The left-hand edge of a UK number plate is the one place you can add a little personality – but only within strict limits. Here’s every legal option, and what each one means if you take your car abroad.
In this guide
The flags you’re allowed
A road-legal plate may show one of these flags:
- the Union flag (Union Jack)
- the Cross of St George (England)
- the Cross of St Andrew, or Saltire (Scotland)
- the Red Dragon of Wales
No other flags or emblems are allowed – that includes the EU flag on new plates, county flags, football crests, car-maker logos and cartoon badges. Those belong on show plates.
The identifiers you’re allowed
Underneath the flag (or on its own), you can show one of these, written exactly as shown:
| Identifier | Allowed forms |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | UNITED KINGDOM, United Kingdom, UK |
| Great Britain | GREAT BRITAIN, Great Britain, GB |
| Wales (Welsh) | CYMRU, Cymru, CYM, Cym |
| England | ENGLAND, England, ENG, Eng |
| Scotland | SCOTLAND, Scotland, SCO, Sco |
| Wales | WALES, Wales |
Size and position rules
- The flag must sit above the identifier.
- Neither the flag nor the letters can be more than 50mm wide.
- Neither can sit on the plate’s margin – the clear space around the registration.
- Everything goes on the left-hand side of the plate.
Our badges are drawn to fit these limits, and the builder checks that your registration still has room for legal-size characters before letting you add one.
UK or GB? What changed in 2021
On 28 September 2021 the UK changed its international vehicle code from GB to UK. The old GB sticker is no longer valid abroad, and a plate showing GB on its own isn’t enough in most of Europe.
If your plate shows the UK identifier with the Union flag, you don’t need a separate UK sticker in most European countries. You do need a UK sticker if your plate shows:
- only the registration, with no identifier
- GB, with or without the Union flag
- the EU flag
- the national flag of England, Scotland or Wales
There are country exceptions. Spain, Cyprus and Malta require a UK sticker whatever is on your plate, and Ireland doesn’t require one at all. The latest list is on GOV.UK – flags, identifiers and stickers.
Green flash for electric cars
Zero-emission vehicles can also show a green flash – a green panel on the left edge of the plate. You can combine it with a flag and identifier. Read green number plates for electric cars.
Which badge should I choose?
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Drive in Europe | UK + Union flag |
| Never leave the UK and want national pride | ENG, SCO or CYM with your flag |
| Prefer a clean look | No badge |
| Drive an EV | Green flash, with or without UK + flag |
Add a badge in seconds
Choose UK, ENG, SCO, CYM or a green EV flash and see it on your plate instantly.
Frequently asked questions
Is the EU flag still allowed on UK plates?
Plates made since 2021 can’t use it. Older plates with an EU flag can stay on the car, but you’ll need a UK sticker to drive abroad.
Can I have a county or club flag on my plate?
Not on a road-legal plate. Only the Union flag, St George, Saltire and Red Dragon are permitted. County flags are fine on show plates.
Do I still need a GB sticker?
No – GB stickers are no longer valid. Use a UK sticker if your plate doesn’t show the UK identifier with the Union flag, or if you’re visiting Spain, Cyprus or Malta.
Does a badge make my plate longer?
The badge takes up about 50mm on the left. On a standard 520mm plate there’s plenty of room; on short plates the builder will tell you if it won’t fit.
