Printing license plate labels? Here is how it works

  • , by Esmee Versluis
  • 8 min reading time
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Do you want to print license plate labels, but aren't quite sure where to start? In this blog, we explain step-by-step what license plate labels are, what they are used for, and which printer you need.

What are license plate labels?


License plate labels are wide roll-fed labels on which you can clearly print a license plate. They are primarily used by automotive companies, garages, body shops, car dealers, and export companies.

Instead of writing a license plate number by hand on paper or cardboard, you print it neatly onto a label. It is faster, looks more professional, and ensures the license plate is highly legible.

At Euro-Label, we supply license plate labels measuring 100 x 500 mm. This size is wide enough to print license plate information clearly and in large print.

 

What are license plate labels used for?


License plate labels are used in situations where a license plate must be clearly visible on a temporary basis.

Think of vehicles that are:

  • being prepared for export
  • being moved temporarily
  • being inspected or processed
  • need to be identifiable in a workshop or showroom
  • do not yet have a permanent license plate

For companies that work with vehicles regularly, this is a practical solution. You print the license plate when you need it and do not have to deal with loose papers or handwritten solutions.

 

Who are license plate labels useful for?


License plate labels are especially interesting for companies in the automotive industry.

They are widely used by:

  • Automotive companies
  • Car dealers
  • Garages
  • Body shops
  • Export companies
  • Workshops
  • Leasing companies
  • Vehicle transport companies

Do you work with license plate labels occasionally? Then a single roll may be enough to get started. Do you print license plate labels more often? Then a starter pack with multiple rolls is often more economical and practical.

 

Note: not an official license plate


Important to know: license plate labels are not official RDW license plates.

Official license plates must be produced by a certified license plate manufacturer. Therefore, you should not use license plate labels as a replacement for an official license plate.

They are intended as a temporary or practical solution for situations where license plate information must be clearly printed. Always check for yourself which rules apply to your specific application.

 

Size 100 x 500 mm


Our license plate labels have a size of 100 x 500 mm.

This means the label is 100 mm high and 500 mm wide. Due to this wide format, you can print a license plate large and clearly.

There are 121 license plate labels on each roll. This allows you to print multiple license plates before you need to replace the roll.

 

Printing without ink or ribbons


The license plate labels are suitable for direct thermal printing. This means you do not need ink, toner, or print ribbons. The printer creates the print using heat directly on the thermal label.

This is convenient when you want to print quickly and without extra consumables. This is especially practical for license plate labels: you want a clear print without having to constantly replace extra components.

Do you want to know the difference between direct thermal and thermal transfer printing?
Then read our blog: Direct thermal vs. Thermal Transfer printing.

 

Which printer do you need?


For license plate labels, you need a label printer that can properly handle the 100 x 500 mm format.

At Euro-Label, we often pair license plate labels with these printers:

Which printer is the best fit depends on your usage and the connectivity you need.

 

Euro-Label EL-1180


The EL-1180 is our own Euro-Label label printer. This printer is compact, accessible, and suitable for various types of labels. The EL-1180 is a great choice if you are looking for a simple and affordable solution to start printing license plate labels.

 

Zebra ZD220D


The Zebra ZD220D is a practical label printer for companies that want to print via USB from a fixed workstation.

This printer is suitable if you are looking for a clear and reliable solution without unnecessary extras. Think of use in the office, in the workshop, or at the counter. The ZD220D is especially interesting if you want to print license plate labels from one computer.

 

Zebra ZD421D


The Zebra ZD421D is a more modern label printer with more connection options.

Depending on the model, you can choose from, for example:

  • USB/Bluetooth
  • USB/Bluetooth/Ethernet
  • USB/Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

This makes the ZD421D suitable for companies that want more flexibility or want to use the printer within a network.

 

Starter packs for license plate labels


Want to get started the right way immediately? Then a starter pack is a convenient choice.

With a starter pack, you don't have to search for the printer and labels separately. You choose a printer and the number of rolls of license plate labels that suit your needs.

At Euro-Label, you can choose from starter packs including:

You can also choose the number of rolls:

  • 1 roll of license plate labels
  • 3 rolls of license plate labels
  • 6 rolls of license plate labels

 

What should you pay attention to?


When choosing license plate labels and a printer, a few things are important.

Pay close attention to:

  • whether your printer is suitable for 100 x 500 mm labels
  • how many license plate labels you expect to print
  • whether you want to print via USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi
  • whether you want individual rolls or prefer to choose a starter pack
  • whether you need help with installation or settings

Are you in doubt? Then it is wise to contact us. Together, we can see which solution best fits your workplace.

 

Keep your printer clean


With license plate labels, you want a clear print. Dirt, dust, and adhesive residue can cause streaks, faint prints, or malfunctions.

Therefore, it is important to clean your label printer regularly. With a cleaning kit, you can easily clean the print head so that your labels remain highly legible.

View our cleaning kit for label printers here.

 

Frequently asked questions about license plate labels


Are license plate labels official license plates? → No. License plate labels are roll-fed labels and not official RDW license plates. You must have official license plates made by a certified license plate manufacturer.

What do you use license plate labels for? → They are often used for temporary license plate labels, export applications, and situations where license plate information needs to be clearly printed.

Do I need ink? → No. The labels are direct thermal. You print using heat and therefore do not need ink, toner, or print ribbons.

What size are the license plate labels? → The Euro-Label license plate labels are 100 x 500 mm.

How many labels are on a roll? → There are 121 labels per roll.

Which printer is compatible? → Commonly chosen printers are the Euro-Label EL-1180, Zebra ZD220D, and Zebra ZD421D.

 

Buy license plate labels at Euro-Label


Do you want to print license plate labels and are you looking for a suitable printer or starter pack? We are happy to think along with you. At Euro-Label, we help you with the right combination of printer, labels, and settings. This ensures everything works well together and you can get started quickly.

We believe that a good collaboration goes beyond just an order.

Do you have a question or are you unsure which license plate labels or label printer best suit your needs?
Call us or start a chat via the website.

We specialize in label printers and labels. We think along with you regarding the right printer, labels, installation, and settings so you can get to work quickly.

Print. Stick. Done.
With a partner who thinks along with you.

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