Novelty License Plates are also called novelty number plates. They are made from steel and the paintwork will survive outdoors for some time. They will eventually fade as real number plates do when left outside. They cannot be used for registration purposes in any country.

Novelty number plates are manufactured by many of the official government registration plate manufacturers as an additional source of income to them. There have been many different techniques used in producing number plates over the last one hundred years. However, novelty license plates have only become popular in the last ten to twenty years.

Many people collect these items and or give them as gifts. The selection process can be tedious as there are literally hundreds if not thousands to choose from. The best way to go is to first determine a theme or wording that might be appropriate. They are durable and will keep well indoors on a display. When mounted outdoors, they may fade over time. In order to reduce the fading, a number plate cover can be purchased and the plate is simply kept inside the cover. This cover with plate can then be placed in any place.

Collectors of novelty number plates may either simply collect anything or keep to themes, hence there is usually more than one novelty license plate available for any particular theme. There are at least six corvette designs from one manufacturer. Other manufacturers would have another six or more, as the designs are usually protected by each manufacturer. This allows collectors to collect many different designs on a single theme. In recent times, however, some suppliers can arrange their manufacturers to produce special and unique designs in small quantities at a reasonable price, so some collectors are designing their own unique novelty license plates.

Should the novelty license plate need a clean, use a soft cloth or sponge with a weak organic cleaner that is clear of all grit to wash the plate. Using normal household detergents will assist in removing any oil based substances that may get onto the plate. Do not scrub hard with a brush or use acid!

Collectors of Licence Plates often collect metal signs as well, particularly when they are related to the novelty license plates. These are made from steel and come in many shapes and sizes. They are usually either rectangular, square or circular.