Types of DVLA Number Plates

Prefix Number Plates

Prefix Number Plates are our biggest seller and are probably the type of private plate you most commonly see whilst driving down the high street. The general format is quite simple; one letter, a number followed by three letters (usually the drivers initials). New Reg's collection of cherished prefix registration includes R4 NDY, S73 VEN and R4 CHS - great registrations, we think you'll agree!

Prefix Number Plates are combinations with the year identifier at the beginning of the combination and examples may be as follows: C21 JON or D45 SAM or E465 ANN. Combinations within this category always have three letters and may be preceded by the number range 21 to 999 plus the prefix indicators excluding I, O, Q, U and Z. The number range 1 to 20 on the A to H prefix were withheld for select issue. On the newer prefix range from J onward the following numbers are withheld for select issue and may be bought subject to availability: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2022 30 33 40 44 50 55 60 66 70 77 80 88 90 99 100 111 200 222 300 333 400 444 500 555 600 666 700 777 800 888 900 999.

Not every configuration of suffix and prefix were issued by the DVLA. For example using JON again as our combination the only suffix letters issued were E, L and W, subsequently JON 131X does not exist. A1 JON and other very distinctive prefix marks were also withheld. The DVLA hold auctions of previously un-issued marks at intervals throughout the year in which numbers like JON 1S and A316 BMW have attained substantial amounts.

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Current Style Number Plates

Current Style Prefix Number Plates were introduced by the DVLA in September 2001 as a way of making it easier to understand vehicle history. This new registration formats still contain the year of manufacture however it is now displayed as a number e.g. 06 for 2006 (56 for September releases). Another new addition is a 'region identifier' which is now indicated by two letters at the beginning of the reg (regional number plate identifiers). The random aspect (some would say the fun bit!) of this current style is, as always the final three letters. Good examples of quality current style registrations owned by New Reg are DE51 RES, PR05 PER and HU55 LED plus many more of course!

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Suffix Number Plates

Suffix Number Plates are combinations with the year identifier at the end of the registration. This particular type of registration number was first introduced back in the 1950's in an effort to increase the availability of combinations. The previous system of year letter followed by numbers was reversed by some local councils. This system existed for around thirty years however only a small number of area codes were used as part of this system, they were: D, E, F, H, K, N, R, U and W. As a result, this meant that whilst the initial problem of availability was solved, the average cost of suffix plates is now significantly higher than prefix registrations because of A. Availability and B. Letters at the beginning of the registration. Good examples of this system of registration owned by New Reg are EXC 173D, or BLO 550M & JEN 11E.

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Dateless (or Cherished) Number Plates

This kind of registration is seen as the crème de la crème within the number plate industry, as they are the originally issued combinations to follow the 1903 Motor Car Act which required ALL vehicles to become registered and display their plates - under government law! Available Number Plates such as 'JON 321' and 'Y 1' are considered 'original cherished marks' they are very desirable and therefore change hands for a great deal of money.

Reversed Dateless British Number Plates such as 321 JON and 7686 JB are considered 'reversed cherished marks' and usually have slightly less value than original cherished marks above. Combinations within this category have three letters preceded by the number range 1 to 999. They can also have a combination of two letters preceded by the number range 1 to 9999.

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Northern Irish Number Plates

This type of registration is seen as a cheap and effective way of disguising the age of a vehicle, as it's very difficult for the general public to distinguish the region and year of manufacture (Don't worry, this is still on the V5). Currently, the format is made up using "ABC 1000", where "BC" represents the county or city and "A" indicates it's position in the series. Northern Irish Number Plates such as JAZ 1234 or GJI 23 are issued with three letters first containing at least one I or Z, followed by between one and four numbers. Old Republic of Ireland marks such as ZJ 2889 are rare but may be found from time to time. This range of marks always contain an I or a Z and a number between 1 and 9999.

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'Q' Number Plates

'Q' Number Plates are issued to vehicles when their age / origin cannot be determined.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the different types of UK number plates?
  There are six main types of UK number plate: current style (2001–present, e.g. AB51 ABC), prefix (1983–2001, e.g. P123 ABC), suffix (1963–1983, e.g. ABC 123A), dateless (pre-1963, e.g. 123 ABC), Northern Irish (contains I or Z, e.g. JAZ 1234) and Q plates (age unknown). Each type can be used as a personalised plate on any vehicle.
• What is a current style number plate?
  Current style plates were introduced in September 2001. The format is two region letters, two age-identifier digits and three random letters — for example AB51 ABC. The age digits increase by 50 for September releases (e.g. 51 = September 2001, 71 = September 2021). They are the most common type of personalised plate sold today.
• What is a prefix number plate?
  Prefix plates ran from 1983 to 2001. The year letter comes first, followed by up to three numbers and three letters — for example P123 ABC (P = 1996/97). They are the most popular type of private plate because they work on any car regardless of age and combinations like initials are easy to find.
• What is a dateless number plate?
  Dateless plates were issued before 1963 and carry no year identifier, so they can legally go on any vehicle of any age — making them especially popular for hiding the age of an older car. They follow formats like 123 ABC or ABC 1 and are generally the most valuable type of registration. The most prized marks are short combinations with popular initials or words.
• What is a suffix number plate?
  Suffix plates ran from 1963 to 1983. The year letter comes at the end, preceded by up to three letters and up to three numbers — for example ABC 123A. Because the letters appear at the beginning of the combination they are often more desirable than prefix plates and tend to command higher prices as a result.
• Can I put any type of number plate on my car?
  You can transfer any registration to your vehicle provided it does not make the vehicle appear newer than it actually is. Dateless, Northern Irish and Q plates have no age restriction. Current style, prefix and suffix plates can only go on vehicles that were first registered on or after the date encoded in the plate. Browse all plate types at New Reg.