United Kingdom


OVAL : GB

Passenger series
Motorcycle series
Nothern Ireland passenger series
Trade series
Diplomatic series
Military series
Other series
Pictures of the entire code list

Passenger series

Normal series since 2001. Front plate. L stands for London and LJ for Wimbledon. 51 is between first of September 2001 and 28 of February 2002.

Normal series since 2001. Rear plate. L stands for London and LJ for Wimbledon. 51 is between first of September 2001 and 28 of February 2002.

Normal series since September 2001, front plate without euroband.
The plate starts with two letters denoting the issuing office, followed by two letters denoting the period of issue and three serial letters.
In this case KY stands for Northampton (the K itself doesn´t have any meaning) and 02 is issued between first of March 2001 and 31 of August 2002.

Normal series since September 2001, rear plate without euroband.
The plate starts with two letters denoting the issuing office, followed by two letters denoting the period of issue and three serial letters.
In this case KY stands for Northampton (the K itself doesn´t have any meaning) and 02 is issued between first of March 2001 and 31 of August 2002.

Normal series since September 2001, rear plate without euroband and in a strange format.
The plate starts with two letters denoting the issuing office, followed by two letters denoting the period of issue and three serial letters.
In this case KN (KM-KY) stands for Northampton (the K itself doesn´t have any meaning) and 52 is issued between first of September 2002 and 28 February 2003.

Normal series since September 2001, front plate in black on white.
The registration consists of two letters, followed by two letters and three serial letters.
The first two letters denote the issuing office, where G stands for Garden of England and GJ for Maidstone.
The two numerals denote the period of issue where 53 is issued between 1st September 2003 and 29th February 2004.
Left of the plate is a (optional) blue band with the oval GB in white below the twelve golden European stars.

Normal series since September 2001, rear plate in black on yellow.
The registration consists of two letters, followed by two letters and three serial letters.
The first two letters denote the issuing office, where G stands for Garden of England and GJ for Maidstone.
The two numerals denote the period of issue where 53 is issued between 1st September 2003 and 29th February 2004.
Left of the plate is a (optional) blue band with the oval GB in yellow below the twelve golden European stars.

Current passenger series since September 2001, front plate in black on white.
The registration consists of two letters, followed by two numerals and three letters.
The first two letters denote the issuing office, where CV stands for Swansea.
The two numerals denote the period of issue, where 52 is issued between 1st of September 2002 and 28th of February 2003.
Left of the registration is an unofficial band with the Welsh flag above CYMRU (Wales) in red.

Current passenger series since September 2001, rear plate in black on yellow.
The registration consists of two letters, followed by two numerals and three letters.
The first two letters denote the issuing office, where CV stands for Swansea.
The two numerals denote the period of issue, where 52 is issued between 1st of September 2002 and 28th of February 2003.
Left of the registration is an unofficial band with the Welsh flag above CYMRU (Wales) in red.

Normal series issued between 1983 and 2001, rear plate. AG stands for Kingston upon Hull and M used between August first 1973 until July 31 1974.
Notice the word Cymru beneath the plate which means Wales in Welch.

Normal series issued between 1983 and 2001, rear plate. NU stands for Nottingham and L used between August first 1972 until July 31 1973.
At the left is a euroband that spans the two lines.

Normal series issued between 1983 and 2001, rear plate in black on yellow.
PX stands for Portsmouth and X means the plate is issued between september first 2000 until February 28 2001.

Normal series issued between 1983 and 2001, square rear plate in black on yellow.
SP stands for Dundee and H used between August first 1990 until July 31 1991.
At the left is an unofficial blue euroband with the Scottish flag above SCO.

Current Nothern Ireland motorcycle series in black on yellow.
The registration consists of three letters above four numerals.
The last two letters denote the county where JZ stands for Downpatrick.
There is no year indicator.

Normal passenger series issued between 1983 and 2001, rear plate in black on yellow.
The registration consists of one letter, followed by two numerals and three letters.
The first letter means that the plate is issued between 1st August 1984 and 1st August 1985.
The last two letters denote the county where EK stands for Liverpool.
Note the different lettering style, the silver heart and the added blue band with Brittish flag and oval.

Normal series issued between 1963 and 1983. GF stands for south west London. T issued between August first 1978 until July 31 1979, front plate.

Normal series issued between 1963 and 1983, rear plate in black on yellow.
The registration consists of three letters, followed by three numerals and one letter.
AN stands for Reading and X means that the plate is first issued between 1st September 2000 and 28 February 2001.
Note the illegal spacing of the characters.

GF stands for south west London. T issued between August first 1978 until July 31 1979, rear plate.

Normal series issued between 1983 and 2001, rear plate.
TW stands for Clemsford and K used between August first 1992 until July 31 1993.

Normal series issued between 1983 and 2001, rear plate in black on yellow.
The registration consists of one letter, followed by three numerals above three letters.
The first letter denotes the time of registration where S stands for period from August first 1998 until March first 1999.
The last two letters denote the where VR stands for Manchester.
Bottom left is an unofficial band where the oval ENG is in black below the English flag.

