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Bevel26 Number Plates: The Complete Guide to the 2026 Registration Series
Summary
On 1 March 2026, the DVLA began issuing the new 26 number plates for all new vehicles registered in Great Britain. This marks the latest chapter in the UK's twice-yearly registration cycle, which has been in place since 2001. The 26 plate will be used until 31 August 2026, when it will be replaced by the 76 plate for the second half of the year.
The 26 plate format follows the familiar pattern introduced in 2001: two letters indicating the local DVLA registration area, followed by the age identifier "26", and three random letters (e.g., AB26 XYZ). This format applies to all cars, vans, and motorcycles registered during this period.
As a DVLA-registered number plate manufacturer (RNPS ID: 73132), we manufacture replacement plates for vehicles with 26 registrations. Whether you need a replacement for a damaged plate, want to upgrade to 3D gel or 4D acrylic, or require a duplicate for a private registration, we can supply a fully road-legal, BS AU 145e-compliant plate from our Ilford workshop.
Replacement Number Plates UK: Complete Buying Guide | BS AU 145e Explained
What Are 26 Number Plates?
26 number plates are the registration plates issued to new vehicles first registered between 1 March 2026 and 31 August 2026. The "26" is the age identifier, indicating the vehicle was first registered in the first half of 2026.
The UK number plate system changes every six months. From 1 September 2026, new vehicles will receive a 76 plate - the age identifier for the second half of the year (2026 + 50 = 76).
The 26 Plate Format
The 26 plate follows the current UK number plate format, introduced in 2001.
| Component | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| First two letters | Local DVLA registration area | AB (Anglia) |
| Age identifier | Two digits indicating the registration period (26 = March-August 2026) | 26 |
| Last three letters | Randomly assigned | XYZ |
Full example: AB26 XYZ - a vehicle registered in the Anglia region between March and August 2026.
The front plate must display black characters on a white background, while the rear plate must display black characters on a yellow background.
When Were 26 Plates Released?
The 26 plates were released on 1 March 2026. They apply to all new vehicles registered from that date until 31 August 2026. The next release, the 76 plates, will arrive on 1 September 2026.
This twice-yearly cycle has been in place since 2001, with March releases using the year number (e.g., 20 in 2020, 21 in 2021, 26 in 2026) and September releases adding 50 (e.g., 70 in 2020, 71 in 2021, 76 in 2026).
Banned 26 Plates: What the DVLA Has Withheld
Each year, the DVLA withholds registration combinations deemed offensive or inappropriate. For the 2026 series, the DVLA has banned over 400 combinations.
Examples of banned 26 plates include:
| Banned Plate | Reason |
|---|---|
| RU26 RUS | References to Russia/Ukraine conflict |
| RU26 UKR | References to Ukraine |
| MU26 GER | Offensive interpretation |
| BA26 OMB | References terrorism |
| JE26 HAD | Resembles "Jihad" |
| TE26 ROR | References terrorism |
| GO26 WAR | References war |
| TR26 NNY | Offensive interpretation |
| LE26 ZER | Offensive interpretation |
| FA26 OTT | Offensive interpretation |
| FU26 KER | Offensive interpretation |
| AS26 HOL | Offensive interpretation |
| SC26 TUM | Offensive interpretation |
Drivers who display illegal or banned number plates can face fines of up to £1,000.
Can I Get Replacement 26 Plates?
Yes - if your vehicle has a 26 registration and you need replacement plates, we can manufacture them for you. Common reasons for replacement include:
- Damage - cracked, chipped, or broken plates
- Fading - plates that have become difficult to read
- Loss or theft - stolen or missing plates
- Upgrade - replacing standard dealer-fit plates with premium options (3D gel, 4D acrylic, 5D, bevel, or ghost)
As a DVLA-registered supplier (RNPS ID: 73132), we manufacture every plate on-site in our Ilford workshop using BS AU 145e-certified materials. All plates are fully road-legal and MOT-compliant.
Premium Replacement Options for 26 Plates
If you want to upgrade your 26 plates, we offer a full range of premium styles:
| Style | Description | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 2D | Flat printed characters | Affordable, legal, classic |
| 3D Gel | Raised, domed resin characters | Glossy, UV-cured, premium look |
| 4D Laser-Cut | 3mm acrylic characters | Sharp, bold, shadow effect |
| 5D | 3mm acrylic + 2mm gel overlay | Maximum depth and gloss |
| Bevel | Diamond-cut faceted edges | Light-catching sparkle |
| Ghost | Subtle gradient effect | Distinctive, modern styling |
| EV Green Flash | Green panel for zero-emission vehicles | Required for eligible EVs |
All our plates are manufactured to BS AU 145e:2018 standards, ensuring they pass MOT and remain readable by ANPR cameras.
3D Gel Number Plates | 4D Laser-Cut Number Plates | 5D Number Plates | Bevel Number Plates
Legal Requirements for 26 Replacement Plates
Under the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001, every replacement number plate must meet specific requirements:
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Font | Charles Wright (mandatory since 2001) |
| Character height | 79mm (cars), 64mm (motorcycles) |
| Character width | 50mm (excluding 'I' and '1') |
| Stroke thickness | 14mm |
| Character spacing | 11mm between characters |
| Age identifier gap | 33mm |
| Margins | 11mm minimum |
| Reflectivity | BS AU 145e standard |
| Supplier markings | RNPS ID and postcode |
As a DVLA-registered manufacturer, we include mandatory supplier markings on every plate we produce.
How to Order Replacement 26 Plates
Ordering replacement 26 plates is simple:
- Choose your style - Select from standard, 3D gel, 4D, 5D, bevel, ghost, or EV options.
- Design your plate - Use our online plate builder to preview your design.
- Upload documents - Provide proof of identity (driving licence or passport) and proof of entitlement (V5C logbook, V750, or V778).
- Complete checkout - Order by 2pm Monday-Friday for same-day dispatch.
We offer next-day UK delivery and same-day collection from our Ilford workshop (order by 2pm, collect within 3 hours).
DVLA Document Requirements: Complete Guide for Number Plate Buyers | Same Day Number Plates Ilford
This guide references the following official and verified sources:
DVLA Official Guidance - Displaying Number Plates Rules
www.gov.uk/number-plateRoad Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001
legislation.gov.ukBritish Standards Institution - BS AU 145e:2018
knowledge.bsigroup.comNew Reg
www.newreg.co.ukThe Car Expert
www.thecarexpert.co.ukAuto Trader
www.autotrader.co.ukChronicle Live
www.chroniclelive.co.ukFrequently Asked Questions
A 26 number plate is a registration plate issued to vehicles first registered between 1 March 2026 and 31 August 2026. The "26" indicates the vehicle was registered in the first half of 2026.
The 26 plates were released on 1 March 2026.
Yes - 26 plates are valid for vehicles registered between 1 March 2026 and 31 August 2026. They will be replaced by 76 plates for vehicles registered from 1 September 2026.
Yes - we manufacture replacement plates for 26 registrations. All plates are BS AU 145e-compliant and fully road-legal.
Prices start from £12.49 per plate for standard 2D plates, with premium options (3D gel, 4D, 5D, bevel, ghost) available from £19.95.
You need proof of identity (driving licence or passport) and proof of entitlement (V5C logbook, V750, or V778).
DVLA Document Requirements: Complete Guide for Number Plate Buyers
Yes - 3D gel and 4D acrylic plates are fully legal when manufactured to BS AU 145e standards with the correct font and spacing.