Guide
Dateless, prefix, suffix and current plates explained
Every UK registration follows one of a few formats. The format decides which vehicles it can go on, because a registration can never make a vehicle look newer than it is.
Updated by Aqib Plates
Current style (2001 onwards)
Two letters, two numbers, then three letters, like AB12 CDE. The numbers are an age identifier showing when the vehicle was registered. You can put a current-style plate on a vehicle registered at the same time or later, but not on an older one.
Prefix (1983 to 2001)
A letter, up to three numbers, then three letters, like A123 BCD. The first letter shows the year of registration, and the same age rule applies.
Suffix (1963 to 1983)
Three letters, up to three numbers, then a single year letter, like ABC 123D. These suit older vehicles or anyone after a classic look.
Dateless
Dateless registrations have no year identifier, like 1 ABC or AB 1234. Because they don't show an age, they can go on any vehicle, which makes short dateless plates some of the most sought after. See which ones are for sale now.
Which plates fit your car?
If a registration is dateless or older than your vehicle, you're fine. If you're not sure, send us the plate and your vehicle's registration year and we'll check before you buy.