Normal series issued between 1932 and 1965 remade as a cherished number in 1973 onwards style.
Front plate in black on white without coding (cherished number have no coding).
The registration consists of three letters, followed by two numerals.
To the left is a blue euroband with the oval GB, in yellow, below the twelve golden European stars.

Normal series issued between 1932 and 1965 remade as a cherished number in 1973 onwards style.
Rear plate in black on yellow without coding (cherished number have no coding).
The registration consists of three letters, followed by two numerals.
To the left is a blue euroband with the oval GB, in yellow, below the twelve golden European stars.

Personalized series, front plate used between 1983 and 2001. Since september 1 new series are used.

Normal series issued between 1932 and 1965 remade as a cherished number, rear plate.
For cherished numbers the district coding doesn't apply.

Normal series issued between 1932 and 1965 remade as a cherished number in 1973 onwards style, front plate.
WS stands for Edinburgh but for cherished numbers the district coding doesn't apply.

Cherished number, rear plate in black on yellow.
The registration consists of one letter, followed by three numerals.
For cherished number the district coding doesn't apply.
Left of the plate is a (optional) blue band with the oval GB in yellow below the twelve golden European stars.

Normal series issued between 1932 and 1965 remade as a cherished number in 1973 onwards style, rear plate.
WS stands for Edinburgh but for cherished numbers the district coding doesn't apply.

Normal series issued between 1932 and 1965 remade as a cherished number, rear plate. For cherished numbers the district coding doesn't apply.
At the right bottom side is the GB oval in a white circel.

Normal series pre 1931 remade as a cherished number, front plate.

Normal series pre 1931 remade as a cherished number, rear plate.

normal series, rear plate used between 1983 and 2001. Since september 1 new series are used because after the letter Y the number of combinations was very limited.

Normal series issued between 1963 and 1983, rear plate in white on black.
The registration consists of three letters, followed by three numerals and one letter.
The second and third letter denote the issuing office where UV stands for Wimbledom.
The last letter denotes they year of issue where M is issued between August first 1973 until July 31 1974.
Note the strange style of letters.

Normal series issued between 1983 and 2001, trailer plate in black on orange.
The registration consists of one letter, followed by three numerals and three letters.
The last two letters denote the issuing office where KP stands for Maidstone.
The first letter denotes they year of issue where J is issued between August first 1991 until July 31 1992.
Note the unofficial orange colour.

Normal series issued between 1983 and 2001, rear plate in black on yellow.
The registration consists of one letter, two numerals and three letters.
The last two letters denote the issuing office where TA stands for Exeter.
The first letter denotes they year of issue where X is issued between september first 2000 until February 28 2001.
Note the unofficial GB sticker at the left.

Former passenger series issued between 1983 and 2001, front plate in black on white.
The registration consists of one letter, followed by two numerals and three letters.
The first letter S means that the plate is issued between 1st August 1998 and 1st August 1999.
The last two letters denote the county where EF stands for Hartlepool.
Note the thinner print of the two numerals.

Former passenger series issued between 1983 and 2001, rear plate in black on yellow.
The registration consists of one letter, followed by two numerals and three letters.
The first letter S means that the plate is issued between 1st August 1998 and 1st August 1999.
The last two letters denote the county where EF stands for Hartlepool.
Note the thinner print of the two numerals.

Former personalized series issued between 1983 and 2001, front plate in black on white.
The registration consists of three letters and one numeral.

Former personalized series issued between 1983 and 2001, rear plate in black on yellow.
The registration consists of three letters and one numeral.

Former personalized series issued between 1983 and 2001, rear plate in black on yellow.
The registration consists of one numeral above three letters.

Former personalized series issued between 1983 and 2001, rear plate in black on yellow.
The registration consists of two numerals, followed by two letters.

Former passenger series issued between 1983 and 2001, front plate in black on white.
The registration consists of one letter, followed by two numerals and three letters.
The first letter C means that the plate is issued between 1st August 1998 and 1st August 1999.
The last two letters denote the county where CS stands for Ayrshire.
Note the strange graphic at the left side of the plate.

Former passenger series issued between 1983 and 2001, rear plate in black on white.
The registration consists of one letter, followed by two numerals and three letters.
The first letter C means that the plate is issued between 1st August 1998 and 1st August 1999.
The last two letters denote the county where CS stands for Ayrshire.
Note the strange graphic at the left side of the plate.

Normal series 1963-83.

Normal series 1953-65 remade with euroband.

Normal series 1953-65 remade as a cherished number. Front plate.

Normal series 1953-65 remade as a cherished number. Rear plate.

Normal series issued between 1932 and 1965 remade as a cherished number front plate in black on white.
The registration consists of three letters, followed by three numerals.
The district coding doesn't apply for cherished numbers.

Normal series issued between 1932 and 1965 remade as a cherished number rear plate in black on yellow.
The registration consists of three letters, above three numerals.
The district coding doesn't apply for cherished numbers.

