When Do Number Plates Change?

The current style of registration requires a bi-yearly release of a new number plate. In September 2001 this started when the 51 registrations were released (e.g. XX51 XXX). Since then a new number plate has been released every six months (March and September).

Newly registered vehicles are automatically issued with a corresponding vehicle registration mark, however this style of number plate is normally offered for general sale a few months beforehand (December and June) for anyone wanting to buy a specific combination – such as a personalised plate.

You can only, however, put these registrations onto vehicles of the valid age or newer – you cannot put it only a vehicle older than the registration for obvious reasons.

Below is the full release schedule.

When do number plates change?