March Plate Change 2027: What to Expect

Every March and September, UK number plates change to reflect a new age identifier, and the next one lands in March 2027. If you’re planning a purchase around that date or just want to understand what changes, here’s what to expect.

The short answer

From 1 March 2027, newly registered vehicles in Great Britain will carry the “27” age identifier as part of their registration, following the standard twice-yearly pattern the DVLA has used since the current format was introduced in 2001. This isn’t a new system. It’s the regular six-monthly update that happens every March and September.

How the age identifier actually works

UK number plates follow a format of two letters, then two numbers (the age identifier), then three more letters. For example, AB27 CDE. The age identifier changes twice a year:

• March releases use the last two digits of the year (so March 2027 vehicles get “27”)
• September releases use the year plus 50 (so September 2027 vehicles will get “77”)

This predictable pattern is why you’ll sometimes hear people refer to a car as a “27 plate” or “77 plate”. It tells you exactly when the vehicle was first registered, within a six-month window.

Why the change happens twice a year

The twice-yearly system was introduced specifically to smooth out demand across the year, rather than concentrating all new registrations around a single date (as the older single-annual-letter system did). It also gives buyers and the trade a predictable, well-understood rhythm. Everyone in the market knows roughly what a “27 plate” or “77 plate” means without needing to look anything up.

What actually changes for vehicle owners

For most people, the March identifier change doesn’t affect an existing vehicle at all. It only applies to newly registered vehicles from that date onward. If you already own a car, its registration and plates don’t change; the new identifier only appears on vehicles registered for the first time on or after 1 March 2027.

If you’re buying a new or newly-registered vehicle around March 2027

If you’re due to take delivery of a new vehicle around this period, timing can matter to some buyers. A vehicle registered just before 1 March will carry the previous “26” identifier, while one registered on or after 1 March will carry “27”. This is purely a preference and resale-perception factor; it has no bearing on the vehicle’s actual age, condition, or legal status.

Ordering plates for a newly registered vehicle

Once your vehicle is registered with its new “27” identifier, you’ll need compliant number plates showing the correct registration. This works exactly the same way as any other new registration:

• Your V5C, or new keeper supplement if newly purchased
• A plate manufactured to BS AU 145e
• Correct font, spacing, and reflective background for the position (front and rear)

Frequently asked questions

What will the new number plate identifier be in March 2027?
Vehicles registered from 1 March 2027 will carry the “27” age identifier, following the standard DVLA twice-yearly pattern.

Does the March 2027 change affect my current car’s plates?
No. The new identifier only applies to vehicles registered from 1 March 2027 onward. Existing registrations are unaffected.

Why do UK plates change twice a year instead of once?
The twice-yearly system smooths registration demand across the year and gives buyers a predictable way to identify a vehicle’s age within a six-month window.

What comes after the “27” plate?
The next change follows in September 2027, when new registrations will carry the “77” identifier.

Order plates for your newly registered vehicle

Whenever your registration comes through, get compliant plates fast with the Car Plates Pro Number Plate Builder. Every plate is BS AU 145e certified and DVLA registered, with prices from £6.99.