With every new year comes a fresh batch of UK vehicle registration plates, and 2025 is no different. The UK follows a biannual plate release system, meaning new number plates are introduced twice a year—in March and September.
For 2025, the two key releases are:
- March 2025 – “25” plate
- September 2025 – “75” plate
While number plates may seem like a minor detail, they play a crucial role in vehicle registration, compliance, and even resale value.
March 2025 vs. September 2025 Number Plates: What’s the Difference?
UK number plates follow a fixed pattern:
For 2025:
- If you register a car between March and August, it will have a “25” plate (e.g., AB25 XYZ).
- If you register a car between September and February 2026, it will have a “75” plate (e.g., AB75 XYZ).
The key difference? September release adds 50 to the year (2025 + 50 = 75). A “75” plate is perceived as newer, making it slightly more desirable in the resale market, but functionally, both are identical.
How to Buy a New ‘25’ Plate in 2025?
If you’re purchasing a brand-new car between March and August 2025, your dealership will automatically assign a “25” plate as part of the vehicle registration process. However, if you’re registering a vehicle yourself—whether it’s new, imported, or previously unregistered—you’ll need to follow the DVLA registration process.
How to Register a 2025 Number Plate?
If you need to register a vehicle yourself, follow these steps:
1. Apply through the DVLA
- Register your vehicle online via the DVLA website.
- Alternatively, apply by post using V55/4 (for new vehicles) or V55/5 (for used or imported vehicles).
2.Submit Required Documents
- Proof of identity (e.g., driving licence or passport).
- Proof of vehicle purchase (invoice or bill of sale).
- Valid vehicle insurance certificate.
3.Receive Your Registration Certificate (V5C Logbook)
- Once processed, the DVLA will issue your V5C document, confirming your vehicle’s registration details.
4.Purchase Legal Number Plates
- Number plates must be manufactured by a registered supplier and comply with DVLA font, spacing, and material regulations.
Once registered, your vehicle is road-legal with a new “25” plate, allowing you to drive without restrictions.
DVLA Rules & Changes for 2025 Number Plates
Every year, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) updates regulations to ensure plates remain clear and compliant. Here’s what’s new in 2025:
1. Legal Design & Font Standards
- Number plates must have solid black characters on a reflective background.
- 3D effect and shaded fonts are banned to improve visibility for ANPR cameras.
- 4D raised plates are still legal, but they must be fully black and meet reflectivity standards.
2. Banned Number Plates for 2025
To prevent offensive or inappropriate combinations, the DVLA bans certain plates each year. Some rejected ones for 2025 include:
- TO25 ERR (resembles “TOS SER”)
- AS25 HOL (avoiding rude interpretations)
3. Legal Requirements for Displaying Plates
- Plates must be fixed securely to the vehicle.
- Misplaced spacing or altered fonts are illegal.
- Registration plates must comply with British Standard BS AU 145e, ensuring durability and readability.
Full information on banned number plates list in 2025
How Number Plates Affect Car Value and Buying Decisions?
Buying a Brand-New Car with a ‘25’ Plate
If you’re purchasing a new car between March and August 2025, your dealership will automatically assign a “25” plate. However, timing your purchase could save you some money.
Here’s how:
- August is a great time to buy a “25” plate car. Why? Dealers will be eager to clear stock before the “75” plates arrive in September.
- If you want higher resale value, waiting until September for a “75” plate might be the smarter move.
For those financing or leasing a car, lenders often factor in depreciation when setting monthly payments. Since “75” plate cars are perceived as newer for longer, they may come with slightly better financing terms.
Buying a Used Car with a ‘25’ Plate
If you’re in the used car market, the first “25” plate cars will start appearing in early 2026. But does the number on the plate really matter when buying second-hand?
Yes—for two key reasons:
- Depreciation Rates – A one-year-old “25” plate car could be 20-25% cheaper than its original purchase price. That’s a significant drop in value within the first year, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
- Insurance Costs – Older registrations sometimes result in lower insurance premiums, as insurers consider the depreciation and replacement costs.
Example savings:
- A Ford Fiesta brand new in March 2025 might cost £22,000.
- The same “25” plate car in early 2026 (one year old) could be available for £17,500—a £4,500 difference for essentially the same vehicle.
This means if you don’t mind a slightly earlier plate, you could save thousands.
FAQs on UK number plates
1. Can I Buy a “25” Plate Now and Use It Later?
Yes, you can purchase a “25” plate in advance through the DVLA or private dealers and keep it on retention until you’re ready to assign it to a vehicle.
2. Can I Change My Number Plate to a Newer One?
No, you cannot legally display a number plate that makes a car appear newer than it is. For example, a 2019 car cannot have a “25” or “75” plate, but an older plate can be assigned if it is a private registration.
3. How Much Do Personalised Plates Cost?
The price of a personalised plate varies widely:
- Standard private plates start at £250 from the DVLA.
- Exclusive plates (like short numbers or popular names) can cost £10,000 or more at auctions.
Final Thoughts: What this means for you in 2025?
The 2025 number plate release isn’t just about getting a new car—it’s also about ensuring compliance, securing a private plate if desired, and understanding the latest DVLA regulations.
Key Takeaways:
- New plates are released in March (“25”) and September (“75”).
- All number plates must comply with DVLA font and spacing rules.
- 3D and 4D plates remain legal but must be fully black and clear.
- You can buy a personalized plate through the DVLA or private dealers.
- Legal non-compliance (incorrect font, spacing, or illegal modifications) can result in fines of up to £1,000 and MOT failure.
Whether you’re registering a new car, looking for a personalised plate, or ensuring your plates meet regulations, staying informed will help you avoid legal issues and make the right choices in 2025.