Normal series 1932-65 remade as a cherished number front plate. The district coding doesn't apply for cherished numbers.

Normal series 1932-65 remade as a cherished number rear plate. The district coding doesn't apply for cherished numbers.

Normal license plate issued in Nothern Ireland, rear plate.
The registration consists of three letters followed by four numerals in black on yellow (rear plate).
The last two letters denote the issuing office. IL stands for Eniskillen.

Normal license plate issued in Nothern Ireland, front plate in black on white.
The registration consists of three letters followed by four numerals.
The last two letters denote the issuing office. CZ stands for Belfast.

Normal license plate issued in Nothern Ireland, front plate in black on yellow.
The registration consists of three letters above four numerals.
The last two letters denote the issuing office. CZ stands for Belfast.

Normal series issued between 1963 and 1983, rear plate in black on yellow.
AP stands for Brighton.

Normal series issued between 1983 and 2001, rear plate in black on yellow.
XT stands for London County but is no longer allocated.
C means the plate is issued between september first 1985 until February 28 1986.
The the left of the plate is a blue band with the oval GB in white below the twelve golden European stars.

Normal series issued between 1932 and 1965 remade as a cherished number front plate.
The district coding doesn't apply for cherished numbers.

Normal series issued between 1983 and 2001, front plate.
NB stands for Manchester and D means the plate is issued between 1st August 1986 until 31st July 1987.
Note the unusual (French) style and spacing of the plate.

Normal series issued between 1983 and 2001, rear plate.
NB stands for Manchester and D means the plate is issued between 1st August 1986 until 31st July 1987.
Note the unusual (French) style and spacing of the plate.

Normal series issued between 1983 and 2001, front plate and small format.
SY is apparently no longer allocated and is thus a bit odd. S is issued between 1st August 1998 and 28 February 1999.

Normal series issued between 1983 and 2001, rear plate and small format.
SY is apparently no longer allocated and is thus a bit odd. S is issued between 1st August 1998 and 28 February 1999.

Normal series issued between 1963 and 1983, rear plate in black on yellow.
XE stands for Lutton, but is no longer allocated and M means that the plate is first issued between 1st August 1973 and 28 February 1974.

Normal series issued between 1963 and 1983, rear plate in silver on black.
JN stands for Chelmsford, but is no longer allocated and C means that the plate is first issued between 1st January 1965 and 31 December 1965.

Normal series issued betwween 1953 and 65 remade.

Normal series until August 2001, trailer plate with euroband used with SCO for Scotland beneath the Scottish flag.
The first letter denotes the period of issue while the last two letters denote the issuing office.
In this case GB stands for Glasgow and W is issued between first of March 2000 and 31 of August 2001.
The orange colour of the plate is still an unknown factor for me.

Former passenger series issued between 1963 and 1983, rear plate in silver on black.
The registration consists of three letters, followed by three numerals and one letter.
The second and third letter HJ stand for Chelmsford.
The last letter denotes the issuing where H stands for 1st August 1969 and 1st August 1970.

Former passenger series issued between 1963 and 1983, rear plate in silver on black.
The registration consists of three letters, above three numerals and one letter.
The second and third letter MH stand for Londen, north-east Chelmsford.
The last letter denotes the issuing where J stands for 1st August 1970 and 1st August 1971.

Normal series issued between 1963 and 1983, rear plate in white on black.
The registration consists of three letters, above three numerals and one letter.
The second and third letter denote the issuing office where CY stands for Swansea.
The last letter denotes they year of issue where B is issued between January first 1964 until December 31 1964.

Normal series issued between 1932 and 1965 in solver on black.
The registration consists of three letters, followed by three numerals.
The last two letters denote the county, where SU stands for Glasgow.

Normal series issued between 1932 and 1965 where PF stands for Surrey. The first letter is serial and there can be up to three numerals.

Normal series issued between 1932 and 1965. XX stands for London County.

Normal series issued between 1932 and 1965. TN stands for Necastle upon Tyne.

Normal series from 1904 remade as a cherished number in 2001 onwards style, front plate in black on white.
The registration consists of two letters, followed by four numerals.
The two letters denote the district where VN stands for North Yorkshire.

Normal series from 1904 remade as a cherished number in 2001 onwards style, rear plate in black on yellow.
The registration consists of two letters, followed by four numerals.
The two letters denote the district where VN stands for North Yorkshire.

Normal series from 1904 where SZ is an unknown code for me.

Normal series from 1904 where GR stands for Sunderland.

Normal series from 1904 where YK stands for Greater London.

Normal series from 1904 where DU stands for Coventry.

Some of the eurobands, legal or not, that can be seen around.

Motorcycle series

Current motorcycle series since September 2001, rear plate in black on yellow.
The registration consists of two letters, followed by two numerals above three letters.
The first two letters denote the issuing office, where SA stands for Glasgow.
The two numerals denote the period of issue, where 02 is issued between 1st of March 2001 and 31th of August 2002.
Left of the registration is an unofficial blue euroband with the twelve golden european stars above the SCO oval and the Scottish flag.

