New Number Plates 2026: UK March & September Registration Dates Explained
Quick Answer
The 26-prefix plates released from March 2026 carry the number 26 as the age identifier for all vehicles first registered between March and August 2026.
The UK releases new number plate registrations twice a year — in March and September. Each release introduces a new age identifier into the current-format registration, reflecting which half-year the vehicle was first registered. Whether you’re buying a new car or just want to understand how the system works, this guide explains exactly what happens with new plates in 2026.
UK New Plate Release Dates 2026
| Release Date | Age Identifier | Format Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 March 2026 | 26 | AB26 CDE |
| 1 September 2026 | 76 | AB76 CDE |
The current-format UK registration consists of two area letters, a two-digit age identifier, then three random letters. The age identifier changes on 1 March and 1 September each year — March plates get the two-digit year (26 for 2026); September plates add 50 to that number (76).
Why Do Plates Change Twice a Year?
The DVLA introduced the current registration format in September 2001 to manage the surge in new car registrations. By having two release dates, demand is spread across the year. Both the car manufacturing industry and DVLA benefit from two more balanced peaks rather than one enormous March rush.
Before 2001, the UK used a prefix-format system (A123 BCD) with just one annual release in August. The current two-date system has been in place ever since.
What Do New Registration Plates Look Like?
All current-format UK number plates follow the same design rules under BS AU 145e — regardless of the registration year:
- White background (front), yellow background (rear)
- Black characters in Charles Wright 2001 font
- Two area letters + two age digits + three random letters (e.g. SW26 XYZ)
- Optional national flag/identifier on the left
The physical design of the plate does not change with each new release. What changes is only the age identifier within the registration number itself.
Choosing a Plate Style for Your New Car
When your new car arrives with its factory-fitted standard plates, you can upgrade immediately. Many new car owners choose to replace the plain dealer-fitted plates with a premium style:
- 3D Gel plates from £9.99 — glossy raised characters, popular on premium marques
- 4D Laser-Cut plates from £9.99 — bold raised acrylic characters
- 4D Gel plates from £13.99 — the most premium finish available
All are fully road legal under BS AU 145e. Order before 2PM at Car Plates Pro for same-day dispatch and next working day delivery anywhere in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do new number plates come out in 2026?
New registrations are released on 1 March 2026 (the “26” plate) and 1 September 2026 (the “76” plate). Vehicles registered from those dates onward carry the new identifier.
What does the number on a UK number plate mean?
In the current format (e.g. AB26 CDE), the two-digit number is the age identifier showing when the vehicle was first registered. 26 means registered March–August 2026; 76 means registered September 2026–February 2027.
Can I put a new registration on an older car?
No. You cannot assign a more recent registration to make a car appear newer than it is. You can assign an older or dateless registration to a newer car, but never a newer-format plate to an older vehicle.
Do I have to use the plates supplied by the dealer?
No. You can replace dealer-supplied standard plates with any BS AU 145e compliant plate from a DVLA-registered supplier at any time. Many buyers upgrade to 3D or 4D plates immediately after taking delivery.