Prefix Number Plates – What They Are and How to Identify Them
Curious about prefix number plates? This guide covers everything you need to know — from how to spot one, when they were used, and why the system changed.
Use the links below to jump to a section:
- What is a Prefix Number Plate?
- Prefix Registration Years Chart
- Why Are Some Prefix Letters Not Used?
- When Were Prefix Plates Issued?
- Can You Use a Prefix Plate on Any Car?
- Get Your Prefix Plate with Plus Plates
What is a Prefix Number Plate?
Prefix number plates were issued in the UK from August 1983 to July 2001. They use a starting letter to indicate the year of registration, followed by three numbers and then three letters.
- First letter: The year identifier (e.g.
A= August 1983 to July 1984) - Three numbers: Randomised to make the registration unique
- Three letters: The last two typically indicate the issuing area (e.g.
AN= Reading)
Prefix Registration Years Chart
Here’s a full chart showing which letter corresponds to which registration period:
| Prefix Letter | Registration Period |
|---|---|
| A | August 1983 – July 1984 |
| B | August 1984 – July 1985 |
| C | August 1985 – July 1986 |
| D | August 1986 – July 1987 |
| E | August 1987 – July 1988 |
| F | August 1988 – July 1989 |
| G | August 1989 – July 1990 |
| H | August 1990 – July 1991 |
| J | August 1991 – July 1992 |
| K | August 1992 – July 1993 |
| L | August 1993 – July 1994 |
| M | August 1994 – July 1995 |
| N | August 1995 – July 1996 |
| P | August 1996 – July 1997 |
| R | August 1997 – July 1998 |
| S | August 1998 – February 1999 |
| T | March 1999 – July 1999 |
| V | August 1999 – February 2000 |
| W | March 2000 – July 2000 |
| X | August 2000 – February 2001 |
| Y | March 2001 – July 2001 |
Why Are Some Prefix Letters Not Used?
A few letters were excluded from the prefix system to avoid confusion or due to regional allocation:
- I – Reserved for Northern Ireland
- Z – Also reserved for Northern Ireland
- O – Too similar to the number 0
- U – Could be mistaken for V
- Q – Used only for vehicles with unknown age
When Were Prefix Number Plates Issued?
Prefix plates replaced the suffix system in August 1983. Initially released once per year, demand led to a bi-annual release schedule from 1984 onward (August and March).
This approach reduced pressure on dealerships and registration offices, but eventually exhausted the available combinations. The system was replaced in 2001 by the new style registration format.
Can You Use a Prefix Plate on Any Car?
No — you cannot use a prefix plate to make a car appear newer than it is.
For example, a plate starting with R (August 1997) cannot legally be used on a car first registered in 1996.
However, most modern vehicles can use prefix plates as they were issued after August 1983.
Get Your Prefix Plate with Plus Plates
At Plus Plates, we offer thousands of private prefix plates that can reflect your name, hobbies, or interests.
- Search by keyword or initials
- Instant pricing and availability
- We handle the full registration transfer
Enter a word, name, or idea into our search engine and see what's available instantly.