FAQs

Own Personalised Plates
Buying Personalised Plates
Is there more information On Afterpay and its Terms of Service?

Yes, you can view more information about Afterpay and its Terms of Service here https://www.afterpay.com/en-NZ/terms-of-service 

Does Afterpay work the same way as KiwiPlates Layby?

No, Afterpay is a buy now pay later option, the relationship is between you the customer and Afterpay. Afterpay will pay KiwiPlates for your purchase, your repayments to Afterpay are managed by Afterpay.   

KiwiPlates Layby is a repayment option between you the customer and KiwiPlates. You will only receive our order once all your Layby payments have been received.  

Some things to note: 

Funds for your first payment must be available on your nominated card at time of checkout.   

Your Afterpay account is linked to your credit or debit card, so be aware that standard card fees and charges may be applicable. Refer to your card issuer's terms and conditions for full details. 

Does Afterpay require me to fill out a credit application form?

No, Afterpay will not require you to do this, because every Afterpay account is linked to your existing and nominated credit or debit card that has already been approved via your chosen credit/banking provider. 

Are there additional fees?

There are no additional fees involved in using our Layby Plans, however, if you cancel a Layby at any time during the Layby Agreement, a $100 cancellation fee will apply.

Are these Plates the same size Plates they have in Japan?

Yes, our authentic sized Japanese Plates are 330 x 165mm which are designed to fit within the recess of Japanese Cars, just like they do in Japan.

Are these Plates the same size Plates they have in America?

Yes, our authentic sized American Plates are 305 x 153mm which are designed to fit within the recess of most American Cars, just like they do in the USA. 

Can I use Afterpay to buy gift vouchers?

Unfortunately, Afterpay cannot be used to purchase gift vouchers

Can I Cancel my Layby?

You can cancel your Layby at any time, prior to the final payment.

A $100 cancellation charge will apply, which enables us to recover our costs.

Your refund amount will be your total instalments amount to date, less the cancellation fee.

Where a refund falls within our Terms and Conditions, your payment will be refunded via the same payment method. Refunds can take up to 14 working days.

Once final payment is made, this Layby Agreement cannot be cancelled.

Can I cancel my order?

We encourage customers to choose carefully. Once your order has been paid for and approved, your order is final and you are unable to cancel your order.

Can I get a refund?

We encourage customers to choose carefully. Once your order has been paid for and approved, your order is final and cannot be refunded, as per our Terms and Conditions.

Can I change my Layby plan once I have started making payments?

Once a Layby Plan has started, you will be unable to change the plan or frequency of instalments. Please choose your Layby Plan carefully.

Can I change my Layby order?

Once your layby agreement has commenced, changes cannot be made, until your order has been paid in full.

If you haven't requested manufacture, you are able to change the design once within 30 days of final payment (a redesign fee may apply).

If you change to a lower priced design, Kiwiplates will not refund the difference.

Can I change my plate design or make changes to my order?

Yes, absolutely if your order hasn't been paid for or approved by our team.

Once your order has been paid for and approved, your order is final and will not be refunded, as per our Terms and Conditions.

If you haven't requested manufacture, you are able to change the design once within 30 days (a redesign fee may apply).

If you change to a lower priced design, KiwiPlates will not refund the difference.

Can I change the plate style but keep my current combination?

Yes. click here to begin your new design.

Can I edit the message that I currently have on my message plates?

Yes, you can. Click here to begin your new redesign order, or call us on 0800 650 111.

Can I get the Plates made and delivered directly to my customer?

Yes, only if the vehicle is registered to the customer at the time of purchase. If not, it will be delivered to the dealership.  

Can I get the Plates made if the vehicle is registered to the dealership?

Yes, however the plates can only be delivered to the dealership.  

Why was my combination not allowed?

Some combinations don’t fit with our guidelines because they are deemed unsociable, confusing or offensive. You can view our guidelines here.

Can I Preview the E-card before sending it as a gift?

We understand the importance of getting it right. You can take a sneak peek at your e-card, tweak the message, and make sure it's a heartfelt expression of your feelings before it reaches the recipient.

Can I Restyle a plate for someone as a gift?

Only the original plate owner can request to get their plates Restyled. A gift voucher can make a good substitute if you’re wanting to Restyle someone else’s plate as a gift.

Can I schedule the delivery of the E-card?

