Everything you need to know about private plates

The '25 registration plate has landed

With the release of the new 2025 registration plate in March, many drivers are considering a private plate upgrade. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know, from legal requirements to personalisation options, so you're fully prepared to make your purchase with confidence!

How do private registration plates work? 

By paying a fee, you can select a custom combination of letters and numbers to personalise your number plate. This is usually to add a unique touch by displaying a name, initial, or meaningful phrase to your vehicle.  

What are the different types of private plate styles? 

There are three main types of number plates in the UK, these include the prefix number plate, the suffix number plate and the current number plate.  

Prefix number plates are among the most popular style private plates. They follow a simple format of one letter (indicating the year of issue) and a number, followed by three letters (often initials). For example, G23 RGE and D45 SAM.

Suffix plates were introduced in the 1950s, and unlike prefix plates, the year identifier appears at the end of the combination. For example, RGE 23G and SAM 45D.

The current format was introduced in 2001 and continues to be used for new car registrations today. The format includes two letters (the region where the vehicle was first registered), two numbers (when the vehicle was first registered), and three letters chosen at random. For example, YA25 ABC and DV25 XYZ.

What design features can I add to my private plate? 

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) allows 3D raised characters on a number plate, as well as flags, symbols and identifiers. If you do decide to add a flag to your registration plate, the flag must be displayed to the left-hand side, above the identifier. Be careful not to have the flag or letters on the number plate margin as this could cause your vehicle to fail its MOT test.  

Zero-emission vehicles can also display a green flash.  

For more information about the different design features for number plates, check out the DVLA website: Displaying number plates.

What are the private registration rules for motorbikes and three-wheeled motorcycles? 

For motorcycle and tricycles, the number plate numbers must be displayed on two lines. 

Depending on the age of the vehicle, you might also have to display a plate on the front of the motorbike, as well as the back.  

Registered on or after 1st September, 2001: must only display a number plate at the rear of the vehicle. 

Registered before 1st September, 2001: must display a number plate at the rear of the vehicle, with the choice to display a number plate at the front too.  

How do I transfer my new registration plate to my vehicle? 

Once you've purchased your new plate, you'll need to transfer it to your vehicle. Here's how: 

1. Apply online or by post 💻

Use the DVLA's online service or fill out a V750 or V778 form to assign the plate to your vehicle. 

2. Provide documents 📄

You’ll need to provide your V5C (logbook), proof of identity, and the V750 (certificate of entitlement) or V778 (retention document). 

3. Wait for confirmation ✅

The DVLA will notify you once the plate transfer is complete. You can then update your vehicle’s plates.