Hundreds of new '76' number plate combinations are expected to be withheld as part of the UK’s latest vehicle registration update.
From September 1, 2026, all newly registered vehicles will display '76' plates, replacing the current '26' series used since March 2026.
The DVLA routinely filters out number plate combinations each time new registrations are released to prevent the public display of words or phrases that could be considered offensive, discriminatory, or otherwise inappropriate.
In March 2026, more than 400 potentially offensive '26' combinations were suppressed by the DVLA.
Hundreds are expected to be withheld from the upcoming '76' series in September.
The DVLA removes plates that contain swear words, sexual references, discriminatory or hateful language, refer to criminal activity or violence, or create messages that could cause embarrassment or public offence.
This review process is carried out before each new registration rollout to ensure no unsuitable plates reach the public.
Under the UK’s biannual registration system, which happens every six months, the ‘26’ plates were introduced on March 1, 2026, and will be replaced by ‘76’ plates on September 1, 2026.
The ‘76’ series will remain in use for all new vehicles registered until February 28, 2027.
Ben Raffell, car expert at BigWantsYourCar.com, said: "Most motorists only notice the new registration when they start seeing brand-new cars on the road, but there's a huge amount of work that happens behind the scenes before those plates are ever issued.
"Ahead of every new registration release, the DVLA carefully reviews thousands of possible combinations to identify anything that could reasonably be considered offensive, inappropriate or likely to cause offence.
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"It's a process that's been in place for many years and helps ensure registrations remain suitable for public display.
"While the withheld plates often generate plenty of interest because of the words or phrases they appear to spell, they represent only a tiny fraction of the millions of possible combinations available.
"For anyone buying a new '76' plate car this September, the registration itself shouldn't influence your purchasing decision.
"Factors such as the vehicle's condition, mileage, service history and specification will always have a much greater impact on its future resale value."
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When can you add a private plate to cars?
Private registration plates can be added to cars, but all motorists must follow the government's rules to make sure they are legal.
You can't put a registration plate on a vehicle to make it seem newer than it is, for example, a 07 plate can't go on a vehicle that was registered in 2003.
Find all rules for adding private plates to your vehicle via the government website, linked above.
Will you be buying a new car with a 76 registration plate this year? Let us know in the comments below.
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