What year is a V reg?
V at the start: 1 September 1999 – 29 February 2000
Plates like V123 ABC are prefix plates, used from August 1983 to August 2001. The first letter is the year identifier.
A car first registered then is 26–27 years old today.
V at the end: 1 August 1979 – 31 July 1980
Plates like ABC 123V are suffix plates, used from 1963 to July 1983. The last letter is the year identifier.
A car first registered then is 46–47 years old today.
What can a V reg plate go on?
A plate can’t make a vehicle look newer than it is. A V prefix plate can go on vehicles first registered on or after 1 September 1999. A V suffix plate can go on vehicles first registered on or after 1 August 1979.
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 V reg 1999–00?
If the V is the first character, yes: V prefix plates were issued from 1 September 1999 to 29 February 2000. If it’s the last character, the car is from August 1979 – July 1980.
How old is a V reg car?
In November 2026, a V prefix car is 26–27 years old and a V suffix car is 46–47 years old, counted from first registration.
Can I put a V reg plate on my car?
Only if the car is at least as new as the plate. A V prefix plate can go on vehicles first registered on or after 1 September 1999; a V suffix plate on vehicles from 1 August 1979.
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.