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Prefix Number Plates
Prefix style number plates
Prefix number plates are one of the most popular choices for private number plates in the UK. They are popular, especially with those seeking private registrations for their vehicles. Not only are they affordable, but Prefix registrations are also great if you want to create short names and initials. For example, 'D4 VES', 'G50 RGE', 'H44 RRY', 'K21 BEN' and 'H6 JSM'.
If you have a specific prefix number plate in mind, you'll be sure to find it at Click4reg. Use our custom-built Prefix search tool below to browse many options. Discover the vastest range of private registrations.
Search & buy Prefix style number plates
Prefix Search
1 Letter
Numbers
3 Letters
It is important to remember that you cannot make your vehicle look newer than it is. To find a suitable car registration, check first with our vehicle age checker.
How do I use the Prefix style search?
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1
Choose one letter at the start
Select the first letter reflecting the age of the vehicle, the age identifier of the registration.
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2
Select one, two or three digits
Select between one and three digits from the drop-down list provided.
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3
Choose the final three letters
Our system will then generate suggestions you can filter through. For example, you can select three letters of your choice: initials, names, or random letters.
What are Prefix number plates?
Prefix number plates and registrations consist of five to seven characters. They begin with the first letter of the plate, which is also the age identifier. Then, there can be a maximum of three digits between 1 to 999. Lastly, it ends with three letters.
They are also the style of vehicle registrations in use between August 1983 and August 2001 in the UK. The format 'A123 BCD' is a good example of this style. Whereas its Suffix style predecessor followed the 'ABC 123A' format, which is a direct opposite.
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The Prefix-style format
1983 - 2001
The diagram below illustrates the format of Prefix style plates. See the year letter, digits, and codes for the area of issue.
Prefix style issue dates
Registrations issued by the DVLA between August 1, 1983, and August 1, 1984, have a 'prefix' that starts with 'A' . Then, the next year, from August 1984 to August 1985, they began with the letter 'B'.
They continued the pattern each year until 1999, when they began releasing them twice annually. Starting with 'T' and 'V’ in 1999 and 'W' and 'X' in 2000. The UK then started the Current style format, which is still in use today.
Next, learn more with the table of prefix number plates and their issue dates shown below.
A*** 1983
B*** 1984
C*** 1985
D*** 1986
E*** 1987
F*** 1988
G*** 1989
H*** 1990
J*** 1991
K*** 1992
L*** 1993
M*** 1994
N*** 1995
P*** 1996
R*** 1997
S*** 1998
T*** 1999
V*** 1999
W*** 2000
X*** 2000
Y*** 2001
Examples & ideas of Prefix registrations
Look at the examples below, get inspired and see what you can create using these great personalised registrations.
P3 TER
Peter or Pete
S4 MMY
Sam, Samantha or Sammy
T11 MMM
Tim or Timothy
T121 SHA
Trish or Trisha
G4 RYS
Gary or Garys
D4 NEL
Dan or Daniel
G30 RGE
George or Georgie
D4 VVE
Dave or David
A111 SON
Allison
H3 NRY
Henry
Why choose Click4Reg?
Click4reg is here to help you find a Prefix personalised number plate. In fact, our 20 years of experience ensures we are capable of assisting you.
Plus, we're a trusted supplier with the DVLA, with one of the largest selection of private number plates for sale. Buy Prefix number plates online anytime with one of the oldest suppliers of private number plates in the UK. Our team provides the best service and can also help you with the entire buying process of car registrations.
Don't take our word for it
Check out our customer reviews and trustpilot ratings.
Frequently asked questions about Prefix number plates
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What are Prefix registrations?
Between August 1983 and August 2001, the DVLA in the UK used Prefix number plates for vehicles' identification. Prior to this, the Suffix-style dominated between 1963 and 1982. Since 2001 the Newstyle format is currently the style of registration still used today.
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What year is the Prefix on the number plate?
From 1983 and 2001, the letter at the beginning of a Prefix car registration shows the vehicle's age. For Example, 'A' represents 1983, 'B' represents 1984 and 'C' represents 1985. See the issue dates table for more information.
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Can I put a Prefix number plate on any car?
You can use Prefix registration plates on any vehicle as long as it does not make the car look newer. It's simply against the Law to make a vehicle look newer than it actually is.
Explore other popular number plate styles
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