Car registration years – the complete number plate guide | RAC Drive (2024)

Car registration years – the complete number plate guide | RAC Drive (1)

18th Oct 2023

Are you unsure how old a vehicle is? Well, there is an easy way to tell when you look at most vehicles. This is though the number plate.

In the UK you can identify the age of the vehicle by looking at theregistration plate. That is because registration plates in the United Kingdomfollow a specific format and set of rules.

For example, Standard UK car number plates consist of a combination of letters and numbers, typically in the format of two letters, followed by two numbers, a space, and then three more letters or numbers (for example, AB12 CD3).

Also, the first two letters on the plate represent the region where the vehicle was originally registered and are assigned by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

However, it is the ‘age identifier’ that most people are aware of. These are the two numbers in the middle represent the age of the vehicle. The first number indicates the year of registration, and the second number indicates the specific six-month period within that year (March to August or September to February).

The last three letters on the plate are generally random and do not carry any specific information.

It is a legal requirement for vehicles to display front and rear number plates.

Some vehicles will have personalised number plates that don’t follow any of these rules.

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Number plate registration years chart

Year of releaseMarch 1st - August 31st Plate NumbersSeptember 1st - 28th/29th February Plate Numbers
2023/242373
2022/232272
2021/222171
2020/212070
2019/201969
2018/191868
2017/181767
2016/171666
2015/161565
2014/151464
2013/141363
2012/131262
2011/121161
2010/111060
2009/100959
2008/090858
2007/080757
2006/070656
2005/060555
2004/050454
2003/040353
2002/030252
2001/020151
2001YY
2000XX
2000WW
1999TT
1999VV
1998SS
1997RR
1996PP
1995NN
1994MM
1993LL
1992KK
1991JJ
1990HH
1989GG
1988FF
1987EE
1986DD
1985CC
1983BB
1983AA

From 1983 until 2001, the letters used to date a number plate we used as prefixes before the rest of the letters and numbers.

Before 1983, they used the letters as a suffix. this started in 1963 with the letter A, and ended in 1983 with Y.

When will the 2024 car registration plates be released?

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will release the 2024 car registration plates on the 1st March.

The release date for new registration plates happens every March.

Typically, the DVLA will release the information through their website, and if you purchase a new vehicle, they will appear on the front and rear bumpers.

This guide will be updated every six months to reflect the latest developments.

Car registration years – the complete number plate guide | RAC Drive (2)

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Car registration years – the complete number plate guide | RAC Drive (3)

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Car registration years – the complete number plate guide | RAC Drive (2024)

FAQs

What year is my plate? ›

The first number indicates the year of registration, and the second number indicates the specific six-month period within that year (March to August or September to February). The last three letters on the plate are generally random and do not carry any specific information.

How do you qualify for historic plates in NJ? ›

To be considered a historic vehicle, the vehicle must be at least 25 years old and only used for exhibition and educational purposes by the owner. Historic plates can be purchased for $44.

What is the mileage limit for historic plates in NJ? ›

No mileage limit set by dmv. Edit. These insurance companies typically limit you to 5,000 mi/yr. I don't think NJ cares how much you drive your historic vehicle, but classic car insurance will usually ask you a bunch of questions regarding how many miles a year you drive it, is it kept in a garage, etc.

What happens if you don't turn in old license plates in NJ? ›

If you do not turn them in, they can suspend your driver's license. To prevent that, make sure they know you moved away or trashed the car or what happened to the car. If you moved away and cancelled your insurance, or have another address for that insurance, let them know and they will not take action.

What year was MyPlate created? ›

Washington, DC, June 2, 2011 – First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today unveiled the federal government's new food icon, MyPlate, to serve as a reminder to help consumers make healthier food choices.

Can you drive around with historic tags? ›

Your vehicle must typically fit the following qualities to get a historic designation: The model year of the vehicle is older than the state's cutoff year, which is usually between 20 and 30 years ago. You will only drive the vehicle for automobile exhibitions, parades, club activities, or maintenance purposes.

How many years before a vehicle is considered a classic? ›

Classic cars are at least 20 years old but not older than 45 years, while vintage cars are 25 years or older. Antique cars are even older, at least 45 years old. Keep these classifications in mind, as it can get even more confusing when searching for cars online.

What year is a classic car in NJ? ›

A car is considered a classic in New Jersey if it's at least 25 years old.

Will NJ get rid of front plates? ›

This bill amends current law to require the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to issue one license plate for each automobile and motorcycle registered in the State. The bill requires that the single license plate be displayed on the rear of the vehicle.

How long do you have to turn in plates after cancelling insurance in NJ? ›

If a registrant has not surrendered his certificate of registration and registration plates or obtained motor vehicle liability insurance within 90 days from the date of cancellation of motor vehicle liability insurance, the director shall suspend the driver's license of any such registrant.

Can I get a refund on my registration if I sell my car in NJ? ›

NJMVC agency guidelines allow refunds for license plates and registration if the vehicle is sold or registered out of state before a new car registration year occurs. The timely submission of plates at the agency ensures you receive compensation.

What is my VIN plate? ›

It is most common that your car's VIN number can be found by looking at the dashboard on the driver's side of the vehicle. The easiest way to view it is to stand outside the vehicle on the driver's side and look through the windshield to the corner of the dashboard where it meets the windshield.

How old is vintage plates? ›

States will make the decision as to what they think is a historic or antique vehicle but there are states that will give antique plates to cars as young as 20 years old. Generally, 25 years is the standard, but it completely depends on the location.

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