Former motorcycle series issued between 1983 and 2001, rear plate in black on yellow.
The registration consists of one letter, followed by one numerals and three letters.
The last two letters denote the issuing office where HS stands for Glascow.
The first letter denotes the year of issue where R is issued between August first 1997 until July 31 1998.

Former motorcycle series issued between 1983 and 2001 in black on yellow.
The registration consists of one letter and two numerals above three letters.
The last two letters denote the issuing office where PO stands for Sussex West.
The first letter denotes the year of issue where P is issued between August first 1996 until July 31 1997.

Former motorcycle series issued between 1963 and 1983 in black on yellow.
The registration consists of three letters above two numerals and one letter.
The second and third letter denote the issuing office where DL stands for Isle of Wight.
The last letter denotes the year of issue where T is issued between March first 1999 until September first 2000.

Nothern Ireland passenger series

Current Nothern Ireland passenger series since 1966 in black on yellow, rear plate.
The registration consists of three letters followed by four numerals.
The last two letters denote the county where BP is an unknown code.
There is no year indicator.

Current Nothern Ireland passenger series since 1966 in black on white, front plate.
The registration consists of three letters followed by four numerals.
The last two letters denote the county where CZ stands for Belfast.
There is no year indicator.

Current Nothern Ireland passenger series since 1966 in black on yellow, hand made rear plate.
The registration consists of three letters followed by four numerals.
The last two letters denote the county where KZ stands for Ballymena.
There is no year indicator.

Trade series

Trade plates since October 2000. In the upper right corner is a red on white seal that mentions ER.
AO stands for Carlisle.

Diplomatic series

Diplomatic series since January 1979, front plate.
The first three numerals indicate the embassy or International Organization where 114 stands for Belgium.
D stands for Diplomat and the last three serial numerals between 101 and 399 are used for Diplomats.

Diplomatic series since January 1979, rear plate.
The first three numerals indicate the embassy or International Organization where 114 stands for Belgium.
D stands for Diplomat and the last three serial numerals between 101 and 399 are used for Diplomats.

Diplomatic series since January 1979, front plate in black on white.
The registration consists of three numerals, above the letter D and three numerals.
The first three numerals indicate the embassy or International Organization where 271 stands for USA.
D stands for Diplomat and the last three serial numerals between 701 and 999 are used for Consular staff.

Diplomatic series since January 1979, rear plate in black on yellow.
The registration consists of three numerals, above the letter D and three numerals.
The first three numerals indicate the embassy or International Organization where 271 stands for USA.
D stands for Diplomat and the last three serial numerals between 701 and 999 are used for Consular staff.

Current diplomatic series since January 1979, rear plate in black on yellow.
The first three numerals indicate the embassy or International Organization where 268 stands for Turkey.
D stands for Diplomat and the last three serial numerals between 101 and 399 are used for Diplomats.

Diplomatic series since 1979, front plate. X stands for Accredited non-diplomatic personnel.
The first three numerals indidcate the embassy or International organisation.
The number 941 is used for the European Agency for Evaluation of Medical Products.

Diplomatic series since 1979, rear plate. X stands for Accredited non-diplomatic personnel.
The first three numerals indidcate the embassy or International organisation.
The numbers 900 till 941 are issued by various Commonwealth, International and United Nations organizations.

Diplomatic series since 1979, rear plate in black on yellow. X stands for Accredited non-diplomatic personnel.
The first three numerals indidcate the embassy or International organisation.
The number 941 is used for the European Agency for Evaluation of Medical Products.

Diplomatic series front plate in black on white (?).
This personalized plate is used by the heads of mission.

Diplomatic series rear plate in black on yellow (?).
This personalized plate is used by the heads of mission.

Military series

Current military series since end of 1994, front plate in black on white.
The registration consists of two letters, followed by two numerals and two letters.
The last two letters denote the vehicle type, where AA is used for light trucks in the Royal Air Force.

Military license plate since 1994, rear plate in black on yellow.
The registration consists of two letters, followed by two numerals and two letters, no coding used.

Former military series issued between 1949 and 1994, rear plate in black on white.
The registration consists of two numerals, followed by two letters and two numerals.
The two letters indicate the service where RN stands for Royal Navy.

Military license plate since 1994, rear plate in black on yellow.
The registration consists of two letters above two numerals above two letters, no coding used.

Military license plate since 1994, rear plate in black on yellow.
The registration consists of two letters and two numerals above two letters, no coding used.

Military license plate since 1995 consisting of two numerals, two letters and two numerals.
The three services use a unified system using the letters KA, KB (in this case KJ) etc.

Other series

Unknown series, front plate in black on white.
The registration consists of two letters, followed by two letters and two numerals.
There is no UK series that can be matched with this one.
Left of the plate is a blue euroband with the oval GB, in white, below the twelve golden European stars.

Unknown series, rear plate in black on yellow.
The registration consists of two letters, followed by two letters and two numerals.
There is no UK series that can be matched with this one.
Left of the plate is a blue euroband with the oval GB, in yellow, below the twelve golden European stars.

