The ‘26’ Number Plate Series: Release Date & How to Buy Early

The ‘26’ Number Plate Series: Release Date & How to Be First in Line

The New Year is here, and for UK petrolheads, that means one thing: New Car Season.

While 2025 brought us some incredible vehicles, all eyes are now on March 1st, 2026. This is the official launch date for the brand new '26' registration series.

If you are planning to pick up a new vehicle this March—whether it’s a factory-fresh SUV, an electric saloon, or a commercial van—it will come wearing the new '26' age identifier (e.g., AB26 CDE).

But here is the secret most car buyers don't know: You don't have to settle for the standard plastic plates your dealer gives you.

Here is your complete guide to the 2026 release and how to make sure your new car looks perfect from day one.

When Do ‘26’ Plates Come Out?

The official release timeline for the 26-series is standard across the UK:

Registrations Released for Sale: The DVLA usually releases the rights to buy specific '26' combinations in December 2025/January 2026. This means you can secure your perfect initials now before the cars are even built.

Cars on the Road: The plates officially become valid on vehicles registered from March 1st, 2026, onwards.

If you pick up your car on February 28th, you’ll get a '75' plate. Wait just 24 hours, and you'll get the brand-new '26'.

What Does the ‘26’ Stand For?

For those new to the system, the '26' is the Age Identifier.

It indicates the car was registered between March 1st, 20,26, and August 31st, 2026.

From September 1st, 2026, the series will switch to '76'.

Why You Should "Bring Your Own Plates" to the Dealership

When you spend £30,000, £50,000, or even £80,000 on a new car, the last thing you want is a cheap, flimsy number plate ruining the look.

Most dealerships treat number plates as an afterthought. They drill ugly holes directly through the acrylic (often ruining the letters) and affix a standard, flat-printed plate with their own oversized logo on the bottom.

There is a better way. You have the legal right to supply your own number plates for your new car, provided they are BS AU 145e compliant (which ours are).

By ordering your plates from Easy Number Plates before collection day, you can:

Avoid Drilled Holes: Ask the dealer not to drill your bumper. Use our Ultra-Strong Sticky Pads for a clean, hole-free flush finish.

Upgrade the Style: Instead of flat plastic, arrive with a set of 4D plates or 3D Gel Plates. They look significantly more premium and match the high-end aesthetic of modern cars.

Get the Perfect Size: Buying a Range Rover or a Jaguar? Order our oversized Rear Plates (21x6 inch) that fill the recess perfectly, rather than the small standard plate the dealer will try to fit.

Top Trends for March 2026 Cars

If you want your new '26' reg to stand out, here is what savvy buyers are ordering right now:

For EVs (Tesla, Polestar, Hyundai): The Green Flash 4D Plate. It combines the mandatory green EV strip (for zero-emission zones) with the sharp, modern look of laser-cut acrylic characters.

For Sport SUVs (Audi Q-Series, BMW X-Series): The Hex / Lambo Style. These angular plates complement the aggressive lines of modern bumpers.

For the "Stealth" Look: Short Plates. If your registration has fewer characters (e.g., AB26 ABC), why have vast amounts of empty yellow plastic? We can legally shorten the plate to the minimum margin, giving a concise, custom look.