3-Digit Number Plates

What Are 3-Digit Number Plates?

The DVLA issues 3-digit number plates as a branch of dateless number plates. It is common for dateless number plates to have 1 to 4 letters and 1 to 4 numbers.

As a result, they are sometimes referred to as 3 by 1.

Why Are 3-Digit Number Plates Special?

Auctions are typically the only place to purchase 3-digit number plates. We at Absolute Reg buy 3-digit plates from many drivers throughout the UK. Meaning, you can use our site to find the right plate for you.

3-Digit Dateless Number Plates

Vehicle registration marks were introduced by the DVLA in 1904. We pride ourselves on selling a variety of affordable private registrations at Absolute Reg.

There were two batches of dateless private number plates issued in the beginning. In this case, we have an ordinary dateless number plate as well as a reversed dateless number plate.

How Do I Buy 3-Digit Number Plates?

1. Search For A 3-Digit Private Number Plate 

Search our catalogue of 50 million DVLA number plates using our search bar. The process of finding a 3-digit number plate that suits your needs has never been easier.

2. Check To See If It’s Suitable For Your Vehicle

As soon as you have chosen your 3-digit personalised number plate, you can check what private registrations are appropriate for your vehicle. Other than Northern Irish registration numbers, the registration number cannot be older than the vehicle itself.

3. Click “View and Buy” and Checkout

Once you've found the perfect 3-digit number plate, click the "View and Buy" button.

Other Number Plate Styles

DVLA number plates are also available in a variety of styles alongside our 3–digit plates. When purchasing a private plate, you can choose from a range of designs and prices. Choose a number plate style that fits your car and you.

Current/New Style

Current-style number plates are also called new-style number plates. The DVLA first issued them in 2001. You can choose from thousands of affordable current or new style registrations.

The current style of number plates starts with two letters, representing the area of the plate that is being issued. The plate ends with two numbers (either a 0 or a 5) and the year date.

Suffix Style

The suffix-style registration plates were introduced in 1963 and lasted until 1982. This registration type includes a letter that indicates age.

As an example, 1963 registrations ended with an A, and 1982 registrations ended with Y.

Prefix Style

In August 1983, prefix DVLA number plates were issued for the first time after the expiration of suffix registration marks. The private number plate market is dominated by prefix registrations.

Plates with prefix registrations are similar to plates with suffix registrations in that they indicate the year of issuance with the first character. An A in a registration represents the year 1983, for example.

Northern Irish

Northern Ireland registration marks conceal the vehicle's age. It is not uncommon to pay next to nothing for these number plates, since they are usually among the cheapest on the market.

Registrations in Northern Ireland are also dateless. This makes them highly sought after, and their value usually soars with time.

Why Should You Buy Your 3-Digit Number Plates From Absolute Reg?

Largest Stock

Over 50 million licence plates are in our possession - more than any other dealer - including the DVLA!

Price Promise

At Absolute Reg, through our price promise, we ensure that you get the best price on the best selection of private registration plates.

Lifetime Customer Service

Our friendly after-sales team is always happy to assist you no matter how long it has been since your purchase.

Rated Highest On-Time Delivery in 2020

Buy your 3-digit number plate online or by phone today and discover why our private number plates are so popular! You can also find our accolades on reviews.co.uk.

Certificate Of Entitlement

DVLA number plates purchased from us come with a V778 or V750 certificate of entitlement.
A V750 certificate is issued when a new registration number is used for the first time.

3-Digit Number Plates As Gifts

No matter what format they come in, personalised plates are always great gift ideas.
You are almost certain to find the perfect 3-digit plate for that special someone with the wide variety of options available. Whether it's for the family car or the high-end luxury car, the perfect 3-digit plate will be a hit. Find out more with our gifting number plates guide.

3-Digit Number Plates FAQ

Can I Put a 3-Digit Number Plate On My Car Straight Away?

You need to send an application, so your plate can be approved for use, with every new plate purchase. Once the application has been approved, you are good to go.

Do You Have To Pay To Put A 3-Digit Plate On Your Car?

Applying to change your number plate is completely free. You just need to complete the application form and send it away. 
Don't forget to apply to remove your old number plate though, or it will not be deemed valid, and you won't be able to replace your old plate.

Can I Put My 3-Digit Plate On Any Car?

Since registration numbers are issued from the DVLA they must meet the format that has been set in place for all registration plates. As an example, a DVLA number plate cannot make the vehicle seem newer than it is.