If you’re planning to buy a new car, register a private plate, or simply want to stay up to date, you might be wondering: when do new number plates come out in the UK? This article explains everything you need to know about car number plates in the UK, focusing on how UK plates are issued and updated.
Number plate releases happen twice a year and follow a clear system set by the DVLA. The release of new UK plates is a significant event for car buyers and enthusiasts, as it marks a key moment in the automotive calendar. Understanding how it works helps you identify a vehicle’s age, buy the newest registration available, or even plan your next purchase around a plate change.
UK Number Plate Release Dates
In the UK, the DVLA issues two new number plate registrations each year, with registration plates being issued in March and September. This means new car registration plates are released twice annually, and the timing of plates issued is a key part of the UK car registration system:
- March – for the new year release
- September – for the half-year update, often referred to as the September plates
For example:
- March 2025 plates start with ‘25’ (e.g. AB25 XYZ)
- September 2025 plates will change to ‘75’ (e.g. AB75 XYZ), representing the September plates
This pattern continues every year. March adds the current year, while September adds the current year + 50.
So, when March 2026 arrives, plates will switch to ‘26’, and the following September will move to ‘76’.
These biannual plate changes mean that new car registrations and new registration plates are released during these periods. The number plates change in March and September, and these new car registration plates are eagerly anticipated by car buyers and sellers. The March and September updates not only help identify a vehicle’s age at a glance but also mark peak times for new car sales and car registrations. Many buyers wait for these periods to register their cars, leading to a spike in car registrations and making their vehicle appear newer, which can often hold a slightly higher resale value.
Why the UK Uses Two Plate Releases
The DVLA introduced the twice-yearly registration system in 2001 to:
- Spread car sales more evenly throughout the year. This approach helps balance the car market and allows dealers to shift stock more efficiently by encouraging steady demand and enabling promotions on older inventory.
- Prevent a single annual sales rush
- Make it easier to identify the age of a vehicle at a glance
This means that drivers who want a brand-new registration often wait for either the March or September release to buy or register their car.
Why Knowing Release Dates Matters
Understanding when new number plates come out can be useful for several reasons:
- Buying a new car: You can plan your purchase to get the latest registration.
- Selling a car: A newer plate can increase resale appeal.
- Private registrations: Helps you choose a plate that fits your desired look or age restriction. Private number plates, also known as personalised or vanity plates, are issued and regulated by the vehicle licensing agency (DVLA), which oversees the legal process for purchasing and assigning these registrations.
- Ordering replacement plates: Ensures your new plates display the correct and up-to-date registration.
At JDM Plates, we can make your plates for any registration, including brand-new DVLA releases – all fully road-legal and DVLA-compliant. Please note that plates can only be displayed once the vehicle is registered.
Number Plate Formats
The UK number plate system is designed to make identifying vehicles straightforward, while also offering options for personalisation and recognising new technologies like electric vehicles. Since 2001, all new cars registered in the UK have followed a standardised format: two letters, two numbers, and three random letters.
The first two letters, known as the local memory tag, show where the vehicle was first registered. This helps local authorities and car buyers quickly identify the origin of a car registration plate. Next, the two numbers in the middle are the age identifier, which reveals when the vehicle was registered. For cars registered between 1st March and 31st August, the age identifier matches the last two digits of the year (for example, ‘25’ for cars registered in March 2025). For vehicles registered from 1st September to the end of February, the age identifier is the year plus 50 (so ‘75’ for cars registered in September 2025). The final three random letters are unique to each vehicle, ensuring every registration plate is distinct.
For those looking to add a personal touch, the UK number plate system also allows for personalised number plates. These can be purchased from the DVLA or private dealers and let you choose a combination of letters and numbers that might represent your name, initials, or a memorable number. However, personalised plates must still follow the official format and cannot be used to make a car appear newer than it actually is. Every personalised number plate must be properly registered with the DVLA before being fitted to a vehicle.
With the rise of electric vehicles, a new feature has been introduced: the green flash. This is a green strip displayed on the left hand side of the front and rear plate, making it easy to spot zero emission vehicles on the road. Only cars that meet strict zero emission standards are eligible for these green number plates, which were introduced to support the shift to cleaner transport.
Understanding the UK number plate system, from the meaning of the age identifiers to the options for personalised plates and the new green flash for electric vehicles, helps car buyers and enthusiasts make informed choices. Whether you’re registering a new car, searching for a used car, or considering a personalised plate, knowing how number plates work ensures your vehicle’s registration is both legal and tailored to your needs.
Stay Ahead of the Plate Changes
If you’re thinking of getting your next car or private plate soon, keep these release windows in mind:
| Year | March Release | September Release |
| 2025 | 25 plates | 75 plates |
| 2026 | 26 plates | 76 plates |
| 2027 | 27 plates | 77 plates |
| 2028 | 28 plates | 78 plates |
By planning ahead, you can ensure your vehicle is among the first on the road sporting the latest registration.
New number plates come out twice a year, marking key moments for car buyers and enthusiasts. Whether you’re upgrading to the latest reg or refreshing your look with a premium plate, JDM Plates makes it quick, easy, and fully legal.
Whether you’re upgrading to the latest reg or refreshing your look with a premium plate, JDM Plates makes it quick, easy, and fully legal. The excitement around new vehicles and new vehicle releases, especially with the introduction of a new age identifier, draws many car enthusiasts eager to be among the first to display the latest plates.
Design and order your new number plates online today. Built to the highest standards and delivered fast across the UK. If you’re unsure which style or size is right for your vehicle, our team of specialists are always on hand to help you choose the perfect, fully road-legal option.
