The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) announced on October 3 that vehicle number plates will be issued in individual owners’ names beginning January 1, 2026, transforming license plates from vehicle identifiers to personal property that must be removed when ownership changes. The authority previously announced it would abolish displaying the year of registration on number plates starting January 1, 2026. When someone sells a vehicle, will they be able to transfer their existing plate number to a new vehicle they purchase? The DVLA urged vehicle owners to treat their license plates like personal identification documents, implying responsibility for safeguarding plates against theft or misuse. If the authority demonstrates it can manage the transition smoothly with minimal disruption to vehicle owners, confidence in the new approach will grow.