Unknown (fake ?) series in black on white, front plate.
The registration consists of one letters, three numerals and one letter.
To the left is a blue euroband with the oval GB in white below the 12 European golden stars.

Unknown (fake ?) series in black on yellow, rear plate.
The registration consists of one letters, three numerals and one letter.
To the left is a blue euroband with the oval GB in white below the 12 European golden stars.

Unknown series seen on Southampton airport.

Unknown series seen on Southampton airport.

Pictures of the entire code list

British vehicle registration plates (‘number plates’) usually indicate both the vehicle's place of origin and age.
Vehicles are not re-registered when the owner moves about the country, so the registration town is where it was sold when new.
Plates can be swapped between vehicles, so the age guide is not completely reliable.
Plates with six digits split by an X or D (eg, 123 X 456) belong to foreign diplomats based in the UK.

Place of Origin

The registration plate usually contains a group of two or three letters. If three, ignore the first, and use the second and third. Very old ones use only one letter. These indicate the place of first registration.

A	London
AA	Bournemouth
AB	Worcester
AC	Coventry
AD	Gloucester
AE	Bristol
AF	Truro
AG	Hull
AH	Norwich
AI	County Meath
AJ	Middlesbrough
AK	Sheffield
AL	Nottingham
AM	Swindon
AN	Reading (MAN used in Isle of Man)
AO	Carlisle
AP	Brighton
AQ	unused
AR	Chelmsford
AS	Inverness
AT	Hull
AU	Nottingham
AV	Peterborough
AW	Shrewsbury
AX	Cardiff
AY	Leicester
AZ	Belfast
B	Lancashire
BA	Manchester
BB	Newcastle-upon-Tyne
BC	Leicester
BD	Northampton
BE	Lincoln
BF	Stoke-on-Trent
BG	Liverpool
BH	Luton
BI	County Monaghan
BJ	Ipswich
BK	Portsmouth
BL	Reading
BM	Luton
BN	Manchester
BO	Cardiff
BP	Portsmouth
BQ	unused
BR	Newcastle-upon-Tyne
BS	Aberdeen
BT	Leeds
BU	Manchester
BV	Preston
BW	Oxford
BX	Haverfordwest
BY	London (North-West)
BZ	County Down
C	West Yorkshire
CA	Chester
CB	Manchester
CC	Bangor
CD	Brighton
CE	Peterborough
CF	Reading
CG	Bournemouth
CH	Nottingham
CI	Queens County (now County Laois)
CJ	Gloucester
CK	Preston
CL	Norwich
CM	Liverpool
CN	Newcastle-upon-Tyne
CO	Exeter
CP	Huddersfield
CQ	unused
CR	Portsmouth
CS	Glasgow
CT	Lincoln
CU	Newcastle-upon-Tyne
CV	Truro
CW	Preston
CX	Huddersfield
CY	Swansea (SCYused for Isles of Scilly)
CZ	Belfast
D	Kent
DA	Birmingham
DB	Manchester
DC	Middlesbrough
DD	Gloucester
DE	Haverfordwest
DF	Gloucester
DG	Gloucester
DH	Dudley
DI	County Roscommon
DJ	Liverpool
DK	Manchester
DL	Portsmouth
DM	Chester
DN	Leeds
DO	Lincoln
DP	Reading
DQ	unused
DR	Exeter
DS	Glasgow
DT	Sheffield
DU	Coventry
DV	Exeter
DW	Cardiff
DX	Ipswich
DY	Brighton
DZ	County Antrim
E	Staffordshire
EA	Dudley
EB	Peterborough
EC	Preston
ED	Liverpool
EE	Lincoln
EF	Middlesbrough
EG	Peterborough
EH	Stoke-on-Trent
EI	County Sligo
EJ	Haverfordwest
EK	Liverpool
EL	Bournemouth
EM	Liverpool
EN	Manchester
EO	Preston
EP	Swansea
EQ	unused
ER	Peterborough
ES	Dundee
ET	Sheffield
EU	Bristol
EV	Chelmsford
EW	Peterborough
EX	Norwich
EY	Bangor
EZ	Belfast
F	Essex
FA	Stoke-on-Trent
FB	Bristol
FC	Oxford
FD	Dudley
FE	Lincoln
FF	Bangor
FG	Brighton
FH	Gloucester
FI	County Tipperary, North Riding
FJ	Exeter
FK	Dudley
FL	Peterborough
FM	Chester
FN	Maidstone
FO	Gloucester
FP	Leicester
FQ	unused
FR	Preston
FS	Edinburgh
FT	Newcastle-upon-Tyne
FU	Lincoln
FV	Preston
FW	Lincoln
FX	Bournemouth
FY	Liverpool
FZ	Belfast
G	Glasgow
GA	Glasgow
GB	Glasgow
GC	London (South-West)
GD	Glasgow
GE	Glasgow
GF	London (South-West)
GG	Glasgow
GH	London (South-West)
GI	County Tipperary, South Riding
GJ	London (South-West)
GK	London (South-West)
GL	Truro
GM	Reading
GN	London (South-West)
GO	London (South-West)
GP	London (South-West)