We want to ensure a seamless experience, but currently, we do not support the scheduling of delivery dates for your E-card. These are typically delivered as soon as the order is processed. 

If you are purchasing your gift in advance, we suggest opting to have the Ecard sent to yourself, once you’re ready you can then forward the Ecard and rights to receive to the giftee 

Can I still buy a Personalised Plate or Redesign an existing Personalised Plate for a customer if the vehicle has not arrived or does not have a current registration?

Yes, you can still buy/redesign Personalised Plates and get them made and delivered to your dealership, but only if you have a customer signed and dated VOSA with the full VIN number. When the Plates arrive, you will need to register them to the vehicle.  

 If you don’t have a VOSA ready at the time of purchase, select ‘Make them later’. 

Can we get plate frames for this size?

We do not sell Plate frames and are not sure what sizing is available.

Can we get Plate frames for this size?

We do not sell Plate frames and are not sure what sizing is available. 

How do I change my number Plates to Black?

You can create new Personalised Plates or Redesign your existing number Plates to the new Black design on our website. 

Are there any costs for using Afterpay?

There are no extra fees to use Afterpay when purchasing. 

If you fail to meet your payment obligations as per your repayment schedule, you may be charged by Afterpay. Please check your Afterpay agreement to review this www.afterpay.com/en-NZ/terms-of-service for more information. 

I have an original Black Plate currently registered on my car. Can I still use them or get the new black plates?

We can check that for you, contact us to find out more. Send us your details and we will respond with next steps and the process. Send us a message

Do gift vouchers expire?

Yes, a gift voucher is valid for twelve (12) months from the date of purchase.

Do gift vouchers expire?

Yes, a gift voucher is valid for twelve (12) months from the date of purchase.

Do you have the American size Plate in standard design?

Currently, they're only available with the American design.

Do you have the Japanese size Plate in a standard design?

Currently, they're only available with the Japanese design.

How are gift vouchers sent?

Once purchased, the gift voucher will be emailed to you.  

How are gift vouchers sent?

Once purchased, the gift voucher will be emailed to you.

How can I contact Afterpay?

If you have any questions regarding your Afterpay account, please contact the Afterpay customer service team. 

New Zealand Customers call 0800 461 268 
(Monday to Friday 9am - 9pm and Saturdays 11am -7pm) 
 

For more information, Afterpay provides a very comprehensive list of FAQ’S you can view these here:  https://help.afterpay.com/hc/en-us

How can I contact you?

Please see our contact us page.

How can I find out if an old plate is still in my name?

You can find out if a plate is in your name, by calling Licensys (The Government Plate Manufacturer) on 0800 REMAKE (736 253) or emailing servicenz@licensys.com

How can I get my plates manufactured?

Ready to make your Plates?

What you need

The vehicle owner will need the details of the currently registered vehicle these plates are for (at least 30 days remaining on the registration). Please note the vehicle owner must be the same as the plate owner.​

What to do

When the owner is ready, contact Licensys (the Govt. Plate manufacturer) to confirm you want your plates created and sent to you.​

The owner can request this easily online at licensys.co.nz and click ‘first time manufacturer’, or by calling Licensys on 0800 736 25​

An additional fee will apply if this request is made 180 days after your payment date.

How can I pay for my Layby?

You can pay for your Layby by debit/credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Amex).

Recurring payments will be automatically deducted from the same debit/credit card account used for your deposit payment.

How can I redeem a gift voucher?

Call us on 0800 650 111 to place an order.

How can I redeem a gift voucher?

Call us on 0800 650 111 to place an order.

How do I change my number Plates to a Black All Black Design? 

You can create new Personalised Plates or Redesign your existing number Plates to the new Black All Blacks design on our website.  

How do I buy a plate as a gift?

You can buy someone a personalised plate as a gift on our website by clicking here. You can buy them the combination and we will send you a "Rights to Receive" certificate to gift on the day. 

Do All Black Plates come with pre-drilled holes?  

Yes All Black Plates come with pre-drilled holes. View the Plate Hole guide here. https://www.kiwiplates.nz/plate-hole-guide/  

I recently purchased a plate; can I get this changed to a Black All Black Plate? 

Yes you can redesign your plate at any time on our website. Redesign here https://www.kiwiplates.nz/restyle/  

Can I get an All Black plate for my motorbike?  

