1 of 4

Why The German Plate Guy Is America’s #1 Source for Authentic German License Plates

For nearly three decades, The German Plate Guy has been the trusted authority on custom European license plates. My expertise comes from the source: I worked as a plate specialist at the Berlin DMV from 1996 to 2013 before bringing that experience to the United States. Most U.S. sellers are simply people who bought a German machine and learned the basics second-hand. I didn't just buy the equipment; I worked inside the system. Don't settle for second-hand knowledge.

​Unlike generic resellers, I produce your plates using the same authentic machinery, hot-stamped ink, and premium aluminum found in Germany today. That means you get official FE-Schrift fonts and rust-free metal—not a cheap printed plastic toy.

​Every custom plate is Made in the USA and shipped same-day via UPS from my shop in Knoxville, TN. Whether you drive an Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, or Volkswagen, these plates are the perfect authentic front bumper upgrade. If you want the real deal—authentic quality without the overseas wait—this is where you get it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum Character count on German License Plates?

The maximum character count on standard German License Plates is nine, but my Custom European Plates can feature up to 15 letters or numbers by utilizing a smaller, condensed font. Custom Euro Plates offer a unique option for vehicle owners looking to add a personalized touch. Stamped right here in Knoxville, TN, these extended-character plates let you fit full names or handles while maintaining that authentic look compared to regular European License Plates.

Do you make Custom European License Plates?

Yes, we make authentic Custom European License Plates using an official 35-ton press and the mandatory German FE-Schrift font. Our specialty is the standard EU-spec "German Style" plate, measuring exactly 520mm x 110mm. Whether you want a French, Italian, or generic Euro design, we manufacture and ship them directly from our Knoxville facility. This ensures you receive the highest quality European License Plate available in the USA without waiting for overseas shipping.

What is the cost of a Custom European License Plate?

The cost of a Custom European License Plate is $44 or less, regardless of the text length or color combination you choose. Custom German License Plates are a great way to add a personalized touch to your vehicle. All of my custom plates are stamped on rust-free aluminum, with optional mounting frames and screws available at an additional cost to complete your setup.

What is the shipping speed for Custom Euro Plates?

The standard shipping speed for Custom Euro Plates is typically one business day, as most orders are shipped out daily via UPS Ground directly from our USA facility. My daily cutoff time for shipping is 3 PM Eastern Time, meaning orders placed before then are usually shipped the exact same day. If you need your Euro Plate sooner, you can opt to upgrade to UPS 2 Day for an additional fee (calculated at checkout based on your ZIP code). If you have any questions about shipping or delivery times, feel free to contact me for more information.

What is the quality of your Custom German Plates?

The quality of my Custom German Plates is authentic and OEM-grade, utilizing the exact same premium aluminum license plate blanks used by licensed vehicle registration shops in Germany. Each plate is carefully pressed and hot-stamped with color for maximum durability. In fact, our Custom European License Plates are the only ones in the USA pressed by a former Berlin DMV specialist using authentic German machinery. It's important to be aware of other websites that sell cheaper, plastic lookalike Euro plates without raised letters that may not hold up over time. If you're looking for authentic, high-quality Custom German Plates, look no further than my selection of premium plates.

What is the size of German Plates?

The standard size of German Plates, like all European license plates, is exactly 20.5 x 4.5 inches (520 x 110 mm). This size is consistent across Europe and is designed to snap perfectly into most standard European mounting frames. If you are interested in purchasing an authentic German Plate or any other style of European license plate, be sure to measure the front bumper area of your specific vehicle to ensure it can accommodate the full width for a proper fit.

Will Custom Euro Plates fit my vehicle?

Yes, Custom Euro Plates are designed to fit almost any vehicle, provided the front bumper has a flat surface or two pre-existing holes for attaching a mounting frame with screws. To avoid drilling holes directly into your new Custom Euro Plate, you can purchase an optional mounting frame from us that makes the installation process much easier. If your vehicle does not have pre-existing holes in the front bumper, we recommend getting help from a local dealership to ensure proper installation. With the right tools and expertise, however, it is possible to securely install a Custom Euro Plate on almost any make or model.

What does the "D" stand for on a German License Plate?

The "D" on a German license plate stands for Deutschland, which is the German word for Germany. This letter acts as the country code and is embedded in the blue side bar underneath the circled yellow stars representing the European Union Flag. If you've ever seen a German license plate, you may have noticed this prominently displayed letter. This is a standard feature on all European license plates, with each country having its own unique country code. For example, Austria is represented by the letter "A" on its license plates, while France uses "F" and the Netherlands uses "NL."

What does a German Plate look like?

German license plates feature a distinctive design that includes a white reflective background with black letters and numbers, alongside a blue band that includes 12 yellow stars representing the European Union flag and the country code "D" underneath. Like all European license plates, the font used is designed to be forgery-impeding, with letters and numbers that are intentionally disproportionate to make simple modifications more difficult. This design is consistent across all European countries, with each country using its own unique country code and license plate number format. If you're interested in purchasing a German license plate or other European license plate, be sure to look for a design that includes these distinctive features.

How do you read a German License Plate?

You read a German license plate from left to right: it starts with one to three letters representing the city or county, followed by the inspection and registration stickers, and ends with a unique serial number of one or two letters and up to four numbers. For example, a German license plate from Berlin might read "B-XY 1234". German license plates use this specific format to instantly convey where the vehicle is registered. If you're interested in learning more about the history and specific codes of German license plates, you can find extensive information on Wikipedia. Understanding how to read a German license plate is very helpful if you're traveling in Germany or if you're interested in purchasing a German vehicle or custom plate for yourself.