This guide explores Prefix Style Number Plate Dates in the UK, including the full list of registration letters used between 1983 and 2001 — with the exact month ranges each prefix was issued. Prefix registrations replaced the suffix format that came before it and remained in use until the modern current-style format began in 2001. Understanding historic number plate formats helps identify vehicle age, compare registration systems, and recognise classic UK plates.
Prefix style registrations were introduced on 1 August 1983 and remained in use until 28 February 2001. Typical format:
Unlike suffix plates, prefix registrations changed every August until 1999, when a twice-yearly system (March and September) was introduced for the final years of the format. To understand how prefix plates compare to other systems, visit Number Plate Formats. You can also browse available registrations from the Home Page.
| Prefix Letter | Registration Period |
|---|---|
| A | 1 August 1983 – 31 July 1984 |
| B | 1 August 1984 – 31 July 1985 |
| C | 1 August 1985 – 31 July 1986 |
| D | 1 August 1986 – 31 July 1987 |
| E | 1 August 1987 – 31 July 1988 |
| F | 1 August 1988 – 31 July 1989 |
| G | 1 August 1989 – 31 July 1990 |
| H | 1 August 1990 – 31 July 1991 |
| J | 1 August 1991 – 31 July 1992 |
| K | 1 August 1992 – 31 July 1993 |
| L | 1 August 1993 – 31 July 1994 |
| M | 1 August 1994 – 31 July 1995 |
| N | 1 August 1995 – 31 July 1996 |
| P | 1 August 1996 – 31 July 1997 |
| R | 1 August 1997 – 31 July 1998 |
| S | 1 August 1997 – 28 February 1999 |
To spread demand more evenly, registration changes moved to March and September
| Prefix Letter | Registration Period |
|---|---|
| T | 1 March 1999 – 31 August 1999 |
| V | 1 September 1999 – 29 February 2000 |
| W | 1 March 2000 – 31 August 2000 |
| X | 1 September 2000 – 28 February 2001 |
| Y | 1 March 2001 – 31 August 2001 |
After the Y prefix ended, the modern current-style registration system began in September 2001.
Some letters were not used in standard mainland UK prefix registrations
Unlike suffix plates, prefix registrations changed every August until 1999, when a twice-yearly system (March and September) was introduced for the final years of the format. To understand how prefix plates compare to other systems, visit Number Plate Formats. You can also browse available registrations from the Home Page.
Prefix registrations are still widely used today and remain a favourite among private plate buyers
They are popular because they
You can explore available registrations in Prefix Style Number Plates.
Prefix plates sit between suffix registrations and modern current-style plates in the UK numbering timeline. To see how all UK systems compare, visit Number Plate Formats. You can also explore available registrations from the Home Page.
Prefix plates remain widely available across many years and letter combinations
Start exploring available registrations today