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New Registration Format Revealed: Current Number Plates

What is the current format for number plates?

The current style number plates format consists of two letters, followed by two numbers, and ending with three letters. This format was introduced in 2001 and is used across the United Kingdom. It allows for a wide range of combinations and makes number plates easily identifiable and traceable.

Quick answer: Current UK plates use a 7-character format (e.g. AB26 XYZ) introduced on 1 September 2001. The first two letters are the DVLA regional identifier; the two digits indicate the registration period (below 50 = March, 50+ = September with 50 subtracted for the year); the final three letters are random. The current plate is the 26 plate (March 2026).

A guide to the Current Registration Format

On 1st September 2001, registrations took on a new format.

The new registration format combined with new rules for the display and construction of acrylic number plates will make number plates easier to read and remember.


Current Style Number Plates

Two letter regional identifier.

The first two letters of the registration show the region where the vehicle was first registered. This will help with the recall of registrations and the identification of vehicles.

» The first letter represents the region
» And, the second relates to a DVLA * Local Office.

Using the above example, "AB" shows a vehicle was first registered in Anglia (A) at the DVLA's Peterborough office (B). For a full list of Regional Identifiers for DVLA Number Plates and their respective regions and DVLA * offices.

Two number age identifier

The age identifier will change every six months in March and September. In the above example, "12" represents the 6 month period from March 2012 to August 2012. For a full list of Number Plate Series Release Dates and Age Identifiers.

Three random letters The three random letters provide a random element to make each registration unique.
Combinations that may be considered offensive as well as the Letters "I" and "Q" will be excluded from this element of the registration.

Private plates location and age of your vehicle

Do you want to know when a particular registration mark was released? Simply enter it into the box below and we will tell you when, where or if it was first registered.

People Also Ask

What do the letters and numbers on a current number plate mean?
The first two letters identify the DVLA region where the vehicle was registered. The two digits are the age identifier — March releases use the year digits (e.g. 26 = March 2026), September releases add 50 (e.g. 76 = September 2026). The final three letters are random and make the plate unique.
When was the current number plate format introduced?
The current format was introduced on 1st September 2001. It replaced the prefix system (year letter first) and was designed to provide more combinations and make plates easier to read, remember, and link to a specific region and period.
What is the 26 plate?
The 26 plate is the current UK registration, released on 1 March 2026. It applies to all new cars registered from 1 March 2026 to 31 August 2026. The next plate is the 76 plate, released on 1 September 2026.
Why are I and Q excluded from current number plates?
The letter I is excluded to avoid confusion with the number 1, and Q is reserved for vehicles of uncertain age (kit cars, unverifiable imports). Z is also excluded from the random letter section. These exclusions prevent misidentification and maintain the integrity of the DVLA system.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the format of current UK number plates?
    Current style plates follow the format AA00 AAA — two regional letters, two age-identifier digits, and three random letters (e.g. AB12 XYZ). This format was introduced in September 2001 and is still in use today.
  • What do the first two letters on a current plate mean?
    The first two letters are the regional identifier. The first letter represents the region (e.g. A = Anglia, B = Birmingham) and the second identifies the specific DVLA local office. See our full list of regional identifiers.
  • What do the two numbers in the middle of a current plate mean?
    The two digits are the age identifier — they change every six months. March releases use the last two digits of the year (e.g. 26 = March 2026). September releases add 50 to the year (e.g. 76 = September 2026).
  • When was the current number plate format introduced?
    The current format was introduced on 1st September 2001. It replaced the prefix system (where the year letter came first) and was designed to provide more combinations and make plates easier to read and remember.
  • What do the three letters at the end of a current plate mean?
    The final three letters are random — they make each registration unique. The letters I and Q are excluded to avoid confusion with 1 and 0. Combinations considered offensive are also excluded by the DVLA.

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