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The cost of custom number plates depends on what you mean by custom. If you are a registered motorist asking about personalised registration plates through your state transport authority, prices range from ~$175 in Victoria to ~$8,500 in Queensland for special format plates, with annual fees applying in some states. But if you are a car dealership or fleet operator asking about custom branded number plate frames for every vehicle you sell or operate, that is a completely different product at a fraction of the cost, with a measurable return on branding investment. This guide covers both so you leave knowing exactly what applies to you.

Personalised Number Plates vs. Custom Number Plate Frames: Which One Are You Looking For?

Personalised Registration Plates

These are government-issued plates with a custom letter and number combination, ordered through your state transport authority. Examples include myPlates in NSW, VicPlates in Victoria, and Personalised Plates Queensland. They replace your standard-issue registration plate entirely.

They carry one-off purchase fees set by each state authority, and in some states an annual fee applies on top of standard registration costs. They are a personal vehicle customisation, not a business product.

Custom Branded Number Plate Frames

These are plastic or metal surrounds that clip around the vehicle's registration plate. They are printed with a business name, logo, dealership branding, or contact details. They do not replace the registration plate.

Dealerships, fleet operators, and automotive businesses use them to brand every vehicle on their lot or fleet. Berlex manufactures and supplies these to Australian businesses in trade quantities. The pricing model, lead times, and ordering process are entirely separate from government plate fees.

What Personalised Number Plates Cost by State in Australia

For registered motorists researching government plate pricing, here is a current overview as at 2025 to 2026. All fees are on top of standard annual vehicle registration costs.

Prices vary within each state based on the plate style selected. Standard personalised plates sit at the lower end. Prestige, heritage, premium format, and colour-background plates attract higher fees. In NSW, the annual fee means a basic personalised plate can cost over ~$1,400 across an average 11-year vehicle ownership period.

For government plate ordering, the relevant portals are myPlates (NSW), VicPlates (VIC), Personalised Plates Queensland (QLD), PlatesWA (WA), and ezyplates (SA).

What Do Custom Number Plate Frames Actually Cost for Dealerships and Businesses?

Branded number plate frames are priced per unit in trade quantities. Unlike government plates, there is no fixed retail price and no annual fee. The cost is determined at the quote stage and depends on several factors.

Berlex does not publish fixed unit pricing for custom branded frames because the final cost is specific to each order. The variables below determine what you pay:

• Order volume: The more units ordered, the lower the per-unit cost. Volume is the single biggest driver of price for branded number plate frames.
• Number of print colours: Single-colour screen printing is included as standard. Each additional branding colour adds a one-time setup cost, not a per-unit cost, so multi-colour orders become more cost-effective at higher volumes.
• Frame style: Standard surrounds, Slimline, Premium, and Large frames each carry different pricing. Premium and Large configurations involve more material and a higher unit cost than Standard or Slimline.
• State plate sizing: Frame dimensions are determined by your state's plate size, not by buyer preference. Berlex manufactures to the correct state specification automatically. This affects the frame dimensions but is included within the quoted price, not charged separately.
• Freight: Delivery is quoted separately based on your location and order volume. Metro locations are standard. Regional and remote deliveries may carry additional freight costs.

To get an accurate cost for your order, submit a quote request with your state, frame style, approximate quantity, and branding details. Berlex will confirm pricing and a production timeline specific to your requirements. There is no commitment required to request a quote or to review a sample first.

Which Frame Style Is Right for Your Business?

Berlex manufactures four main car frame styles. The right choice depends on your vehicle type, state, and branding priorities.

Frame size is not a buyer preference. It is determined by your state's number plate dimensions. Berlex advises on the correct style and sizing for your state and vehicle type as part of the quoting process.

Why Dealerships Treat Branded Number Plate Frames as a Low-Cost Marketing Investment

The per-unit cost of a branded frame is among the lowest of any dealership marketing spend. Yet each frame travels with a sold vehicle for the life of that ownership period, putting the dealership's name in front of other drivers, pedestrians, and motorists continuously.

For a dealership selling vehicles monthly, branded frames on every handover vehicle represent ongoing passive brand exposure at a cost far lower than digital advertising, print media, or any other branded channel. Dealer groups running programs across multiple sites use Berlex to maintain consistent branding and simplify reordering through the MyBerlex portal.

Get a Quote for Custom Branded Number Plate Frames

If you are a dealership, fleet operator, or business looking to put your brand on every vehicle, Berlex is Australia's specialist manufacturer of custom number plate frames. With 30 years of experience serving the Australian motor trade, Berlex manufactures frames to the correct specification for your state, with your branding, in the quantities your operation requires.

Submit a quote request with your state, approximate quantity, frame style, and artwork details. Berlex will confirm pricing and a production timeline for your order. No commitment is required to request a quote or to see a sample first.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum order quantity for custom number plate frames?

Berlex supplies businesses in trade quantities. Contact Berlex to discuss your volume and receive a quote tailored to your order size.

How long does production take for branded number plate frames?

Standard production is approximately 3 to 4 weeks from artwork approval. Rush timelines may be available depending on quantity and specification.

Can I use multiple colours in my dealership branding?

Yes. Multi-colour screen printing is available. Each additional colour attracts a one-time setup cost. Berlex advises on the most cost-effective approach for your artwork during the quoting stage.

Do frame dimensions differ between states?

Yes. Australian number plate dimensions vary by state, and frame size is determined by those dimensions, not by buyer choice. Berlex manufactures to the correct specification for your state automatically.

Does the quoted price include freight?

Freight is quoted separately based on your location and order volume. Berlex ships to metro and regional locations across Australia.

Can individual dealership sites order without a dealer group contract?

Yes. Berlex supplies both individual dealership sites and full dealer groups. Individual site orders are processed independently of any group supply arrangement.