This guide explains Suffix Style Number Plate Dates, including the full list of UK registration letters used between 1963 and 1983 — now shown with the exact month each suffix began and ended. Suffix registrations were the first UK system to clearly identify a vehicle's year of registration. Understanding these historic number plate formats helps identify vehicle age, recognise classic plates, and understand how UK registration systems evolved.
Suffix style registrations were introduced on 1 January 1963 and remained in use until 31 July 1983, when the prefix system replaced them. Typical format:
Originally the suffix changed each January, but from 1967 the changeover moved to August to reduce demand pressure on new registrations. To see how suffix 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 January 1963 – 31 December 1963 |
| B | 1 January 1964 – 31 December 1964 |
| C | 1 January 1965 – 31 December 1965 |
| D | 1 January 1966 – 31 December 1966 |
| E | 1 January 1967 – 31 July 1967 |
| F | 1 August 1967 – 31 July 1968 |
| G | 1 August 1968 – 31 July 1969 |
| H | 1 August 1969 – 31 July 1970 |
| J | 1 August 1970 – 31 July 1971 |
| K | 1 August 1971 – 31 July 1972 |
| L | 1 August 1972 – 31 July 1973 |
| M | 1 August 1973 – 31 July 1974 |
| N | 1 August 1974 – 31 July 1975 |
| P | 1 August 1975 – 31 July 1976 |
| R | 1 August 1976 – 31 July 1977 |
| S | 1 August 1977 – 31 July 1978 |
| T | 1 August 1978 – 31 July 1979 |
| V | 1 August 1979 – 31 July 1980 |
| W | 1 August 1980 – 31 July 1981 |
| X | 1 August 1981 – 31 July 1982 |
| Y | 1 August 1982 – 31 July 1983 |
Some letters were not used in standard mainland UK suffix registrations
Until 1967, new registration letters were issued each January. This created a surge in demand at the start of the year, so the system changed to August changeovers beginning with the F suffix. This pattern remained until suffix registrations ended in 1983.
Suffix registrations are strongly associated with classic vehicles and vintage styling. Many collectors choose them because they
To compare historic and modern systems, see Number Plate Formats.
Suffix plates remain widely available across many years and letter combinations
Start exploring classic registrations today