New Style (Current) Number Plates Explained

New style number plates are the current UK registration format, introduced in September 2001 and still in use today. They are designed to clearly display a vehicle’s age and registration period.

This system replaced the prefix format and was created to provide a longer-lasting, more structured registration system as vehicle numbers continued to grow.

Examples:

AB12 CDE

How Do New Style Plates Work?

A new style number plate follows this format:

[Two Letters] [Two Numbers] [Three Letters]

First two letters – Area or issuing office identifiers
Two numbers – Age identifier (registration period)
Final three letters – Random identifiers with no date meaning

The system updates twice a year, in March and September, making it easy to determine a vehicle’s age at a glance.

The format was introduced by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to ensure clarity, consistency, and long-term capacity.

What Do the Numbers Mean?

The two numbers in the middle of a new style plate show the vehicle’s registration period:

March to August – The year number (e.g. 23 = 2023)
September to February – The year number plus 50 (e.g. 73 = late 2023)

This system allows for two distinct registration releases each year, keeping the format future-proof.

Why Are New Style Plates Popular?

New style plates remain the most common choice because they:

Provide a vast array of possible combinations. The numbers can allow for representation of significant years, while the letters can express names, initials, or words significant to the owner
Are widely available and easy to understand
Suit modern vehicles perfectly
Offer a consistent and regulated appearance
Can be great investments

New style plates have been seen as practical and familiar

Interesting Facts About New Style Plates

The system was designed to last over 50 years
New registrations are released twice every year
The letters I, Q, and Z are restricted or unused in certain positions
Many personalised plates are created by rearranging new style formats

Rules for Using New Style Plates

New style plates cannot be used to make a vehicle appear newer than it is.

You can only assign a plate with an age identifier that matches the same year or earlier than your vehicle’s registration date.
These rules are administered by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

Need Help Choosing a New Style Plate?

If you’re looking for your next plate, want some guidance, or have any questions, please contact us — we’re happy to help.