GQ	unused
GR	Newcastle-upon-Tyne
GS	Luton
GT	London (South-West)
GU	London (South-East)
GV	Ipswich
GW	London (South-East)
GX	London (South-East)
GY	London (South-East)
GZ	Belfast
H	London
HA	Dudley
HB	Cardiff
HC	Brighton
HD	Huddersfield
HE	Sheffield
HF	Liverpool
HG	Preston
HH	Carlisle
HI	County Tipperary, South Riding
HJ	Chelmsford
HK	Chelmsford
HL	Sheffield
HM	London (Central)
HN	Middlesbrough
HO	Bournemouth
HP	Coventry
HQ	unused
HR	Swindon
HS	Glasgow
HT	Bristol
HU	Bristol
HV	London (Central)
HW	Bristol
HX	London (Central)
HY	Bristol
HZ	County Tyrone
IA	County Antrim
IB	County Armagh
IC	County Carlow
ID	County Cavan
IE	County Clare
IF	County Cork
IG	County Fermanagh
IH	County Donegal
II	unused
IJ	County Down
IK	County Dublin
IM	County Galway
IN	County Kerry
IO	County Kildare
IP	County Kilkenny
IQ	unused
IR	Kings County (now County Offaly)
IS	County Mayo
IT	County Leitrim
IU	County Limerick
IV	County Limerick
IW	County Londonderry/Derry
IX	County Longford
IY	County Louth
IZ	County Mayo
J	Durham
JA	Manchester
JB	Reading
JC	Bangor
JD	London (Central)
JE	Peterborough
JF	Leicester
JG	Maidstone
JH	Reading
JI	County Tyrone
JJ	Maidstone
JK	Brighton
JL	Lincoln
JM	Reading
JN	Chelmsford
JO	Oxford
JP	Liverpool
JQ	unused
JR	Newcastle-upon-Tyne
JS	Inverness
JT	Bournemouth
JU	Leicester
JV	Lincoln
JW	Birmingham
JX	Huddersfield
JY	Exeter
JZ	County Down
K	Liverpool
KA	Liverpool
KB	Liverpool
KC	Liverpool
KD	Liverpool
KE	Maidstone
KF	Liverpool
KG	Cardiff
KH	Hull
KI	County Waterford
KJ	Maidstone
KK	Maidstone
KL	Maidstone
KM	Maidstone
KN	Maidstone
KO	Maidstone
KP	Maidstone
KQ	unused
KR	Maidstone
KS	Edinburgh
KT	Maidstone
KU	Sheffield
KV	Coventry
KW	Sheffield
KX	Luton
KY	Sheffield
KZ	County Antrim
L	Glamorganshire
LA	London (North-West)
LB	London (North-West)
LC	London (North-West)
LD	London (North-West)
LE	London (North-West)
LF	London (North-West)
LG	Chester
LH	London (North-West)
LI	County Westmeath
LJ	Bournemouth
LK	London (North-West)
LL	London (North-West)
LM	London (North-West)
LN	London (North-West)
LO	London (North-West)
LP	London (North-West)
LQ	unused
LR	London (North-West)
LS	Edinburgh
LT	London (North-West)
LU	London (North-West)
LV	Liverpool
LW	London (North-West)
LX	London (North-West)
LY	London (North-West)
LZ	County Armagh
M	Cheshire
MA	Chester
MB	Chester
MC	London (North-East)
MD	London (North-East)
ME	London (North-East)
MF	London (North-East)
MG	London (North-East)
MH	London (North-East)
MI	County Wexford
MJ	Luton
MK	London (North-East)
ML	London (North-East)
MM	London (North-East)
MN	used in the Isle of Man
MO	Reading
MP	London (North-East)
MQ	unused
MR	Swindon
MS	Edinburgh
MT	London (North-East)
MU	London (North-East)
MV	London (North-East)
MW	Swindon
MX	London (North-East)
MY	London (North-East)
MZ	Belfast
N	Manchester
NA	Manchester
NB	Manchester
NC	Manchester
ND	Manchester
NE	Manchester
NF	Manchester
NG	Norwich
NH	Northampton
NI	County Wicklow
NJ	Brighton
NK	Luton
NL	Newcastle-upon-Tyne
NM	Luton
NN	Nottingham
NO	Chelmsford
NP	Worcester
NQ	unused
NR	Leicester
NS	Glasgow
NT	Shrewsbury
NU	Nottingham
NV	Northampton
NW	Leeds
NX	Dudley
NY	Cardiff
NZ	County Londonderry/Derry
O	Birmingham
OA	Birmingham
OB	Birmingham
OC	Birmingham
OD	Exeter
OE	Birmingham
OF	Birmingham
OG	Birmingham
OH	Birmingham
OI	Belfast
OJ	Birmingham
OK	Birmingham
OL	Birmingham
OM	Birmingham
ON	Birmingham
OO	Chelmsford
OP	Birmingham
OQ	unused
OR	Portsmouth
OS	Glasgow
OT	Portsmouth
OU	Bristol
OV	Birmingham
OW	Portsmouth
OX	Birmingham
OY	London (North-West)
OZ	Belfast
P	Surrey
PA	Guildford
PB	Guildford
PC	Guildford
PD	Guildford
PE	Guildford
PF	Guildford
PG	Guildford
PH	Guildford
PI	Cork
PJ	Guildford
PK	Guildford
PL	Guildford
PM	Guildford
PN	Brighton
PO	Portsmouth (GPOformerly used for General Post Office vehicles)
