Toolbox

License plate

Design a retro US or European license plate, preview it, and download a printable sheet at the exact size for 1:18, 1:24, 1:25 or 1:43 scale models.

Print on glossy photo paper at 100% scale. A coat of gloss varnish makes them look like stamped metal.

Real plate sizes

US plates have been 12 × 6 inches (305 × 152 mm) since the 1950s. European plates are 520 × 110 mm. At 1:24, a US plate is only 12.7 × 6.3 mm, so keep the text short and bold.

Making printed plates look stamped

  1. Print on glossy photo paper at 100%.
  2. Seal with gloss varnish so the ink doesn't run when you weather.
  3. Glue onto a thin plastic card for thickness and sand the edges.
  4. Dry-brush rust and dirt around the screws and bottom edge.

This tool draws generic period-style plates. They're props for models, not copies of official designs.