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by Marsh Finance on Mar 12, 2025 10:48:54 AM
The latest number plate changes have arrived, with people keen to get their hands on the new 25 plates. The arrival of the new number plates in March is a yearly occurrence and one that captures the attention of car lovers across the UK. We’ve looked at the new plates and put together a handy guide for all things car registrations. This piece looks at all things number plates, from private plates to much-loved and cherished plates.
Take a look through our guide and become a car registration plate master.
Car Registration Plates: How Do They Work?
Car registration plates change in and out depending on the type of year you purchase them. For example, 24 plates came out this time last year (March 2024) and remained in circulation until August 2024. Any plates after this point until the end of February 2025 had a 74 number on them. This might seem hard to understand, but it’s really simple! For the period covering March to August, the number on new plates will represent the year it has come out in. For the period after this, September to February, the number is the year the plate first came in, plus 50. So, in the case of last year, the plate was 24 for March to August and 74 for September to February.
What Do The Letters Mean On A Car Number Plate?
Believe it or not, there is a method to the letters and numbers you see on a car registration plate. Let’s take a look.
The first two letters on the car number plate identify where the car was registered. The first of the two letters represent the region, and the second letter of the two represents the DVLA office in that area. If your car was registered in Manchester, the number plate will display MA. After this is the two-digit number represents when the car was registered. We’ve touched on this already, and for this year would be 25 or 75, depending on when the car was registered. The final three letters after this are completely random and give each car a unique identity.
Green Number Plates
If you drive an electric or hybrid vehicle, your number plate will have a green stripe instead of the blue you see on most car registration plates. These plates don’t bring any direct benefits, apart from standing out on the road.
The UK Number Plate Area Codes
As we talked about earlier, there are plenty of different codes across the UK that help signal where a car was first registered. We’ve put together a list of the most common UK area codes, which you can see below:
BA – BY: Birmingham
EA – EY: Essex
LA – LY: London
MA – MY: Manchester to Merseyside
OA – OY: Oxford
PA – PY: Preston
WA – WY: West Of England
YA – YY: Yorkshire
For more information on UK area codes, plus a look back at old codes previously used, visit car.co.uk’s helpful guide.
What Is A Private Number Plate?
Private plates don’t follow the traditional layout of area code, registration date and randomised lettering, and instead can display absolutely anything (as long as it isn’t deemed offensive by the DVLA). Private plates can be bought from the DVLA, or via auctions and dealers if the plates are already in use. People see private plates as a great way to stand out on the road and, in most cases, represent their name, business or hobbies. Although this isn’t set in stone, it is common that fewer numbers/letters on your registration plate equals a higher cost. Private plates can range anywhere from a few thousand pounds to millions! The benefit of owning a private plate is purely for aesthetic reasons and doesn’t give you any extra benefits over other drivers on the road. Nevertheless, private plates continue to be popular, and in some cases, cost more than the car they are attached to!
The Most Iconic Number Plates
Number plates can be iconic and capture the attention of onlookers. We’ve had a look at some of the most recognisable number plates on UK roads.
F 1
This plate, owned by Afzal Kahn, was purchased in 2008 for £440,000 and is now estimated to be worth over £10 million. With its direct link to Formula 1, this plate is one of the hottest on the road.
AMS 1
Lord Alan Sugar dons the AMS 1 plate, representing his initials and the number one- his way of announcing himself as the best in the business.
23 D
You’ll find this plate on Duncan Bannatyne’s car, a premium plate option that reflects the wealth and status of the famous businessman.
VIP 1
Perhaps the most elite number plate on this list, VIP 1 was originally created for the Pope’s visit to Ireland but was later bought by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.
DB1
David Beckham’s lavish lifestyle doesn’t stop at car registration plates. This iconic plate is just one of a few expensive plates associated with the Beckhams. Victoria’s VB plate is a great example of this.
UK Number Plates Over The Next 5 Years
Got your eyes on a future plate? This could be something that signals a birthday or special date that you cherish, so knowing when they’re due out is key. Here are the new number plates and when to expect them over the next few years:
2026
- March – August 26
- September – February 76
2027
- March – August 27
- September – February 77
2028
- March – August 28
- September – February 78
2029
- March – August 29
- September – February 79
2030
- March – August 30
- September – February 80
Sounding Off On UK Car Registration Plates
Car reg plates are constantly changing and represent a chance to flex your wheels when out on the road.
Swap out your old wheels for the new, number plate style!
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