PP	Luton
PQ	unused
PR	Bournemouth
PS	Aberdeen
PT	Newcastle-upon-Tyne
PU	Chelmsford
PV	Ipswich
PW	Norwich
PX	Portsmouth
PY	Middlesbrough
PZ	Belfast
R	Derbyshire
RA	Nottingham
RB	Nottingham
RC	Nottingham
RD	Reading
RE	Stoke-on-Trent
RF	Stoke-on-Trent
RG	Newcastle-upon-Tyne
RH	Hull
RI	County Dublin
RJ	Manchester
RK	London (North-West)
RL	Truro
RM	Carlisle
RN	Preston
RO	Luton
RP	Northampton
RQ	unused
RR	Nottingham
RS	Aberdeen
RT	Ipswich
RU	Bournemouth
RV	Portsmouth
RW	Coventry
RX	Reading
RY	Leicester
RZ	County Antrim
S	Edinburgh
SA	Aberdeen
SB	Glasgow
SC	Edinburgh
SD	Glasgow
SE	Aberdeen
SF	Edinburgh
SG	Edinburgh
SH	Edinburgh
SI	County
SJ	Glasgow
SK	Inverness
SL	Dundee
SM	Carlisle
SN	Dundee
SO	Aberdeen
SP	Dundee
SQ	unused
SR	Dundee
SS	Aberdeen
ST	Inverness
SU	Glasgow
SV	unused
SW	Carlisle
SX	Edinburgh
SY	unused
SZ	County Down
T	Devon
TA	Exeter
TB	Liverpool
TC	Bristol
TD	Manchester
TE	Manchester
TF	Reading
TG	Cardiff
TH	Swansea
TI	Limerick
TJ	Liverpool
TK	Exeter
TL	Lincoln
TM	Luton
TN	Newcastle-upon-Tyne
TO	Nottingham
TP	Portsmouth
TQ	unused
TR	Portsmouth
TS	Dundee
TT	Exeter
TU	Chester
TV	Nottingham
TW	Chelmsford
TX	Cardiff
TY	Newcastle-upon-Tyne
TZ	Belfast
U	Leeds
UA	Leeds
UB	Leeds
UC	London (Central)
UD	Oxford
UE	Dudley
UF	Brighton
UG	Leeds
UH	Cardiff
UI	County Londonderry/Derry
UJ	Shrewsbury
UK	Birmingham
UL	London (Central)
UM	Leeds
UN	Exeter
UO	Exeter
UP	Newcastle-upon-Tyne
UQ	unused
UR	Luton
US	Glasgow
UT	Leicester
UU	London (Central)
UV	London (Central)
UW	London (Central)
UX	Shrewsbury
UY	Worcester
UZ	Belfast
V	Lanarkshire
VA	Peterborough
VB	Maidstone
VC	Coventry
VD	unused
VE	Peterborough
VF	Norwich
VG	Norwich
VH	Huddersfield
VI	unused
VJ	Gloucester
VK	Newcastle-upon-Tyne
VL	Lincoln
VM	Manchester
VN	Middlesbrough
VO	Nottingham
VP	Birmingham
VQ	unused
VR	Manchester
VS	Luton
VT	Stoke-on-Trent
VU	Manchester
VV	Northampton
VW	Chelmsford
VX	Chelmsford
VY	Leeds
VZ	County Tyrone
W	Sheffield
WA	Sheffield
WB	Sheffield
WC	Chelmsford
WD	Dudley
WE	Sheffield
WF	Sheffield
WG	Sheffield
WH	Manchester
WI	Waterford
WJ	Sheffield
WK	Coventry
WL	Oxford
WM	Liverpool
WN	Swansea
WO	Cardiff
WP	Worcester
WQ	unused
WR	Leeds
WS	Bristol
WT	Leeds
WU	Leeds
WV	Brighton
WW	Leeds
WX	Leeds
WY	Leeds
WZ	Belfast
X	Northumberland
XA	unused since 1974
XB	unused since 1974
XC	unused since 1974
XD	unused since 1974
XE	unused since 1974
XF	unused since 1974
XG	Middlesbrough, but unused since 1974
XH	unused since 1974
XI	Belfast
XJ	unused since 1974
XK	unused since 1974
XL	unused since 1974
XM	unused since 1974
XN	unused since 1974
XO	unused since 1974
XP	temporary plates for vehicles being exported to Europe. The first letter of the triplet indicates the month, with 1 = Jan
XQ	unused since 1974
XR	unused since 1974
XS	unused since 1974
XT	unused since 1974
XU	unused since 1974
XV	unused since 1974
XW	unused since 1974
XX	unused since 1974
XY	unused since 1974
XZ	County Armagh
Y	Somerset
YA	Taunton
YB	Taunton
YC	Taunton
YD	Taunton
YE	London (Central)
YF	London (Central)
YG	Leeds
YH	London (Central)
YI	County Dublin
YJ	Brighton
YK	London (Central)
YL	London (Central)
YM	London (Central)
YN	London (Central)
YO	London (Central)
YP	London (Central)
YQ	unused
YR	London (Central)
YS	Glasgow
YT	London (Central)
YU	London (Central)
YV	London (Central)
YW	London (Central)
YX	London (Central)
YY	London (Central)
YZ	County Londonderry
Z	County Dublin
ZA	Dublin
ZB	County Cork
ZC	Dublin
ZD	Dublin
ZE	County Dublin
ZF	Cork
ZG	County Dublin
ZH	Dublin
ZI	unused
ZJ	Dublin
ZK	County Cork
ZL	County Dublin
ZM	County Galway
ZN	County Meath
ZO	County Dublin
ZP	County Donegal
ZQ	unused
ZR	County Wexford
ZS	County Dublin
ZT	County Cork
ZU	County Dublin
ZV	County Dublin
ZW	County Kildare
ZX	County Kerry
ZY	County Louth
ZZ	unused