Not currently, but more Black designs are likely to be available in the future. Sign up for News & Deals to be the first to know just above the footer on our home page https://www.kiwiplates.nz/

How do I change the registered owner of my plates?

You and the new plate owner will need to complete a Transfer of Entitlement Form and send a copy to the government plate manufacturer Licensys.

How do I make payments on the instalments?

Your instalments will be automatically deducted from your account using the same debit/credit card used to pay the deposit.

How do I Redesign a Government Issue Plate for a customer?

The Plate must be registered to the vehicle before you place the order. 

In the Dealer Order Platform, enter the registered Government Issue in the Redesign page. Choose a design, proceed to checkout and choose a payment option.  

Tip: When you redesign a Government Issue plate, once you have received the physical plates, the combination becomes personalised. This means the plates can be removed and registered to another vehicle if required. 

How do I Restyle a plate?

Enter in your current Personalised or Government issue plate combination (that’s registered in your name) in the box above, and choose the design and font colour you want. These will then be shipped to you within 10-15 working days.

How do I sell my old plates?

Find a buyer by listing your plates here. Once sold, you’ll need to complete a transfer of entitlement form and send it to the government plate manufacturer Licensys.

How do I transfer my plate to a different vehicle?

Call into any AA or VTNZ office and complete the appropriate form.

How do I use Afterpay?
  1. Create a new order, add it to your shopping cart and continue to checkout. 
  2. At checkout, select Afterpay as your payment method. 
  3. If you already have an Afterpay account, simply log-in and follow the instructions to complete your purchase. If you don’t have an Afterpay account, you will be given the option to create an account. You will need to have a debit or credit card available to complete the sign-up process. Once you have created an account, you can then complete the purchase in 4 equal fortnightly payments with no interest. Your re-payment schedule and confirmation will be emailed to you by Afterpay. 
How long can I layby my plates for?

We offer 3 different Layby plans to make getting a plate even easier.

  1. Weekly – Pay every 7 days for 12 Instalments
  2. Fortnightly – Pay every 14 days for 8 Instalments
  3. Monthly - Pay every 28 days for 4 Instalments
How long will it take for my plates to be manufactured?

Please allow 7 to 10 working days to receive your Plates. Message Plates take a bit longer so please allow up to 15 working days.

How many plates can I Layby at a time?

You can only Layby 1 plate per order. However you can have multiple Layby orders under your name.

How much is my plate worth?

Since every plate is different, it's difficult to say. Here are some points to help you value your plates: 

  • Generic plates that appeal to a wide range of people tend to fetch more than plates that reflect a very personal message or interest.
  • Correct spelling rather than substitutions (ie using 1 for and I) can increase value.
  • A highly desired word, name or phrase will attract a higher price.

Check out plate marketplaces to see what other private sellers are asking but remember these prices reflect the value views of the individual plate owners.

How do I buy a Personalised Plate for my customer?

In the Dealer, Order Platform choose an available combination, select to either have the plate made now or made later, and choose a payment option. 

 Make Them Now 

The Plates will be delivered within 7-15 days to your dealership once they have been paid for and approved. 

 Make Them Later 

Manufacturing is free within 180 days from order payment. When you’re ready to get your Plates made, simply contact Licensys (the Government plate manufacturer)  at licensys.co.nz, or by calling 0800 736 253.  

 After 180 days, a manufacture fee applies and is payable to Licensys. Licensys will advise you of the manufacture fee due. 

I already have a Message Plate, can I change it to Black? 

Yes, you can Redesign it here.

I already own an American Plate can I still get this new Plate size?

Yes, you can Restyle your existing American Plate to this new size here.

I am selling my car – can I keep my plates?

Yes. Take your car to an AA or VTNZ office and complete the appropriate form. To keep government-issue plates, you’ll need to redesign them first.

I just made my last payment, what happens now?

If you’ve chosen to have your plates manufactured when you started your Layby, then your plates will be sent to you automatically. If you chose to get them made later, you’ll need to request to get them manufactured. You can do this by calling the government issued plate manufacturers Licensys NZ on 0800 REMAKE. Make sure your plate order details are correct before you request your plates to be manufactured. Additional fees will apply if your request to manufacture is 180 days after your final payment date.

I’m Restyling my Government issue plates. What happens next?

