Every six months the UK switches to a new age identifier, and dealers see a rush of buyers who want the “latest plate”. Here’s how the system works, where we are now and what’s coming next.
In this guide
The twice-yearly change
New age identifiers start on:
- 1 March – the last two digits of the year (26 in 2026)
- 1 September – the year plus 50 (76 in 2026)
The 76 plate (September 2026 to February 2027)
The current identifier is 76, introduced on 1 September 2026. Any new car registered between then and 28 February 2027 carries it, for example AB76 CDE.
The 27 plate (from 1 March 2027)
From 1 March 2027, new registrations switch to 27 – for example AB27 CDE – running until 31 August 2027. In September 2027 it becomes 77.
| Identifier | Valid from | Valid to |
|---|---|---|
| 26 | 1 March 2026 | 31 August 2026 |
| 76 | 1 September 2026 | 28 February 2027 |
| 27 | 1 March 2027 | 31 August 2027 |
| 77 | 1 September 2027 | 29 February 2028 |
Banned combinations
Before each release, the DVLA withholds combinations that could be offensive, rude or politically sensitive when read as words. Hundreds are held back each time – for example combinations that spell swear words or offensive phrases using the numbers as letters. They’ll never be issued. See personalised plate ideas for what’s fair game.
Buying a new-issue private registration
The DVLA releases new-style combinations through its Personalised Registrations service before each change, and dealers sell them too. Popular choices use the numbers to suggest letters – a 27 can look a little like “ZT” – but the characters can never be restyled or re-spaced on the plate to force a word. Read private number plates and spacing rules.
Can I put a 27 plate on an older car?
No. A registration can’t make a vehicle look newer than it is. A 27-plate can only go on a car first registered on or after 1 March 2027. You can, however, put an older or dateless registration on a newer car.
New car, new plates?
Dealers fit plates to new cars, often plain printed ones. Many owners upgrade straight away to 4D or 5D plates – you’ll just need your V5C (or the green V5C/2 slip) and ID. See documents needed for number plates.
Upgrade your new-car plates
Swap dealer plates for road-legal 3D gel, 4D or 5D plates in minutes.
Frequently asked questions
When does the 27 plate come out?
On 1 March 2027.
What plate will cars have in September 2027?
77.
Why do some people wait for the new plate?
A newer identifier can help resale value slightly, as the car looks newer to buyers.
Can I reserve a 27 registration?
Yes – new-issue combinations are sold in advance by the DVLA and dealers, to be assigned once the car is registered.