Age

The registration plate usually contains one letter at the start or the end.
This indicates the date of first registration. No single start or end letter means before 1963 (or Northern Ireland). Here is a summary.

End letters ('suffix')

A	1963 February to December
B	1964 January to December
C	1965 January to December
D	1966 January to December
E	1967 January to July
F	1967 August to 1968 July
G	1968 August to 1969 July
H	1969 August to 1970 July
J	1970 August to 1971 July
K	1971 August to 1972 July
L	1972 August to 1973 July
M	1973 August to 1974 July
N	1974 August to 1975 July
P	1975 August to 1976 July
Q	special registration (kitcar, import, etc)
R	1976 August to 1977 July
S	1977 August to 1978 July
T	1978 August to 1979 July
V	1979 August to 1980 July
W	1980 August to 1981 July
X	1981 August to 1982 July
Y	1982 August to 1983 July

Start letter ('prefix')

A	1983 August to 1984 July
B	1984 August to 1985 July
C	1985 August to 1986 July
D	1986 August to 1987 July
E	1987 August to 1988 July
F	1988 August to 1989 July
G	1989 August to 1990 July
H	1990 August to 1991 July
J	1991 August to 1992 July
K	1992 August to 1993 July
L	1993 August to 1994 July
M	1994 August to 1995 July
N	1995 August to 1996 July
P	1996 August to 1997 July
Q	special registration (kitcar, import, etc)
R	1997 August to 1998 July
S	1998 August to 1999 February
T	1999 March to 1999 August
V	1999 September to 2000 February
W	2000 March to 2000 September
X	2000 September to 2001 February
Y	2001 March to 2001 August

There are also 3-digit Local Vehicle Licensing Office codes, which can be seen as the fifth, sixth and seventh digits of those new car tax discs that have a twelve-digit number printed at the bottom.

300
301	Aberdeen
302	Ayr
303	Dumfries
304	Dundee
305	Edinburgh
306	Glasgow
307	Inverness
308	Keith
309	Kirkwall
310	Lerwick
311	Oban
312	Selkirk
313	Stirling
314	Stornoway
315	Stanraer
316	Wick
317
318
319
320	Durham
321	Middlesbrough
322	Newcastle upon Tyne
323
324	Barrow in Furness
325	Bolton
326	Carlisle
327	Kendal
328	Liverpool
329	Manchester
330	Preston
331	Warrington
332
333	Grimsby
334	Huddersfield
335	Hull
336	Leeds
337	Sheffield
338	York
339
340	Boston
341	Leicester
342	Lincoln
343	Nottingham
344
345	Cambridge
346	Ipswich
347	Norwich
348	Peterborough
349
350	London Central
351	London North East
352	London North West
353	London South West
354	London South East
355
356
357	Brighton
358	Canterbury
359	Chelmsford
360	Guildford
361	Hastings
362	Luton
363	Maidstone
364	Newport (IoW)
365	Northamptom
366	Oxford
367	Portsmouth
368	Reading
369
370	Barnstaple
371	Bournemouth
372	Bristol
373	Exeter
374	Gloucester
375	Plymouth
376	Salisbury
377	Swindon
378	Taunton
379	Truro
380
381	Birmingham
382	Coventry
383	Dudley
384	Stoke on Trent
385	Worcester
386
387
388
389
390	Aberystwyth
391	Bangor
392	Cardiff
393	Chester
394	Haverfordwest
395	Hereford
396	Shrewsbury
397	Swansea
398
399	DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency)