When Do New UK Car Registration Plates Come Out?
In the UK, new registration plates are released twice a year — in March and September. That’s when you’ll see a big wave of “brand new” registrations appearing on the roads, and it’s why those months are often called plate-change months.
The key dates (UK plate release months)
March plate
Released every year on 1 March
Uses the last two digits of the year
Example: 2026 becomes “26”
September plate
Released every year on 1 September
Uses the last two digits of the year + 50
Example: 2026 becomes “76”
So in 2026:
From 1 March 2026 you’ll see 26 plates
From 1 September 2026 you’ll see 76 plates
Why does the UK do it this way?
Two releases per year help:
spread demand across the year (rather than one huge rush)
make vehicle age easier to estimate at a glance
support a consistent, standard plate system
Does the plate change affect used car prices?
Often, yes — in a few ways:
1) More part-exchanges hit the market
Plate-change months can bring a wave of trade-ins, which sometimes means more choice in the used market.
2) Demand can shift
Some buyers wait for March/September, which can create short bursts of demand and competition around those periods.
3) Nearly-new cars become available
When new cars are registered in March/September, it can also mean more nearly-new vehicles appear shortly afterwards.
Is it “better” to buy at plate-change time?
It depends what matters most to you:
If you want the newest possible reg, you’ll look at March/September.
If you want value, used cars can be a smart option year-round — and there’s often strong choice around plate-change time due to part-exchanges.
If you’re shopping for a car and want to focus on value, you can browse what’s available now here: Used cars.
Final thought
New registration cars come out twice a year in the UK: 1 March and 1 September. If you’re planning a purchase around those dates, it’s worth considering both new and used options — especially as plate-change months can bring more used stock into the market.
To see what we currently have available, visit our used car showroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) When do new registration plates come out in the UK?
Twice a year: 1 March and 1 September.
2) What plate will a new car get in 2026?
Cars registered from 1 March 2026 will be 26 plates, and from 1 September 2026 will be 76 plates.
3) Why does the UK change plates twice a year?
It spreads demand across the year and makes a car’s age easier to estimate at a glance.
4) Do plate-change months affect the used car market?
Often yes — March and September can bring more part-exchanges onto the market, which can mean more choice for used car buyers.
5) Should I wait for March or September to buy a car?
Only if having the newest registration matters most; if you’re focused on value, used cars can be a great option all year round.