The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced a new vehicle number plate format, set to take effect from January 1, 2026.
According to the Authority, under the new system, number plates will no longer carry the year of registration, typically seen as a suffix such as “–25.” Instead, plates will now feature regional and area codes to indicate where the vehicle was registered.
The DVLA also revealed plans to introduce a Dealer’s Permit (DP) sticker system and smart chip–embedded plates to monitor vehicles from port clearance through to circulation.
The Authority said these technologies are expected to enhance traceability, deter fraud, and allow authorities to quickly identify vehicles, even during emergencies.
It stated that the updated plate format prioritises geographic clarity by highlighting the region and area of registration rather than the year a vehicle entered the system. This, it said, will streamline administration and strengthen enforcement.
To improve compliance, vehicle owners will be required to register their vehicles within two weeks of purchase. Failure to do so could result in being issued special, higher-cost plates as a deterrent.
New Format (from Jan 2026):
RegionCode Serial AreaCode — e.g., GR 222 AD, where AD represents Adenta.
The DVLA stressed that the removal of the year suffix marks a shift towards a digitally supported, geographically meaningful registration system, ensuring stronger oversight and improved vehicle management nationwide.