DVLA to introduce new number plate changes next week with all drivers urged to act

WATCH: Richard Holden hosts the DVLA's last in-person number plate auction

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DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT

Hemma Visavadia

By Hemma Visavadia


Published: 03/10/2025

- 08:34

The DVLA will make thousands of prefix registrations available from 10am on Tuesday, October 7

The DVLA has revealed that new number plates will be launched next week, which will see thousands of fresh prefix registrations available for motorists.

The new sale of number plates will be available for purchase from 10am on Tuesday, October 7, and will feature letters ranging from A to H, combined with the numbers 27, 28 or 29.


The agency confirmed that motorists will be able to browse and purchase these combinations through their official website.

Examples of available registrations include variations such as A27 SEA, C28 SEA, D29 SEA, F27 SEA and H28 SEA, among numerous other combinations.

The release represents a significant opportunity for drivers seeking personalised registrations, with the DVLA making the full catalogue accessible online.

Interested buyers will be able to search for specific words or filter results by their preferred letter and number combinations when the registrations become available next week.

Prices for the new prefix registrations begin at £250, which incorporates both VAT and an £80 assignment charge. The DVLA has structured pricing across different letter combinations, with registrations featuring the letter A priced at £599, while those with C or H letters cost £499.

D-prefix combinations carry a £699 price tag, whereas F-prefix registrations are available for £399. B-prefix plates command higher prices at £799, as demonstrated by combinations like B27 SAR, B28 SAR and B29 SAR.

Number plate

Drivers can purchase a prefix registration from October 7

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PA

This latest release follows the introduction of the new "75" series number plates on September 1, marking the second registration change of the year.

The UK's vehicle registration system is updated twice annually, with new plates introduced in March and September.

The September launch saw motorists able to purchase the latest "75" registrations for their vehicles, whether petrol, diesel or electric.

These plates indicate vehicles registered during the current six-month period, following the established format where initial letters show registration location, middle digits represent the time period, and final letters are randomly allocated.

Car with number plate

The new '75' number plate identifier was launched on September 1, 2025

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PA

The forthcoming prefix registrations offer an alternative for drivers seeking personalised plates beyond the standard format.

While the number plates allow drivers to choose between thousands of personalised options, they have been warned to remember the rules surrounding plates in the UK.

The DVLA has stringent regulations for personalised number plates, with non-compliant drivers facing penalties of up to £1,000.

Plates must display black characters on white backgrounds for front plates and yellow backgrounds for rear plates, using the Charles Wright 2001 typeface exclusively.

Number plate

Number plates are changed twice a year, in March and September

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GETTY

Any alterations to spacing, fonts or the addition of decorative elements that obscure readability constitute violations. Vehicles with non-compliant plates risk MOT test failures and potential insurance invalidation.

The DVLA mandates that plates manufactured after September 2021 must bear British Standard markings. While drivers may opt for 3D raised characters or display approved flags and symbols, modifications affecting legibility remain prohibited.

Authorities have intensified enforcement against "stylised plates" featuring illegal formatting, with police empowered to remove vehicles from roads until plates meet legal standards.

The DVLA has also cautioned motorists about retention document expiry, particularly for personalised registrations held on a vehicle for extended periods. Owners must verify their V750 certificates if registrations have never been assigned to vehicles or check V778 retention documents for previously assigned plates now held in reserve.