
Determining the age of a car is essential when buying or selling it, as the age significantly affects its value. One straightforward and reliable way to establish your car's age in the UK is by examining its registration plate.
Understanding UK Registration Plates
UK vehicle registration plates are more than just unique identifiers; they also provide information about the vehicle's age and origin. Here’s a brief overview of the two main formats used:
- Prefix System (1983 - 2001)
- Current System (2001 - Present)
Prefix System
The prefix system was used from August 1983 until August 2001. In this format, the registration plate starts with a letter indicating the year of registration, followed by a three-digit number and three letters (e.g., A123 ABC).
- A: August 1983 – July 1984
- B: August 1984 – July 1985
- C: August 1985 – July 1986
And so on up until 2001.
Current System
Introduced in September 2001, the current system provides a more detailed breakdown. Registration plates follow the format: two letters, two numbers, and three letters (e.g., AB12 CDE).
- First two letters: Regional identifier.
- Two numbers: Age identifier. The first number indicates the six-month period (March-September or September-March), and the second number is the year.
For example:
- AB51 CDE: Registered between September 2001 and February 2002.
- AB02 CDE: Registered between March and August 2002.
How to Decode Your Registration Plate
Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:British_car_registration_plate_labels-UK.svg
- Identify the format: Check if your plate follows the prefix or current system.
- Prefix system: The initial letter tells you the year and period of registration.
- Current system: The two numbers in the middle reveal the registration period. For example, ‘20’ indicates March to August 2020, while ‘70’ indicates September 2020 to February 2021.
Age Identifier
And so on until 50/00 in 2050/2051
Online Tools
For those who prefer a quick solution, several online tools and websites allow you to input your registration number and instantly receive details about your car, including its age.
Understanding the age of your car is important for valuation and sale purposes. You can easily determine the car’s age by decoding your registration plate. This knowledge is valuable whether you’re selling your vehicle or just curious about its history.
For more information on valuing and selling your prestige car, visit our blog. We offer expert valuations and a straightforward selling experience, ensuring you get the right price for your vehicle.