New 26 Number Plates: Everything You Need to Know (March 2026)

Plate News · 22 February 2026 · 5 min read

The new '26' registration plates launch on 1st March 2026. Here's what's changing, which plates the DVLA has banned, and how to get yours made.

New 26 Number Plates — March 2026

The new '26' registration plates officially hit UK roads on 1st March 2026. If you're picking up a new car or simply want fresh plates with the latest identifier, here's everything you need to know.

How the UK Number Plate System Works

UK registrations change twice a year — in March and September. The two-digit age identifier tells you when the vehicle was first registered:

• March 2026: Plates begin with the year — e.g. AB26 CDE
• September 2026: Plates use the year + 50 — e.g. AB76 CDE

The first two letters represent the DVLA memory tag (regional office), the two numbers are the age identifier, and the final three letters are randomly assigned.

What Plates Has the DVLA Banned?

Ahead of every release, the DVLA reviews all possible letter combinations and bans any deemed offensive. For the 26 plate, over 400 combinations have been blocked, including plates that could spell out rude words, slurs, or otherwise inappropriate phrases when combined with the '26' identifier.

Examples of banned combinations include anything resembling profanity, racial slurs, or drug references. The full suppression list is maintained internally by the DVLA — if a plate you want isn't available, this is likely why.

Will My Existing Plates Still Be Legal?

Absolutely. The new '26' plates only apply to newly registered vehicles from 1st March. Your current registration and plates remain completely valid. There is no requirement to change your plates when a new age identifier launches.

Ordering 26-Plate Number Plates

If you're collecting a new car with a 26-plate registration, or you've just bought one, you can order your plates from Limitless Plates in any style:

• Standard plates — from £12.50 per plate
• 3D Gel plates — raised, glossy characters from £20.00 per plate
• 4D plates — sharp laser-cut acrylic from £17.50 per plate
• 4D Gel plates — the ultimate premium finish from £29.99 per plate

All plates are manufactured in-house, BS AU 145e compliant, and dispatched same-day once your documents are verified.

Green Number Plates for EVs

If your new 26-plate vehicle is a zero-emission EV, you're entitled to display a green flash on your front plate. This is optional but can unlock benefits like free parking and bus lane access in certain councils. We offer the green EV flash as an option on all plate styles — just select it in our plate builder.

Key Dates

Ready to Order?

Design your 26-plate number plates now using our 3D configurator. Choose your style, enter your new registration, and we'll have your plates manufactured and shipped the same day. Need help with documents? We've got you covered.