05.09.2025
75 plate formentor

A number plate release is always an exciting time in the automotive world, and the arrival of the 75 plate this September is no different. For many drivers, it’s an opportunity to enjoy the latest registration and the sense of pride that comes with getting behind the wheel of a new car.

At Pulman, we’ve been helping drivers across the North East find the right car for more than 25 years. As a family-run dealership, we understand that choosing a car isn’t just about practicality; it’s about confidence and peace of mind. That’s why the Pulman Promise is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring you always receive a fantastic customer experience, from the moment you step into our showroom to the day you drive away.

In this guide, we’ll explain what the 75 plate is, how the UK registration system works, and why this latest release could make now the ideal time to upgrade your car.

What Is the 75 Plate?

The 75 plate is the newest UK vehicle registration mark, introduced for cars first registered between 1st September 2025 and 28th/29th February 2026.

It forms part of the DVLA’s biannual registration system, where new plates are released twice a year: once in March and again in September. This helps buyers, sellers, and insurers know when a car was first registered.

The 75 plate follows on from the 25 plate (issued between March and August 2025) and will be shown on all new cars registered during the autumn/winter period.

This means if you buy or lease a new car from September onwards, it will carry the 75 plate, making your vehicle identifiable as one of the newest on the road.

When Does the 75 Plate Come Out?

The 75 plate will be released on 1st September 2025, marking the start of the UK’s autumn/winter registration period. From this date, all new cars registered will have the 75 plate until the end of February 2026.

This release often marks one of the busiest times of the year for dealerships as many drivers like the idea of having the latest plate. It’s not just about having the newest registration; September often brings updated models and attractive finance offers.

The DVLA’s Registration Cycle

The DVLA uses a biannual vehicle registration system to help buyers, sellers, and insurers identify a car’s age at a glance. The cycle is split into two six-month periods each year:

March to August (Spring/Summer): Cars registered in this period get a 25 plate.
September to February (Autumn/Winter: Cars registered in this period receive a 75 plate.

It works as the first two digits of the plate indicate the year and the half-year:

So for 2025:

  • 25 plate - March to August 2025
  • 75 plate - September 2025 to February 2026

The letters that follow are random (unless it’s a personalised plate) and help identify the vehicle.

Why This Is Important

The release of a new number plate can affect everything from a car’s value to the buying experience. Because registrations make it easy to immediately judge a car’s age, they play a role in things such as warranty cover, servicing schedules, and depreciation.

Cars with the newest plate can also be desirable on the used market, which can help maintain stronger resale values if you plan to upgrade in the future.

Aside from that, dealerships often align new plate launches with promotions and finance offers, making it one of the best times of year to purchase a new car.

visit showroom call to action banner

What Does the 75 Plate Mean for Drivers?

For any driver, the release of the 75 plate is exciting as it’s a chance to get behind the wheel of a brand-new car packed with the latest features.

Here’s why it matters:

  • A fresh start - For many drivers, having the newest plate can be a point of pride as your car will instantly look brand new on the road. This means people know you’re driving one of the newest releases.
  • Resale value - Newer plates often help a car retain its value for longer, making it easier to get a good return if you decide to sell or part-exchange in a few years. For drivers who might upgrade as their needs change, this can make a big difference.
  • Dealer offers - New plate releases are one of the busiest times for dealerships, so you might find competitive finance packages and offers.
  • Confidence - Driving one of the latest models means you’ll benefit from modern safety features, tech, and comfort, helping you feel assured every time you get behind the wheel.

Number Plate Rules

UK number plates must meet strict DVLA standards covering everything from letter size to spacing. These rules make plates easy to read and help prevent fraud.

If a plate looks unusual such as having an odd font, strange spacing, or colours that don’t match the norm, you should check it’s genuine.

The rules are:

  • Characters must be 79mm tall and 50mm wide (the number 1 and letter L are narrower).
  • Space between characters: 11mm.
  • Stroke (line) thickness: 14mm.
  • Margins at the top, bottom, and sides: 11mm.
  • Gap between the age identifier and random letters: 33mm.

Since 2001, all plates have used the Charles Wright font. If you see anything different it should raise suspicion.

For vehicles made after 1 January 1973, the colours are also fixed:

  • Front plate: white background
  • Rear plate: yellow background

Number Plate FAQs

Below are some FAQs around the new 75 plate, helping you understand what it means and what to avoid.

Can I get a personalised 75 plate, and is it worth doing now?

Yes, you can buy a personalised registration that includes the 75 plate through the DVLA or approved resellers. Many drivers choose to do this early so they can obtain the combination they want. If you’re looking for something memorable, try and secure it as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

What are the rules for plate design and display?

All UK number plates must follow DVLA regulations which relate to the size, spacing, font, and colours. This ensures they’re legible and legally compliant. Any number plates that break these rules can result in fines or MOT failure.

Does the 75 plate affect insurance costs?

The registration plate itself doesn’t change your premium, but the car it’s attached to might. Insurers calculate costs by factoring things in like the car’s value, safety features, and performance. Since new cars often come with the latest technology and security systems, they can sometimes be cheaper to insure than older models.

What do the characters on a 75 plate signify?

The first two letters on a 75 plate show where the car was registered, the two numbers (75) represent the release period, and the final three letters are random identifiers.

How can I enquire about a 75 plate car?

You can get in touch with Pulman directly either through the website, by phone, or by visiting your local dealership.

Are there banned or offensive plate combinations in the 75 series?

Yes. The DVLA removes any letter and number combinations that could be seen as rude, or offensive. This helps ensure that all registrations are appropriate for the road, so you won’t see anything that could cause offence.

The 75 Plate: Everything You Need to Know

The 75 plate marks an opportunity for drivers to get behind the wheel of a car with the latest registration and modern features. From instilling a sense of pride, to allowing drivers to experience the newest features, there’s lots of reasons why people anticipate this release.

At Pulman, we’ve spent over 25 years helping drivers find cars that fit their lifestyle and budget. If you’re ready to take the wheel, we can guide you through different options and make sure you drive away happy. Starting your driving journey in a brand-new 75 plate car means you’ll have the latest tech, reliability, and comfort from day one, helping you feel confident every time you get behind the wheel.

Visit one of our showrooms and speak to a member of our team to find out more.