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What are Suffix Number Plates?

While suffix number plates might be a thing of the past, owning a piece of motoring history is well within reach thanks to TopReg’s professional number plate services.

Introduced in the UK in 1963 and used until 1983, suffix plates follow a specific format: three letters, three numbers, and then a year identifier letter (e.g. ABC 123A).  This year-identifying letter changed annually, progressing sequentially from “A” to “Y”.

The suffix registration system was replaced by the prefix number plates system in 1983. This means that no new suffix plates have been made in the better part of the last 40 years. You can’t put a price on this level of rarity and nostalgia, making them highly desirable and potentially very profitable if you decide to resale.

The Benefits of Owning a Suffix Number Plate

Looking for a unique piece of motoring history? Suffix number plates, last issued in the early 80s, are a rare find and a true testament to British motoring heritage.

Not only are these plates highly collectable, but they can also be a smart investment, potentially increasing in value over time. It’s a win-win — a desirable collectable that could end up being quite the cash cow.

Of course, owning a piece of history comes with a few responsibilities. Like any number plate, suffix plates must always be clearly legible and adhere to all legal requirements.

If you have any questions concerning the purchase or sale of suffix-style private number plates in the UK, feel free to contact our team.

Suffix Number Plate FAQs

  • What does suffix mean?

    “Suffix” plates refer to registration plates that include the year identifier after the main sequence of numbers and letters. Each letter corresponds to a specific year of issue. For example, a suffix plate ending in “B” tells you it was issued in 1964.

  • What other rules are there for buying suffix-style number plates?

    The key rule is that your chosen plate must not make your vehicle appear newer than it actually is. Essentially, you can’t put a “newer” suffix plate on an older car. Since suffix plates were discontinued in 1983, they’re generally a great fit for modern vehicles.

    If you have a pre-1983 classic, you’ll want to be extra careful to ensure the suffix letter is appropriate for your car’s age. The DVLA has specific regulations, so it’s always wise to double-check those details to make sure your vintage ride and your new plate are a perfect match.

  • Are all the letters of the alphabet used for suffix registration plates?

    No, not all the letters of the alphabet were used. While the suffix letter does indicate the year of issue, the system didn’t use every single letter — it ran through a sequence, but some letters were skipped. So, while there’s a pattern, it’s not a simple A-to-Z progression. If you’re curious about a specific letter, TopReg can help you determine if it was used and what year it represents.

  • Can you use suffix number plates on every car?

    Not quite. The main rule is that the plate can’t make your car appear newer than it is. Since suffix plates stopped being issued in 1983, they’re usually fine for modern cars. But if you own a classic from before 1983, you’ll need a suffix plate that matches its year of manufacture. Still confused? Get in touch, we can help you find the right match.

  • Are suffix number plates a good investment?

    Yes, suffix number plates certainly are a good investment. Their rarity and nostalgic appeal often make them highly desirable, which means they’ll increase in value over time. Like any collectable, there’s no guarantee of future appreciation, but many suffix plates have proven to be a solid investment, potentially offering substantial returns when it comes to resale.

    Sounds good? Check out our huge range of suffix number plates for sale by using the search bar at the top of the page.

Explore Other Types of Number Plates

Short number plates are only the beginning, there are more categories ready for you to explore.

Take a look at our guide on the different types of number plates and peruse TopReg’s large collection of personalised plates today.

Current Number Plates Prefix Number Plates Cherished Number Plates Dateless Number Plates

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