The upcoming release of the ’75-plate’ car registration marks the second major update of 2025, rolling out on 1st September.
In the UK, number plates are updated twice annually for newly released cars – in March and September. The updates help to more specifically identify a car’s age, while also boosting interest in new car sales throughout the year.
For a lot of motorists and dealerships, March and September each year are important months that often align with new vehicle launches, attractive promotions and a rush of interest from buyers.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, in particular with changes to EV policies and taxation rules earlier this year, this blog is your go-to guide to navigating the ‘75-plate rollout and making confident decisions about your next vehicle.
UK number plate system explained:
The UK vehicle registration system firstly assigns a two-letter code to the front of a vehicle’s registration plate to represent where it was registered…
In this case, the ‘WW’ represents the west of England, specifically the DVLA office in Bristol.
Then, it assigns a two-digit number to represent when the vehicle was registered.
The 75-plate will be applied to all new vehicles registered between 1st September 2025 and 28th February 2026, following the earlier ‘25-plate which was rolled out from 1st March to 31st August 2025.
The final three letters are randomly allocated to create a unique number plate for each and every vehicle on the UK roads.
This system makes it easy to estimate a car’s age (to within six months) and can often influence when buyers choose to make their purchase. Many hold off until the March/September plate updates to maximise resale value and enjoy owning a car with the very latest registration.
Key benefits of timing your purchase for the ‘75-plate launch:
- Probable higher resale value due to newer plate.
- Better finance options during promotional periods.
- Your choice of the latest 2025/26 models released by manufacturers.
DVLA regulations and plate design updates:
Since September 2021, all newly issued number plates must conform to the British Standard (BS AU 145e), that sets out detailed requirements to ensure plates are durable and clearly visible, mainly for the sake of ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) systems. [1]
The physical updates to the plates include:
- Higher durability under tough road and weather conditions.
- Increased readability by both human eyes and ANPR cameras.
- Manufactured from more robust, environmentally friendly materials.
If you are ordering a personalised or replacement plate, make sure it complies with the current DVLA rules.
April 2025 tax and policy updates:
If you are planning to purchase a ‘75-plate vehicle from September 2025, be aware of the following significant tax and policy updates that were introduced earlier this year – especially if you are considering an electric vehicle…
1. EVs no longer exempt from road tax
From 1st April 2025, the Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) exemption for electric vehicles ended. [2]
All EVs must now:
- Pay £10 road tax for their first year of registration.
- Fall under the same, standard rate of road tax as ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) cars after that; £195 per year.
2. ‘Expensive car supplement‘
Vehicles with a list price over £40,000 now incur the ‘Expensive Car Supplement’ or ‘Luxury Car Tax’ – an extra £425 annually for five years, including electric models. [2]
3. Company car benefit-in-kind (BiK) changes
From April 2025, BiK tax rates rose from 2% to 3%, with further incremental rises planned. [3]
Plug-in hybrids could face an even higher charge, depending on their electric-only range.
4. Congestion charge changes for EVs
From late 2025, several cities – including London and Manchester – will remove exemptions for EVs from their congestion and low-emission zone charges. [4]
Expect:
- Standard daily charges for EVs in certain zones.
- The need to factor these into running cost estimates.
Did you know? Every time a new number plate is released, the DVLA has to work out any new letter or number combinations that could be deemed rude or offensive when displayed on a car.
The release of the ’75 plate is no different, with the DVLA already banning hundreds of combinations that may not meet acceptable standards.
Buying tips:
If you are wondering whether or not you should buy your next vehicle now, or wait until the new until the new plate is released, consider the following…
Pros of waiting for the new ‘75-plate:
- You’ll get maximum future resale value.
- You can take your pick from all newly-launched models.
Pros of buying a ‘25-plate or older:
- You can secure a better deal in August before the ‘75-plate rush.
- Dealers will be offering stock clearance discounts on 25-plate cars.
Personalised and green plates:
Personalised number plates remain popular for a number of reasons, whether for branding for a business owner, memorability and aesthetic appeal, or value retention.
To stay legal, all personalised plates must be issued via the DVLA or an approved reseller, follow current formatting and regulations (BS AU 145e), and be correctly assigned and fitted to a registered vehicle.
The same rules apply for ‘green’ number plates, those with the green strip on the left-hand-side used only on pure EVs (or hydrogen-powered vehicles, of which there are only two currently available on the UK market).
The effect on the used car market:
Brand-new 75-plate cars being snapped up by those eager to get their hands on the newest models results in more and more used cars heading onto the market.
These models can often be picked up at much more competitive prices than brand new models, still with reasonable mileage and the vast majority of their depreciation now complete.
However, many of these second-hand models will be out of their manufacturer’s warranty period, which is where an extended warranty can be of real value to those looking for worry-free motoring.
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Conclusion:
The 75-plate release on 1st September 2025 is more than a cosmetic change – it’s an important milestone tied to key market cycles, taxation changes, and buying incentives.
Before making a move, check your eligibility for tax benefits, employer schemes, or any EV incentives still in effect. Whether you’re buying privately or through a business, understanding the 75-plate context ensures your next car decision is a smart one.