without a break. Even when they are usually exempt, historic bikes still need a current MOT. Both registration and use have to be in the UK, and Q registration is not allowed.
A plate cannot make your bike look newer than it really is, so compare any age identifier with the log book. Any bike of any age can carry a dateless or Irish plate.
Displaying it on a bike
A plate is shown only at the rear on motorcycles registered from 1 September 2001 onwards. Characters must be 64mm tall and arranged on 2 lines. Two lines suit shorter registrations better, so the grid above favours those.
A registered number plate supplier must provide the plate, and you cannot change the spacing. A number goes from your car to your bike by taking it off the car with retention and then assigning it to the bike. For the rest, see the private number plate rules.
Common questions
What size are the characters on a motorcycle plate in the UK?
They must be 64mm tall, with the characters arranged on 2 lines. From 1 September 2021 onwards, fitted plates must meet the requirements of British Standard BS AU 145e.
Does a motorbike need a front number plate?
No, not for a bike registered from 1 September 2001 onwards. Only a rear plate is displayed on such bikes.
Can I take a private plate from my car and use it on my motorcycle?
Yes, you can. First remove the number from the car, where retention costs £80, then assign it to the bike, which you can do free online. Tax or a SORN must cover the bike, and it must be a type that requires an MOT.
How do I fit a private plate to my bike?
Assign the number to your bike online or by post. Before you ride, fit the new plate obtained from a registered supplier. When no inspection is needed, the online assignment goes through straight away.