Number plate replacement in Exeter
Professional number plate replacement services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
15-25 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Number plate replacement - quick, secure, legal fitting. Old plates removed carefully, new ones fitted with proper fixings.
Replace Your Number Plates Properly
Whether your old plates are cracked, faded, or you've lost one on the A30, replacement needs doing properly. Bodge jobs with cable ties or duct tape aren't legal and they look awful.
💡 Pro tip: If your plates are just faded but still readable, you can get through MOT. But if they're cracked or the spacing is wrong, that's a fail - so replace them before test day.
Why Cheap Fixes Fail
Number plates take a battering - stones, car washes, weather. Cheap fixings don't last.
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Proper automotive fixings | Cable ties through the holes |
| Secure mounting, no rattles | Sticky tape "temporary" fix |
| Won't fall off at 70mph | Plates flapping in the wind |
| Legal and MOT-compliant | Amateur bodge job |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Remove old plate | Carefully take off damaged/old plate |
| Clean & prep | Clean mounting area, check fixings |
| Fit replacement | Secure new plate with proper method |
📦 You're Left With
- Road-legal number plates
- Secure fixings
- Clean professional fit
- Ready to drive immediately
Pricing Guide
| What You Need | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Replace one plate | 15-20 mins | £60 |
| Replace both plates | 20-25 mins | £60 |
£60 minimum covers visit + installation. Same price whether it's one plate or both.
Perfect For Your Situation If...
✅ Damaged plates - cracked, faded, or broken fixings
✅ Lost a plate - came off on motorway or in car wash
✅ New private reg - switching to personalised plates
✅ MOT coming up - replace illegal or damaged plates
Why Choose Us for Number plate replacement in Exeter?
Quick turnaround, same-day service
Proper fixings that won't fail
Legal mounting position
No vehicle damage
What to Expect
Step 1: Assess Mounting
I'll check how your current plates are fitted and what's the best replacement method - might be screws, might be adhesive pads.
Step 2: Remove Old Plate
Old plate comes off carefully, especially if it's adhesive-mounted or if trim needs removing to access it.
Step 3: Fit New Plate
New plate goes on using proper fixings for your vehicle type - secure, level, legal, and ready to go.
🔧 DIY Tips
Replacing your own plates? Here's the proper way:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Screwdriver (Phillips or flat head)
- Spanner if using bolts
- Cleaning spray and cloth
- Adhesive remover (for stuck-on plates)
- Proper fixing screws or adhesive pads
📐 Screw fitting
- Remove old screws/bolts (soak with WD-40 if rusty)
- Line up new plate with mounting holes
- Hand-tighten screws first, then snug them up
- Don't overtighten - plates crack easily
📐 Adhesive fitting
- Remove old adhesive completely (use proper remover)
- Clean surface with spirit cleaner - must be spotless
- Mark position with tape before sticking
- Apply new automotive pads, press firmly for 30 seconds
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Cracking new plate by overtightening screws
- Not removing old adhesive properly
- Using cheap foam tape instead of proper pads
- Drilling new holes without checking what's behind
💡 Pro trick: If you're using adhesive pads, do it in mild weather (above 10°C). Cold temperatures stop them bonding properly and your new plate will be in a hedge within a week.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🚗 Both plates need replacing? Doesn't cost any extra - same £60 whether it's one plate or both.
Lost a plate on the motorway? Happens more than you'd think - usually cheap adhesive pads failing. Get a replacement plate ordered and I'll fit it with proper fixings this time.
Switching to a private plate? You'll need to order the new plates with your personalised reg, then I can swap them over. Keep the old plates though - DVLA might want them returned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people need number plates replaced?
Usually because the old ones are damaged, faded, or not road legal anymore. Sometimes it's after buying a private plate, or the fixings have failed and they've lost one. Either way, you need them refitted properly.
Can you replace just one plate if the other's fine?
Yes - if your rear plate's damaged but the front's still good, I'll just replace the damaged one. You'll still pay the £60 minimum though as I've still got to come out.
Do I buy the replacement plates first?
Yes - order from a registered supplier (they'll verify your V5 or other documents). Once they arrive, I'll come and fit them. Don't try ordering them off Amazon or dodgy websites - they need to be proper legal plates.
How long before I can drive after fitting?
Straight away if I've used screws. If adhesive pads are needed, give them 10 minutes to bond properly - though ideally leave it an hour for full cure. I'll tell you which applies.
What if my car's got awkward access to the plates?
Some cars hide the rear plate behind bumper clips or need trim removing. I'll work it out - just might take a bit longer if I need to remove and refit trim pieces properly.
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01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
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