The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has published its latest list of number plates that will be banned from registration in 2026, prompting drivers and plate enthusiasts to check their vehicle registrations ahead of the new year.
The annual update comes as part of efforts to prevent offensive, misleading or otherwise inappropriate combinations from appearing on UK roads.
Each year the DVLA reviews thousands of potential registration numbers and removes combinations that could be deemed offensive, discriminatory, or confusing — particularly those that could be mistaken for emergency service identifiers.
For 2026, the list of banned plates includes a range of letter and number combinations that have been flagged by both public reports and internal review.
As the new registration year approaches — with the 76 and 26 plates set to be issued in March and September 2026 respectively — motorists who were hoping to secure a personalised or cherished number plate are being advised to check the updated list before applying.
The DVLA’s annual cull is designed to protect public sensitivities and uphold standards of decency while ensuring that the issuing process remains fair.
Although the full official list runs into hundreds of combinations, the DVLA has highlighted several categories of plates that will not be issued in 2026.
These include registrations that could be interpreted as offensive slang, suggest violence or discrimination, or resemble first responder identifiers such as police, ambulance or fire service codes. Historically banned plates have included those that spell out abusive phrases when read together, or could be misread at a distance.
Drivers often seek personalised plates to commemorate special occasions, names or initials, and the introduction of new registration formats each March and September fuels demand.
But with the DVLA’s censorship regime in place, not all ideas make it through the approval process. Registrations that inadvertently form problematic combinations when letters and numbers are juxtaposed are routinely pulled from the database.
Here’s the full list: Full list of banned number plates in 2026
What this means for drivers
For motorists in the market for a bespoke plate when the new 26 series launches in September, experts say it’s vital to check the DVLA’s banned list before making a purchase through third-party sellers or DVLA auctions. Some combinations that appear attractive can be rejected later in the process, leading to disappointment and potential financial loss.
Personalised registrations remain a popular way of expressing identity, commemorating milestones or even enhancing a car’s resale value. However, the updated ban list serves as a timely reminder that not all creative tweaks to vehicle IDs will be deemed acceptable.
As the 2026 plates roll out over the year, drivers are encouraged to stay informed about changes and plan their registrations accordingly — especially if they are aiming for a bespoke or treasured number plate.