What year is an S reg?
S at the start: 1 August 1998 – 28 February 1999
Plates like S123 ABC are prefix plates, used from August 1983 to August 2001. The first letter is the year identifier.
S ran for seven months only. From March 1999 the identifier changed twice a year, in March and September, to spread out new-car sales from the August rush.
A car first registered then is 27–28 years old today.
S at the end: 1 August 1977 – 31 July 1978
Plates like ABC 123S are suffix plates, used from 1963 to July 1983. The last letter is the year identifier.
A car first registered then is 48–49 years old today.
What can an S reg plate go on?
A plate can’t make a vehicle look newer than it is. An S prefix plate can go on vehicles first registered on or after 1 August 1998. An S suffix plate can go on vehicles first registered on or after 1 August 1977.
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 an S reg 1998–99?
If the S is the first character, yes: S prefix plates were issued from 1 August 1998 to 28 February 1999. If it’s the last character, the car is from August 1977 – July 1978.
How old is an S reg car?
In November 2026, an S prefix car is 27–28 years old and an S suffix car is 48–49 years old, counted from first registration.
Can I put an S reg plate on my car?
Only if the car is at least as new as the plate. An S prefix plate can go on vehicles first registered on or after 1 August 1998; an S suffix plate on vehicles from 1 August 1977.
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.