When Do Number Plates Change?

If you’ve ever wondered why some cars seem newer than others just based on their number plate, you’re not imagining it.

In the UK, number plates change twice a year, following a clear system set by the DVLA. These changes don’t just update the look of your plate, they actually tell you when a car was first registered.

Whether you’re buying a new car, transferring a private reg, or just curious about what all the numbers mean, this guide will explain exactly when and why number plates change in the UK. 

When Do Number Plates Change in the UK?

In the UK, number plates change twice a year, on 1st March and 1st September. These dates mark the release of new registration identifiers, which reflect the age of the vehicle. Here’s how it works:

• March plates take the last two digits of the year. For example, cars registered in March 2025 will show ‘25’.
• September plates add 50 to the year digits. So, cars registered in September 2025 will show ‘75’.

This system makes it easy to tell when a car was first registered just by looking at its plate. So, if you’re buying a new car and want the latest reg, aim for one of these release dates, March or September.

Why Do Number Plates Change Twice a Year?

The twice-yearly change in number plates was created to help manage demand across the year and make car registration age easier to identify.

Before 2001, new plates were issued once a year, which caused long waiting lists and a sales rush every August. Good news for sales, but this also added a lot of pressure to several plate providers and the DVLA.

So, to spread registrations more evenly and reduce pressure on dealers, the DVLA moved to a biannual format.

This change benefits both buyers and sellers:

• Dealers get more consistent sales throughout the year
• Buyers have two chances annually to grab a “new reg” car
• Private sellers can more easily date vehicles, which helps maintain resale value

How Do Number Plates Work?

Every UK number plate follows a specific format that tells you when and where the vehicle was registered.

Rather than explain the full system here, we’ve broken it all down in a separate article. You’ll learn how to read the letters and numbers, what they mean, and how it

For more on this, you can read our full guide on how number plates work.

Can You Choose When to Change Your Number Plate?

Yes, but it depends on what kind of plate change you’re after.

If you’re buying a brand-new vehicle, you can time your purchase to align with the March or September registration dates. This way, your car displays the most up-to-date plate, which can help with resale value later.

However, if you’re switching to a private plate you’ll need to do this through the DVLA. You can do this anytime, and you won’t need to wait for the standard changeover months. Just make sure your new plate follows all the legal requirements and has been properly assigned before you fit it.

For classic vehicles or imported cars, you might be eligible to apply for an age-appropriate black or silver plate. These changes typically follow different rules but can be done year-round.

What to Do After the Plate Change

Once your number plate has officially changed (whether you’ve updated to a new reg, added a private plate, or switched back to your original) there are a few important steps to follow to stay compliant.

1. Fit your new plates correctly

Once the DVLA has confirmed the change, you can fit your new plates. You can do this yourself using adhesive pads or screw-and-cap kits, or head to a local garage if you’re unsure.

2. Inform your insurance provider

Any change to your vehicle’s registration must be reported to your insurer. If you forget to do this, you could risk invalidating your policy.

3. Update your V5C (logbook)

The DVLA will issue an updated V5C showing your new registration. This should arrive by post once the plate change has been processed.

4. Keep your documentation safe

Hold onto any paperwork related to the registration transfer, especially if you’re using a V750 or V778 certificate, in case you want to transfer the plate again in future.

5. Stay Road Legal, Stay Informed

Changing your number plate might seem like admin but once you know the steps, it’s pretty straightforward. Whether you’re upgrading to a private registration, reverting to your original, or simply replacing a damaged plate, the key is to follow DVLA guidelines and keep your documents in order.

At Plate Mate, we make it easy. No hidden costs, no unnecessary faff, just compliant, high-quality plates made to order.

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