3D vs 4D Number Plates: What’s the Difference?
Short answer: the difference between 3D vs 4D number plates is how the letters are made. 3D gel plates have printed letters with a raised, rounded gel dome on top. 4D plates have letters laser-cut from solid acrylic, with sharp, square edges that cast a real shadow. Both are road legal when made to BS AU 145e. 3D gel looks glossy and smooth. 4D looks crisp and more “engraved”.
At our Hounslow workshop we make both every day, and the choice usually comes down to the car. Here’s how we’d help you pick.
Written by the PlateBoss team, led by owner HD. We’ve been making plates since 2019 and are a DVLA-registered number plate supplier with a workshop in Hounslow, west London. Updated and checked against DVLA and GOV.UK guidance, September 2026. How we write our guides.
In this guide
- 3D vs 4D at a glance
- 3D gel plates explained
- 4D plates explained
- What about 4D gel?
- Are both road legal?
- Which should you choose?
- FAQs
3D vs 4D number plates at a glance
| 3D gel | 4D (laser-cut) | |
|---|---|---|
| How the letters are made | Printed, then topped with a clear gel resin dome | Laser-cut from 3mm or 6mm black acrylic and bonded to the plate |
| Look | Rounded, glossy, “bubble” finish | Sharp 90° edges, flat tops, real depth and shadow |
| Feel | Smooth and slightly soft | Hard and solid |
| Knocks and scrapes | Gel is a little flexible, so it copes with light knocks | Acrylic is tough but a hard, sharp hit can chip an edge |
| Price at PlateBoss | £49.99 a pair | £49.99 (3mm) or £64.99 (6mm) a pair |
| Road legal? | Yes, if made to BS AU 145e | Yes, if made to BS AU 145e |
3D gel plates explained
With a 3D gel plate, the characters are printed first, then a clear polyurethane gel is laid over each one and left to cure. The gel rounds off at the edges, which gives that glossy, raised look. From a few metres away it reads as “raised” rather than “cut”.
It suits cars with soft curves and lots of gloss black trim, and people who want an upgrade without going too bold. We make ours on the same reflective acrylic as a standard plate, so the finish sits on top of a fully legal plate. More on the style in our 3D gel plates guide.
4D plates explained
4D plates skip the printing. Each character is laser-cut from black acrylic, either 3mm or 6mm thick, and fixed to the plate. The edges are square and crisp, so the letters throw a proper shadow and look almost engraved.
The 3mm version is subtle. The 6mm version is the one people notice from across a car park. It suits sharper, more angular cars, and anything with a lot of chrome or carbon trim. Our 4D plates guide goes into more detail.
Can’t decide? Come and see both side by side at our Hounslow workshop, or send us your reg and car on WhatsApp and we’ll tell you which we think suits it.
Compare all stylesAsk us on WhatsAppWhat about 4D gel?
4D gel is the best of both. You get laser-cut 4D letters with a clear gel dome on top, so the edges are crisp and the finish is glossy. It’s our most popular upgrade after plain 4D, from £64.99 for 3mm.
Are 3D and 4D plates both road legal?
Yes. Since September 2021, the rules allow raised (3D) characters, as long as they’re a single shade of solid black, in the Charles Wright font, at the standard size and spacing, on a plate marked with the supplier’s name, postcode and BS AU 145e. That applies to 3D gel, 4D and 4D gel equally.
What isn’t legal is a “3D” or “4D” plate with two-tone or coloured letters, a stylised font or squeezed spacing. We’ve covered that in detail in are 4D plates legal? And whichever you choose, you’ll need to show the right documents to a registered supplier.
Which should you choose?
- Choose 3D gel if you want a glossy, softer look, you park on busy streets where plates get knocked, or you want the upgrade at the lowest price.
- Choose 4D (3mm) if you want crisp edges and a clean, modern look without going too loud.
- Choose 4D (6mm) if you want the boldest look and maximum depth.
- Choose 4D gel if you can’t decide and want both the crisp edge and the gloss.
For a deeper look at how each holds up over the years, read our 4D laser cut vs 3D gel guide.
Compare 3D and 4D plates
3D Gel Number Plates
£49.99
4D 3mm Number Plates
£49.99
4D 6mm Number Plates
£64.99
4D 3mm Gel Number Plates
£64.99Made your mind up? Order before 2pm for same-day dispatch with free tracked delivery, or collect from our Hounslow workshop.
Shop road-legal platesCollect in HounslowWhatsApp us3D vs 4D number plates: FAQs
What’s the difference between 3D and 4D number plates?
3D gel plates have printed letters with a rounded gel dome. 4D plates have letters laser-cut from solid acrylic with sharp, square edges.
Which is better, 3D or 4D plates?
Neither is better overall. 3D gel gives a glossy, rounded look and handles light knocks well. 4D gives sharper edges and more depth. It comes down to the look you want.
Are 3D and 4D plates road legal?
Yes, when they’re made to BS AU 145e with solid black characters, the legal font and spacing, and the supplier’s markings.
Are 4D plates more expensive than 3D?
At PlateBoss, 3D gel and 3mm 4D plates are both £49.99 a pair. 6mm 4D is £64.99, and 4D gel starts at £64.99.
Do 3D gel plates last?
Yes, with normal care. Avoid harsh chemicals and aggressive pressure washing up close, and they’ll keep their finish for years.
