Different Number Plate Types
Current Style Number Plates
Search and buy current style number plates from New Reg — the UK's most trusted private plate dealer. Established in 1991 and the first company to sell personalised registrations online in 1996, we list over 72 million DVLA plates including the latest current format registrations. The current style — introduced in 2001 — is the most popular format on UK roads today, making it one of the most sought-after styles for a personalised number plate. Whether you're searching by initials, a name, or a word, our current plate search tool makes it easy to find exactly what you're looking for. All plates come with a price match guarantee, 0% finance options, and full DVLA transfer handled by our expert team.
Quick answer: Current style number plates have been issued since 2001. The format is two letters (area code), two numbers (year), and three random letters — e.g. AB23 XYZ. They're the most common format on UK roads today and ideal for personalised plates. Prices start from £69 at New Reg.
TIP: Try names, initials, words or a specific registration
How Does the Current Registration Format Work?
As time has gone by number plate registrations have become more complex to cope with the ever increasing number of vehicles on our roads. The current number plate style may be the most complex system yet, but it really isn't all that difficult to follow.
Modern registrations are set out into three sections; the first consists of two letters known as the area code — these show where the car was originally registered. The second section shows two numbers that symbolise the vehicle's age. Lastly, the final section is built up of three letters that are completely random to create a unique code. The code serves to differentiate number plates registered in the same area at the same time.
The current format has been in use since September 2001, with new age identifiers released every March and September. For a full breakdown of every number plate year — from the very first suffix plates right through to today's current style — see our car registration years guide.
New Reg is a DVLA recognised reseller and FCA regulated (No. 626225) private number plate dealer. Our expert team has been helping customers buy and transfer current style registrations since 1990 — so you can buy with complete confidence. All purchases include full DVLA transfer support, a price match guarantee, and 0% finance options.
Area Code | Age Identifier | Unique Code
People Also Ask
- What year is a current number plate?
- The two digits in the middle tell you the year: plates issued March–August carry the last two digits of that year (e.g. 23 = March 2023); plates issued September–February add 50 (e.g. 73 = September 2023). A full year-by-year breakdown is in our car registration years guide.
- Can I put a current style plate on any car?
- Not quite — a current plate cannot make your vehicle appear newer than it is. A 23-plate registration cannot go on a car registered before March 2023. Dateless and older-format plates have no such restriction. New Reg's team will confirm compatibility before you buy.
- What does the area code mean on a current number plate?
- The first two letters are the area code — they show where the vehicle was originally registered. For example, BO is Birmingham, CH is Chester, LO is London Wimbledon. The code has no bearing on where the plate can later be driven or transferred.
- How much do current style number plates cost?
- Current style plates at New Reg start from £69. Prices vary by how recognisable and in-demand the combination is — popular name plates and initials cost more, while less common combinations are available at the lower end.
Current Number Plate FAQs
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How much does a current style number plate cost?Current style number plates start from £69 at New Reg, with prices varying depending on the combination you choose. Popular combinations containing names, initials or words tend to be priced higher due to demand. Use our search tool above to find plates within your budget — all prices are clearly displayed with no hidden fees.
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Can I put a current style number plate on any car?You can transfer a current style number plate onto any vehicle, provided the plate does not make the car appear newer than it actually is. For example, a 23-plate registration cannot be placed on a vehicle registered before March 2023. New Reg's expert team will guide you through the transfer process to ensure everything is DVLA compliant.
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How do I transfer a current number plate to my vehicle?Once you've purchased your current style plate from New Reg, we handle the entire DVLA transfer process on your behalf. You'll need to provide your vehicle's V5C logbook and a valid MOT (if applicable). The process typically takes 3–5 working days and we'll keep you updated every step of the way.
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Can I buy a current style number plate on finance?Yes — New Reg offers 0% finance on private number plates, including current style registrations. You can spread the cost over monthly payments with no interest charges. Finance is available on plates over a certain value and is subject to status. Use our search tool to find your plate and select finance at checkout.
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What is a current style number plate?The current style number plate format was introduced in the UK in September 2001 and is the format used on all new vehicles today. It consists of two letters (area code), two numbers (vehicle age identifier), and three random letters. For example, AB23 XYZ — where AB is the area code, 23 indicates the plate was issued in March 2023, and XYZ is a unique random code.
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How do I put a current number plate on retention?If you want to keep your current style plate without assigning it to a vehicle, you can place it on a DVLA retention certificate. This keeps the registration yours for up to 10 years. New Reg can handle the retention process for you — visit our how to retain a number plate guide for full details.