Why do people put UK stickers on their cars?

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Cindy Hügel
July 25, 2025
2 mins
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Why do people put UK stickers on their cars?

Cars that cross European borders need to display their country of origin. That’s why you often see UK car stickers abroad, or even within the UK, they’re usually just leftovers from someone’s road trip.

UK car sticker on the back of a Ford Fiesta

Every vehicle that crosses a border must show a national identifier. Most modern plates already include one, so you don’t often see extra country-based stickers.

According to the UK government, you don’t need a UK sticker if your license plate has the updated UK identifier with the Union Jack.

But you do need a UK sticker if your plate only shows:

  • Letters and numbers without a flag or identifier
  • The old GB identifier with a flag
  • The EU flag
  • A flag for England, Scotland, or Wales
Number plate with a Welsh flag on it

What’s the difference between a UK and GB car sticker?

This changed after Brexit. Car stickers used to say "GB", but now they say "UK" to include Northern Ireland. Great Britain technically refers only to England, Scotland, and Wales—so “GB” no longer covers all parts of the UK.

That’s why if your plate still says “GB,” it’s considered outdated and must be paired with a UK sticker.

Where can I get a UK sticker for my car?

You can buy UK stickers at many auto parts stores, and some large supermarkets carry them too.

You can also customize and order them online. Many websites offer them in various sizes and styles.

For long-lasting use, we recommend 7x7cm oval stickers printed on white vinyl. If you prefer something removable, try a magnetic car sticker instead.

And that’s it. Still not sure if car stickers are worth it? Check out our article on whether car stickers are a good idea. You can also contact our team or test your materials and designs with a custom-printed sample.

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