Suffix Number Plates

Interested in learning about the ins and outs of a suffix style number plate? This guide by JDM Plates has got you covered. In this article, you’ll find:

• What are suffix registration plates? 
• Identification and chart
• History of the suffix number plate system
• Rules and limitations

Suffix number plates are one of four vehicle registration systems that have been used in the UK since the early 1900s. To find out more about other types like prefix, dateless, or the current new style registration systems, follow the respective links.

Alternatively, you can read our complete chart on car registration years for an overview of all the number plate systems.

What is a Suffix Number Plate?

A suffix number plate is a UK car registration format that was in use between 1963 and July 1983. It’s one of the four different registration systems in the UK and features a letter at the end of the plate to signify the car’s year of registration.

A suffix registration plate usually consist of three sections:

• The first three letters indicate the area where the car was registered. For example, ‘AD’ signifies a car registered in Gloucester.
• The subsequent 1-3 characters are random numbers, which distinguish the vehicle from others registered in the same year and area.
• The final letter is the age identifier. For example, plates ending with ‘A’ were registered in 1963.

Suffix Number Plate Years

Curious about which year a suffix registration represents?

Suffix plates were introduced in 1963, starting with the letter ‘A’, and progressed through the alphabet until the last suffix number plate issued ended with ‘Y’ in July 1983. These plates were then replaced with prefix plates until 2001. We have a full depth article on number plate area codes which may be insightful.

Here’s a chart listing suffix letters and their corresponding registration periods:

Why Are Some Letters Not Used for Suffix Plates?

Certain letters were intentionally avoided in suffix registrations:

• ‘I’ and ‘Z’ were reserved for Northern Ireland.
• ‘O’ could be confused with the number 0.
• ‘U’ was too similar to the letter ‘V’.
• ‘Q’ was designated for vehicles with uncertain manufacturing dates.

Suffix Registration Plate History

Suffix plates were launched in 1963 and lasted until 1983. Before then, registrations were dateless and only indicated the area code. The suffix system introduced the use of age-identifying letters, a concept that continued in prefix registrations system, where the age identifier is at the beginning of the plate.

Can You Use Suffix Plates on Any Car?

Suffix plates cannot be added to cars registered before 1963. Adding a suffix plate to such a vehicle would violate the law by making it appear newer than it is. However, you can use a suffix plate on any car registered after July 1983. For those registered between 1963 and 1983, you must use a suffix that is the same or older than the vehicle.

Rules for Using Suffix Plates

If you’re interested in using a private suffix plate, you’ll need to follow UK law. Ensure your new plate doesn’t make the vehicle appear younger than its actual age.

Where to Find Suffix Plates?

Suffix plates are widely available, and one of the most convenient ways to find one is online.

The JDM Plates database has access to millions of DVLA registrations, making your search fast and efficient. Simply enter your details in our registration search engine to browse available plates and find your new suffix plates today!

We also offer transfer services and handle all the necessary DVLA paperwork, making the purchase of your private number plates hassle-free.

Other options available at JDM Plates

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