
The much-anticipated 25 series number plate release is set to introduce over 8 million new registrations to UK roads. Whether you’re looking to personalise your vehicle or promote your business, we have provided a comprehensive guide that will equip you with everything you need to secure your ideal 25 series number plate.
When will the 25 Number Plates be Available to Buy?
They will be officially released 5th of November 2024.
New number plates roll out in the UK twice a year. It’s a great way to keep the car registration system updated while giving drivers a fun opportunity to personalise their vehicles. The 25 series is the introduction of plates featuring “25” as the age identifier, following the current format of UK number plates.
How can I buy a 25 series number plate?
With millions of new combinations becoming available, the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming. To navigate this effectively and secure the exact registration you desire, at Reg Plates, we specialise in helping customers find and purchase personalised number plates.
Our team brings decades of experience and a solid understanding of the number plate industry, so we’re able to make your buying experience smooth and hassle-free.
As an official DVLA-registered supplier, you can purchase your new 25 series number plate with us at Reg Plates. Use our search tool to browse available plates or see our contact page for more information and we can discuss your requirements.
Number Plate Inspiration
Choosing the perfect number plate is a personal journey. Here are some popular styles to consider:
Name-Based Number Plates
Incorporating your first name or surname into your number plate is a fantastic way to make your vehicle uniquely yours. This is the most common choice of number plate. While shorter names tend to be more readily available, there are creative ways to represent longer names using clever abbreviations or phonetics.
Business Number Plates
For business owners and self-employed professionals, a personalised number plate can serve as a mobile advertisement. Displaying your company name or initials on your vehicle not only promotes brand awareness but also adds a professional touch.
Initial Number Plates
Using your initials is one of the most popular and cost-effective ways to personalise your number plate. The 25 series offers a fresh batch of combinations, increasing the chances of finding a plate that matches your initials.
How Much Does a 25 Series Number Plate Cost?
The cost varies depending on the desirability and uniqueness of the combination. Plates that spell out common names or words may come at a premium, while less sought-after combinations could be more affordable.
To get an accurate quote for your desired registration, contact our friendly team, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Can I Put a 25 Series Number Plate on Any Car?
No, UK regulations stipulate that you cannot use a number plate to make a vehicle appear newer than it is. Therefore, the 25 series number plates can only be assigned to vehicles first registered on or after 1st March 2025.
If you’re planning to purchase a new car or have one on order for 2025, a 25 series plate would be a perfect match. Alternatively, you can buy the number plate now and hold it on a retention certificate until you’re ready to assign it.
Buying a Number Plate on Retention
Purchasing a number plate on retention allows you to secure your desired registration even if you don’t have a qualifying vehicle yet. The plate is held on a certificate, ready to be assigned whenever you’re ready.
This option is popular among:
- Individuals awaiting delivery of a new car.
- Collectors investing in unique registrations.
- Those planning to give a personalised plate in the future as a gift.
- Learn more about number plate retention here.
The 2025 number plate release is expected to be highly popular, so we recommend being ready for the launch date to get the exact lettering you want. Visit our website Reg Plates and we will help you secure your ideal plate.
You don’t need to buy a new car to get a 25 series number registration. Anyone can buy one, even if they don’t have a new car. You can personalise these plates however you wish, whether it’s with your initials or another unique combination.
However, you can’t put a 25 series plate on a car registered before March 2025. This is because a number plate can’t make a car look newer than it actually is. So, if your current vehicle was registered before that date, the 25 series number plate won’t be allowed on it.
What if I want to buy a 25 series number plate for a car I don’t own yet?
If you don’t have the right car now, there’s no need to worry. You can buy the 25 series number plate and keep it on retention until you get a new vehicle that fits the rules. This way, you’ll have the registration you want ready for when you upgrade your car. It’s a simple way to secure a personalised plate for the future, without needing to buy a new car right away.
Buying your 2025 number plate on retention allows you to hold onto it until you’re ready to assign it to a vehicle. This is a great option if you’ve found the perfect personalised plate but aren’t ready to buy a new car just yet. When you purchase the plate, it’s kept on a certificate which acts as proof of your ownership.
How long can I hold a plate on retention?
You can hold a number plate on retention for up to 10 years, giving you plenty of time to assign it to a suitable vehicle. During this period, you can renew the retention if needed, ensuring that you don’t lose the plate if you’re still not ready to use it by the end of the 10 years.
Can I personalise any combination?
While there are millions of options, some combinations may be restricted or already reserved. Consult with us to explore your possibilities.
The retention certificate acts as proof that you own the plate and gives you full control over when and where it’s assigned. If you decide to sell the number plate before putting it on a car, you can do so as long as it remains on retention. This means that even if your plans change, you’re not stuck with a plate you no longer want or need.
Assigning the plate to a car is straightforward. Once you’ve found the right vehicle, you can easily transfer the number plate using the DVLA’s online system or by post. You can even transfer it to someone else’s car if you choose to gift or sell it to a friend or family member
Important Considerations
- Vehicle Registration Date: You can only assign a 25 series plate to vehicles registered on or after March 2025.
- Retention Options: If you don’t have an eligible vehicle yet, you can purchase the plate on retention and assign it once you acquire a suitable car.
A personalised plate is a unique way to make a statement on the road.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to own a personalised 25 series number plate that perfectly represents you or your business.
Need further help? Visit our contact page or call our number on: 01482 627 628

Jon Cherry is a Director of leading personalised number plate dealer Regplates.com. Jon has over 25 years industry experience handling some of the most expensive plates ever sold with many high profile and celebrity clients. Active since 1991 in the number plate industry, Jon is currently Chairman of the Cherished Numbers Guild, a trade body representing number plate dealers in the UK. Jon has written many articles on the industry and insight into the future of numberplates and the market as a whole.