Dateless Number Plates
Want to give your classic or modern car a touch of prestige? Dateless number plates are a timeless and exclusive way to make your vehicle stand out — with no age identifier attached, they can be assigned to any vehicle on the road.
What Are Dateless Number Plates?
Dateless number plates are UK vehicle registrations that don’t include any age-identifying characters. That means they can be assigned to any vehicle, regardless of how old or new it is. These plates typically consist of a letter or letters followed by numbers (or vice versa), such as AG 1 or 1 AG.
They can contain up to three letters and four numbers, making them highly flexible and ideal for creating custom, meaningful combinations.
When Were They Used?
Dateless number plates were the first registration format used in the UK, introduced under the Motor Car Act 1904. Initially issued by local councils starting in 1903, the earliest plates began with a single letter followed by numbers. Later formats reversed this as combinations ran out.
The system remained in place until 1963, when suffix plates — which included age identifiers — were introduced.
Fun fact: the first UK number plate ever issued was DY 1, registered in Hastings on 23 November 1903.
How Much Are Dateless Plates Worth?
Dateless number plates are among the most valuable on the market. Some of the UK’s most expensive private plates — like 25 O which sold for over £518,000 — are dateless plates.
While many cost thousands, PlusPlates offers access to dateless registrations across a wide price range, making it possible to find an option to suit your budget.
Why Are They So Desirable?
- Ageless appeal: They make any car look timeless by removing the visual age indicator.
- Rarity: Many early dateless registrations have been lost or retired, and never re-issued.
- Heritage: Their connection to the earliest days of motoring makes them especially cherished.
- Never-issued plates: Some combinations were held back and are now released only through DVLA auctions — making them true one-offs.
Can I Put One On My Car?
Yes! You can legally assign a dateless number plate to any UK-registered vehicle, as long as the plate itself complies with DVLA rules on formatting and visibility.
Unlike modern plates, dateless registrations don’t reflect the age of the vehicle — meaning you can put them on any car, regardless of manufacture year.
Find a Dateless Number Plate with PlusPlates
At PlusPlates, we make it easy to browse and buy your ideal dateless number plate. Our search tools let you explore thousands of available combinations, with flexible finance options and fast-track transfers.
- Search by initials, names, short words or lucky numbers
- Use number-letter substitutions (like
3forE) for creative options - Filter by budget or style
- Check instant availability
Selling a Dateless Number Plate?
List your dateless plate with PlusPlates for free. You set the price, we handle the listing, and our commission is added on top — so you receive the full amount you request. It’s simple, secure, and fast.
How to Transfer a Dateless Number Plate
PlusPlates offers a full transfer management service. We’ll handle the paperwork, liaise with the DVLA, and make sure your plate is assigned or retained properly — with no stress or delays.