DVLA issues ‘act swiftly warning’ for huge licence plate update next week – find out if you need to take action

THE DVLA has urged drivers to "act swiftly" ahead of a huge licence plate update coming in next week.

Motorists must sign up for live updates or risk missing out on the shakeup.

Twice a year, the agency issues a list of all the registrations allowed to be used for that year.

The first batch is sent out on March 1 and bears the current year while the second set comes out on September 1 and features the current year plus 50.

This year, for example, the '24 plates came out six months ago while the '74 plates are fresh on the market.

The DVLA also lets manufacturers know which registrations are banned for being lewd, offensive or confusing.

However, it's not until next week that the organisation is holding a massive auction for rare or personalised plates.

A whopping collection of 150,000 plates will be up for grabs - but you'll have to get them fast.

Potential buyers in the fixed-price sale will have to register on the DVLA website ahead of time to access the offers.

The entire set is available to view from today so drivers can pick out their favourites and make a list of those they'd like to target.

Jody Davies, Head of DVLA Personalised Registrations, said: "Whether it’s your name, hobby, occupation or you’re a motoring enthusiast, why not give your vehicle that finishing touch by purchasing a personalised registration?

"This exciting upcoming release is a great opportunity to get your perfect registration in the hugely desirable prefix style for a fixed price.

"The vast majority of the 150,000 new numbers are priced at £250 each."

The sale will take place online on October 1, with more details available on the agency's website.

All proceeds will go to the Treasury and purchased plates will be sent out in the following weeks.

It comes after an Oasis superfan put his unique number plate bearing the band's name up for sale at an eye-watering price.

Meanwhile, an expert lawyer revealed seven ways your reg could be illegal without you even realising it.