Prefix-Style Number Plates

By NetPlates

Due to the fact that prefix style number plates offer such a vast amount of combinations the possibilities are endless when it comes to making words, names and phrases. The value of prefix style number plates is also something that varies drastically depending on the desirability of the registration, for example J4 SON will always sell for more than J14 SON due to the fact that it is a closer match. NetPlates offers a vast range of prefix style number plates including many of our own stock so why not get searching now to find your perfect prefix registration number.

What is a Prefix Style Number Plate?

The prefix style number plate was initially introduced in 1983 when the suffix style registration was beginning to run low in supply. The style was designed to be the reverse of the prior used suffix format where it consisted of a single letter as a year signifier (excluding I, Q & Z) followed by up to three numbers ranging from 1 to 999 followed by 3 letters. This in turn gave the DVLA millions more possible number plate combinations & it has gone on to remain a popular style of private number plate still seen on vehicles today. Prefix number plates also saw the introduction of two series of number plates being released per year Starting with the S series in 1998.

Below is a table breaking down the year signifiers for prefix style number plates:

Prefix Dates of issue

  • 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 - August 1999
  • V September 1999 - February 2000
  • W March 2000 - August 2000
  • X September 2000 - February 2001
  • Y March 2001 - August 2001

For further reading on other number plate formats, you might like to visit some of the following links:

Suffix Number Plates | New Style Number Plates | Dateless Number Plates | Irish Number Plates