When you Restyle a Government issue plate, the plate combination becomes registered in your name and you can take it with you from car to car (just like a personalised plate).

I used to have original Black Plates, Can I get that combination?

We can check that for you, contact us to find out more. Send us your details and we will respond with next steps and the process. Send us a message

I’ve gifted someone a plate. How can they have the plates made?

The person you gifted the plates to must request that the government plate manufacturer Licensys make their plates within 180 days of the purchase date.  After 180 days an additional fee will be charged.

I’ve got my plates designed, what do I do with my old plates?

Send your old plates back using the same pre-paid postage box your new plates arrive in.

I've purchased plates but haven't received them. Where are they?

If you’ve requested that your plates be made and have not received them after 15 working days, call 0800 REMAKE or click here.

Ready to make your Plates now?

If you didn’t choose to "make them now", when placing your order you will need to request your plates to be manufactured.

What you need

The vehicle owner will need the details of the currently registered vehicle these plates are for (at least 30 days remaining on the registration). Please note the vehicle owner must be the same as the plate owner.​

What to do

When the owner is ready, contact Licensys (the Govt. Plate manufacturer) to confirm you want your plates created and sent to you.​

The owner can request this easily online at licensys.co.nz and click ‘first time manufacturer’, or by calling Licensys on 0800 736 25​

An additional fee will apply if this request is made 180 days after your payment date.​​​​

I want to change my current Message Plates to Black, can I create a new message? 

Yes, when you Redesign your current Message Plates, you can change the message. 

If I request ‘make them now’ with a VOSA/Sales agreement will the plates be registered to the vehicle.

No, you must register the plates to the vehicle during the vehicle registration process.

How do I start a layby?

Once you've chosen your combination and design, simply select Layby as your payment option at checkout, choose a Layby Plan and pay the deposit

Can I have more than 5 characters on a Motorbike Plate? ​

Due to the smaller profile of Motorbike Plates, the maximum characters that will fit are five.  ​

I have a Personalised Plate on my car, can I transfer this to my Motorbike? ​

Yes, you can do this here on our website. Just enter your combination (must be 5 characters or less) into the Plate Redesign field and select 'Motorbike'. ​

Do Motorbike Plate come with holes?​

No, since every bike is unique, Motorbike Plates do not come with pre-drilled holes. You will need to drill the holes yourself or head to your local VTNZ or AA to get it fitted. ​

Can I get a square Motorbike Plate in Black?​

At this stage no, the new Black Motorbike plates are only available in a standard size which is 260mm wide by 100mm high.​

What happens if my order value exceeds my Afterpay approved spending limit?

For some purchases, if your total order amount exceeds your Afterpay-approved spending limit, the first payment may be higher than subsequent payments. Afterpay will show you how the instalments are split before you pay. 

Do plates come with pre-drilled holes?

Yes and no, Black Standard and Black Slim Plates come with pre-drilled holes. The Black Euro sized Plates do not.  View the Plate Hole guide.

I recently purchased a plate; can I get this changed to a Black Plate?

Yes you can redesign your plate at anytime on our website. Redesign here 

Is KiwiPlates launching Investment plates?

No, KiwiPlates is introducing blue font plates (a new font cololur available on a select number of plate designs). These are not investment plates. 

Can I get my investment plates remade in the new blue font colour?

You can get most plates redesigned in the new blue colour. To see what options are available, please visit the Restyle page on our website or you can contact us on 0800 650 111 and one of our team will be able to help. 

What is the difference between blue font plates and investment plates?

Blue plates offer a new font colour which can be added to a select number of plate designs. They are not marketed in conjunction with particular combinations and are not sold or advertised as investment plates.

Will blue font plates devalue my current investment plates?

The value of a plate is mainly determined by the combination, not the design. Blue font plates are a new design option available across a range of designs. 

What are my current plates worth?

KiwiPlates are unable to provide a value on what your plates are worth. However, you can check out our plate marketplace or Trademe to see what other private sellers are asking. 

Do Black Plates have a reflective background?

Yes, like white background plates, Black Plates come with a reflective background to make them easier to identify, particularly at night.

Do Black Plates have a reflective background? ​

Yes, like white background plates, Black Plates come with a reflective background to make them easier to identify, particularly at night.​

Why do I receive one Motorbike Plate instead of two?​

Unlike cars, motorbikes are only required to display one Plate. ​

Are other sizes available in Black?

