JDM Number Plates UK – Japanese Import Plate Sizes, Legality & Styles (2025 Guide)
Japanese import (JDM) cars have become a major part of UK car culture — from Skylines and Supras to RX-7s, DC5s and S-Bodies. But one of the first things new owners discover is that UK-standard 520 × 111mm plates simply don’t fit JDM bumpers.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know: correct JDM plate sizes, legality, style options (Printed, 3D Gel, 4D, 4D Gel), and how to choose the right plate for your imported car. If you want plates that fit properly, look authentic and stay fully road-legal, this is for you.
Get Road-Legal JDM Import Number Plates
Perfect-fit 13×7, 13×6.5 and 12×6 plates for Skyline, Supra, RX-7, S2000, DC5 and more.
DVLA compliant • BS AU 145e • Fast UK Delivery
Quick Specs: The Most Popular JDM Plate Sizes
| Size | Metric | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 13 × 7 | 330 × 178 mm | Skyline, Supra, RX-7, Silvia |
| 13 × 6.5 | 330 × 165 mm | Integra DC5, S2000, JDM Impreza |
| 12 × 6 | 305 × 152 mm | Kei cars, small imports, bikes |
Available in: Printed, 3D Gel, 4D Acrylic and 4D Gel Hybrid.
What Are JDM / Japanese Import Plates?
JDM cars come from Japan with smaller, square plate recesses, which means UK-standard rectangular plates won’t fit correctly. Import-sized plates match the original Japanese proportions and fit the bumper as intended.
Drivers search for these in many variations:
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Choose Your Plate Style
Printed, 3D Gel, 4D Acrylic & 4D Gel Hybrid — all road-legal and available in import sizes.
👉 Shop JDM 3D Gel Plates
👉 Shop JDM 4D Acrylic Plates
👉 Shop JDM 4D Gel Plates
Are JDM Plates Legal in the UK? The Simple Answer
Yes — if your car is a genuine import.
You can legally use JDM-sized plates when:
✔ Your car is imported
✔ The bumper cannot physically fit a 520×111mm UK plate
✔ Characters use motorcycle-size lettering (64 × 44 mm)
✔ Plates meet BS AU 145e
✔ Spacing follows DVLA rules
✔ Characters are solid black
You cannot legally use JDM plates on UK-spec vehicles just for the look.
JDM Plate Sizes Explained (Covering All Size-Related Search Queries)
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Here are the sizes you need to know.
13 × 7 (330 × 178 mm)
The most iconic import size.
Common on: Skyline R32–R34, Supra MK4, RX-7 FD, JDM STIs.
13 × 6.5 (330 × 165 mm)
A slightly slimmer shape.
Common on: Integra DC5, Honda S2000, Silvia S15.
12 × 6 (305 × 152 mm)
A compact, square option.
Common on: Kei cars, smaller imports, some US-style recesses.
Get the Correct JDM Size for Your Car
2D, 3D, 4D & 4D Gel JDM Plates — What’s the Difference?
Drivers search for these styles in many forms, including:
3D gel JDM plates
JDM 3D gel plates
3D JDM number plates
4D JDM plates
JDM 4D plates
4D gel JDM plates
JDM 4D gel plates
printed JDM plates
Here’s what each style offers.
Printed (2D)
✔ Clean OEM-style finish
✔ Most cost-effective
✔ Fully road-legal
3D Gel
✔ Raised domed lettering
✔ Glossy premium look
✔ Popular on DC5, S15, RX-7
4D Acrylic
✔ Laser-cut raised acrylic
✔ Bold, modern appearance
✔ Great for Skylines & Supras
4D Gel (Hybrid)
✔ Deep acrylic base + glossy gel top
✔ Premium show-quality finish
✔ Ideal for high-end builds
Shop All Plate Styles
Printed • 3D Gel • 4D • 4D Gel — fully legal and import-ready.
Why JDM Cars Need Smaller Plates (Not Just Style)
JDM bumpers were designed around square plates. UK plates usually don’t fit and can cause:
• airflow issues
• awkward overhang
• drilling into the bumper
• obvious gaps
• unnecessary police stops
Import-sized plates preserve the car’s original design and authenticity.
How to Fit JDM Plates (Without Damaging Your Bumper)
Sticky Pads (Most Popular)
✔ No drilling
✔ Strong hold
✔ Keeps the bumper clean
Plastic Nuts & Bolts (Motorbike-Style)
✔ Ideal for JDM recesses
✔ Rust-free
✔ Long-lasting secure fit
Screws & Caps
✔ Strongest mounting option
✔ Best for track or high-vibration use
✔ Fits OEM bracket points
Official Plates offers fitting kits for all three options when customising number plates.
Will JDM Plates Pass MOT?
Yes — provided they meet DVLA rules:
✔ Correct import size
✔ BS AU 145e
✔ Legal spacing
✔ 64 × 44 mm characters
✔ Solid black letters
They will fail if spacing is altered, characters are coloured, or supplier details are missing.
Most Popular JDM Cars & Their Recommended Plate Sizes
Nissan Skyline (R32–R34)
Best size: 13×7
Styles: 4D, 4D Gel, 3D Gel
Toyota Supra MK4
Best size: 13×7
Styles: 4D Gel, 4D
Mazda RX-7 FD
Best size: 13×7
Styles: 3D Gel
Honda Integra DC5
Best size: 13×6.5
Styles: Printed or 3D Gel
Honda S2000
Best size: 13×6.5
Styles: 4D Acrylic
Ready to Order Your Perfect Size?
Printed • 3D Gel • 4D • 4D Gel
All sizes • All JDM models
Why JDM Owners Choose Official Plates
✔ DVLA-registered number plate supplier
✔ Fully legal BS AU 145e plates
✔ All JDM sizes available
✔ Premium 3D, 4D & 4D Gel finishes
✔ Fast UK delivery
✔ Trusted by enthusiasts nationwide
FAQ — JDM Plates
A. Yes. They are legal on genuine imports that cannot fit a standard UK plate. They must follow DVLA rules and include BS AU 145e markings.
A. The most common sizes are 13×7, 13×6.5 and 12×6 inches.
A. DVLA allows import sizes when the standard 520×111mm plate does not fit the vehicle.
A. Yes — when they use solid black characters and follow BS AU 145e.
A. Yes — provided spacing, reflectivity and legality rules are followed.
A. Only if the recess physically requires it. Otherwise, it won’t be legal.
A. Sticky pads for clean installs, plastic nuts & bolts for secure fitment, and screws/caps for OEM mounting points.
A. UK law requires proof of ID (e.g., driving licence) and proof of registration entitlement (V5C, V750, V778).
Upgrade Your Import With a Perfect-Fit JDM Plate
All import sizes • All styles • Fully legal • Fast delivery
Printed • 3D Gel • 4D • 4D Gel
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