DVLA Confirms New Prefix Plates Go Live From 10am On Tuesday 7 October 2025
The DVLA has announced a major update for personalised registrations, with a new batch of number plates becoming available from 10am on Tuesday 7 October 2025.
This latest release includes thousands of prefix-style registrations, giving UK motorists more options to secure a unique plate directly from the DVLA website.
Prices for these new registrations start at £250, including VAT and the standard £80 assignment fee.
What’s Changing With DVLA Number Plates in 2026?
Starting January 2026, DVLA will begin issuing personalised and standard 26-plate registrations for newly registered cars.
This follows the usual six-month plate cycle in the UK, where the March and September releases reflect the model year.
The new 26 registration plates will appear on vehicles first registered between March and August 2026.
Drivers can expect to see more people searching for ‘when does the 2026 plate come out’, a query now trending in Google Search.
If you’re leasing a new vehicle, the 26 plate could be one of the first visible identifiers of the 2026 model year.
How The October DVLA Release Connects to Upcoming 2026 Plates
The current October 2025 DVLA release is part of the agency’s personalised registration schedule.
This drop will feature prefix registrations from A through H, combined with 27, 28, or 29, such as:
-
A27 SEA
-
C28 SEA
-
D29 SEA
-
F27 SEA
-
H28 SEA
Each combination can be searched and purchased on the DVLA’s official number plate platform.
The DVLA confirms that this update is designed to help motorists secure distinctive registrations ahead of the 2026 launch.
How Much Will The New Personalised Plates Cost?
According to the DVLA’s pricing structure:
-
A-prefix registrations: from £599
-
C or H-prefix: from £499
-
D-prefix: from £699
-
F-prefix: from £399
-
B-prefix: up to £799
Every registration includes VAT and the £80 assignment fee.
These prices apply only to direct purchases from the DVLA website.
How to Buy The New DVLA Number Plates Online
Motorists can use the DVLA website to search for specific names, words, or letter-number combinations before sales officially open.
Once purchased, the DVLA issues a V750 Certificate of Entitlement, which is required to assign the registration to your vehicle.
If you’re gifting a registration, the certificate can be made out to the future vehicle keeper using the nominee option during checkout.
You can also check available dateless or current-style registrations in upcoming DVLA auctions.
Also Read: DVLA Change of Address
Upcoming DVLA Number Plate Auction Dates
The next online DVLA auction will take place from Wednesday 15 October to Tuesday 21 October 2025.
Each auction runs online for seven days and includes:
-
Distinctive dateless registrations
-
Current and older-style registrations
-
Starting bids from £70
Details on how to register and bid are available on dvlaauction.co.uk.
Why The DVLA Number Plate Update Matters For Car Leasing
For drivers considering a new car lease or electric car lease, this update can make your next vehicle stand out.
Many customers prefer to lease vehicles with the latest registration for improved resale value and a more current look.
If you’re planning to lease around early 2026, you’ll be among the first to display the new 26 registration plate on the road.
Explore our car leasing deals to secure your next vehicle in time for the release.
FAQs About DVLA Number Plate Changes 2025–2026
The 26 registration plate will be released in March 2026 for new vehicles registered between March and August 2026.
The DVLA is launching new prefix personalised plates (A–H, 27–29) on 7 October 2025. These are available for direct purchase and not linked to standard 2026 registrations.
You can buy directly from the DVLA website or take part in online auctions, which run several times a year.
Yes, anyone can register and bid online during the auction period.