UKVIN Group technical guides / Printing and design
Bleed and margins on label artwork
Bleed allows background printing to extend beyond the cut edge. A safe area protects vital text and codes from normal cutting variation.
Technical considerations
The printer and cutter determine usable tolerance; do not place a VIN character or serial number against the edge merely to make it fit.
Application example
A small printed serial tag should reserve more space for the ID than for decorative borders.
What to check
- Confirm production tolerance
- Keep codes clear of edges
- Check the actual-size proof
Before requesting a quotation
Provide dimensions in millimetres, material or surface type, intended printing equipment if relevant, cut shape, quantity and the conditions the finished label will face. For variable information, supply an approved source list and confirm whether a proof is needed. If a component is legally required or factory-certified, seek the responsible issuer's instructions rather than assuming blank label stock can replace it.
Limitations
These design principles apply to independent identification and label materials. They do not constitute vehicle type approval or permission to reproduce manufacturer-controlled plates, marks or identity data. UKVIN Group provides unbranded materials and aims to verify appropriate personalised-label requests.
Identification label printing guide · Measuring guide · All UKVIN Group guides