To be the first to know about new products, Sign up for News & Deals located just above the footer on our HOMEPAGE

How much can I spend with Afterpay? Is there a maximum limit?

Yes, Afterpay is only available for orders up to $2,000.  

I have an original Black Plate that is not registered. Can I still get the original Black Plate registered again to my vehicle?

If you have the original plates, you can make that request with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, please CLICK HERE to visit 

How do I gift a personalised plate?

If you know the combination you want, buy it online or on 0800 650 111 and well send you a "Rights to Receive" certificate to gift on the day. The recipient can then call the plate manufacturer and request the plates to be manufactured within 180 days – for free.

My preferred combination isn’t available. What do I do?

Someone may already own it, to find an alternative, read our tips, or call us on 0800 650 111

How many characters fit on a personalised plate?

Up to six characters for cars and trucks, and up to five characters for motorcycles and trailers.

I don’t own a car – can I buy a personalised plate?

Yes you can. You can buy personalised plates and then get them made at a later date, when you have a registered vehicle to attach them to.

How are the E-Cards sent?

Once you have selected the desired combination and plate design, fill out your details and the owners/giftees details. You can then select to have the rights to receive, and E-card sent to yourself or the giftee.

What do I do if my plates are lost, stolen or damaged?

Call 0800 REMAKE or click here to arrange for new plates.

What do I do with my old plates?

Send your old plates back using the same pre-paid postage box your new plates arrive in.

What do I need to know about buying from a private seller?
  1. Call 0800 REMAKE to check that the seller owns the plates.
  2. Send a completed Transfer of Entitlement Form to the government plate manufacturer Licensys.
  3. Ring 0800 REMAKE to have your plates manufactured.
  4. Contact us if you’d like to change the plate style.
What do I need to use Afterpay?

To use afterpay in NZ you need:

  • A New Zealand credit or debit card  
  • To be living in New Zealand  
  • To be over 18 years of age 
  • You are capable of entering into a legally binding contract. 
  • You have a valid and verifiable email address and mobile number 
What is a 'Rights to Receive' certificate?

This is an exclusive and transferable right to receive and display a selected combination on a personalised registration plate for a motor vehicle in New Zealand.

What is Afterpay?

Afterpay is a 'buy now, pay later payment option that lets you buy something immediately, and pay it off in 4 installments, over 6 weeks. Interest-free, with no additional fees if you pay on time.

What is the difference between creating a new plate and redesigning my plate?

By creating a new plate, you’re buying the rights to a new plate combination. Redesigning a plate, means that you are changing the style of existing personalised plates that you already own. Click here to view the styles available.

When can I get my plates manufactured?

Plates on Layby can only be manufactured AFTER you’ve made your final Layby payment.   

Who is RoboVoucher?

RoboVoucher is the secure platform we use to manage our gift vouchers.

Why can’t I manufacture a personalised plate to give as a gift?

It’s a legal requirement that only the vehicle owner can request a personalised plate to be manufactured and displayed on their vehicle.

Why do Premium Black Message Plates cost slightly more?

Premium Black Message Plates are unique and use a high-quality Gold and Silver foil for the text colors, allowing for a more premium look. 

Why does the bottom message need to be shorter than the top message?

This is due to the position of the NZ security device which is a requirement for all black background number Plates in NZ.

Can I include spaces as part of my plate combination?

Yes, but only if your combination has fewer characters than the maximum character allowance or includes an ‘I’ or ‘1’.

Will I get a new registration label with my new plates?

Yes, this will be enclosed with your plates and will need to be displayed on your dash within five working days of receiving them.

Will my customer receive any communications from KiwiPlates?

All communications relating to an order placed through the Dealer order Platform will be emailed directly to your dealership. 

Will the Plate come with pre-drilled holes?

Yes, they will come with 2 pre-drilled holes which are spaced to fit Japanese cars.

Will the Plate come with pre-drilled holes?

Yes they will come with 2 pre-drilled holes.

I already own a Japanese Plate can I still get this new Plate size?

Yes, you can Restyle your existing Japanese Plate to this new size here.

Still have a question?

(9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)
OR

Sign Up for News & Deals

Google Rating
4.7
Based on 2192 Reviews

Useful Links

NEED HELP?

We Accept

Copyright © 2023 KiwiPlates. All Rights Reserved.