What year is a D reg?
D at the start: 1 August 1986 – 31 July 1987
Plates like D123 ABC are prefix plates, used from August 1983 to August 2001. The first letter is the year identifier.
A car first registered then is 39–40 years old today.
D at the end: 1 January 1966 – 31 December 1966
Plates like ABC 123D are suffix plates, used from 1963 to July 1983. The last letter is the year identifier.
A car first registered then is 59–60 years old today.
What can a D reg plate go on?
A plate can’t make a vehicle look newer than it is. A D prefix plate can go on vehicles first registered on or after 1 August 1986. A D suffix plate can go on vehicles first registered on or after 1 January 1966.
Buying or selling the car?
The plate tells you when a car was first registered, not its history. Check its MOT record before you buy.
Common questions
Is a D reg 1986–87?
If the D is the first character, yes: D prefix plates were issued from 1 August 1986 to 31 July 1987. If it’s the last character, the car is from January 1966 – December 1966.
How old is a D reg car?
In November 2026, a D prefix car is 39–40 years old and a D suffix car is 59–60 years old, counted from first registration.
Can I put a D reg plate on my car?
Only if the car is at least as new as the plate. A D prefix plate can go on vehicles first registered on or after 1 August 1986; a D suffix plate on vehicles from 1 January 1966.
Got a full reg? Check it in the year checker or see the full year chart.
Source: GOV.UK: Vehicle registration numbers and number plates (INF104). Ages are worked out from first registration as of 3 November 2026.