Prefix Number Plates

Are you curious about what exactly the prefix number plate system is? At JDM Plates, we offer a wide selection of personalised number plates, and our prefix registration plates are a highly popular choice. For more information on what we can offer you, get in touch with the experts at JDM Plates now, or keep reading to check out our comprehensive guide to prefix registrations.

Table of Contents

• Definition and Anatomy 
• Prefix Number Plate Timeline
• Detailed Chart: Years and Letters of Prefix Number Plates
• Reasons for Phasing Out the Prefix System

To expand your knowledge of other types of UK car registration systems, you can also consult our guides on suffix number plates, dateless number plates, and current-style registrations. Or, for a broader understanding, browse our complete chart detailing all UK car registration years.

What Defines a Prefix Number Plate?

Prefix number plates were common in the UK from August 1983 through to July 2001, and they are one of the four primary vehicle registration systems in the country recognised by the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency. These plates are unique as they feature an initial letter which serves as an indicator of the registration year of the vehicle. They were initially designed to replace suffix plates when they had been exhausted in 1982.

The Anatomy of a Prefix Number Plates

• The foremost letter acts as the age identifier. For example, ‘A’ represents vehicles registered from August 1983 to July 1984.
• Following the age identifier are three arbitrary numbers that uniquely identify the vehicle from others registered during the same period.
• The final two letters or final three letters usually signify the area code, such as ‘AN’ for Reading.

Timeframe for Prefix Registrations

The prefix system was inaugurated in August 1983, starting with the letter ‘A’, and sequentially moved through the alphabet until it concluded with the letter ‘Y’ in 2001.

Age Identifiers and Corresponding Years

Why Are Some Letters Missing in Prefix Plates?

You will notice that some letters are missing from the prefix system. There are a few reasons for this, mostly to assist with further identification. For example, the letters ‘I’ and ‘Z’ are exclusively reserved for Northern Ireland, while the letters ‘O’ and ‘U’ are omitted to prevent confusion with similar looking values – the number ‘0’ and letter ‘V’ respectively. Finally, the letter ‘Q’ is reserved for vehicles with unconfirmed manufacturing dates.

The Issuance Schedule for Prefix Plates

Originally, the prefix system supplanted the older suffix style registration system in August 1983. Initial demand led to an annual release each August. To mitigate this rush, the system was revised to a biannual issuance from August 1984. This, however, expedited the depletion of available prefix combinations, resulting in the adoption of the current registration system in 2001.

Restrictions on Using Prefix Number Plates

While transferring plates between cars is common, prefix plates have limitations. They can’t be fitted on vehicles registered before August 1983 as it’s against the law to make a car appear younger than it actually is.

Discover Your Ideal Prefix Plates With JDM Plates

At JDM Plates, we offer approved by the DVLA personalised registrations for our customers looking for prefix plates. Choose from an array of combinations to find a private number plate in a prefix style that aligns with your name, profession, or interests. JDM Plates offers an extensive range of private registration options. Just use the JDM Plates search engine to uncover the right fit for you.

Once you’ve made your choice, you can purchase your private number plates directly from our website. We’re also here to guide you through the process of filling out all requisite government paperwork to facilitate the plate transfer or assignment to your vehicle.

Other options available at JDM Plates

Here at JDM Plates, we also offer Suffix Number Plates, Dateless Registration Numbers and the normal Current Number Plates via our purchasing portal!