4 Digit Number Plates

What are 4-Digit Number Plates?

4-digit number plates are a branch of dateless number plates issued by the DVLA. Ordinarily, dateless number plates have 1 to 4 numbers followed by 1 to 4 letters and vice versa.

This can sometimes result in them being referred to as 3 by 1 number plates.

Why are 4-Digit Number Plates Special?

4-digit number plates are special for many reasons.

1. Firstly, there is a general rule of thumb with dateless number plates. The shorter the combination of the private registration number, the more valuable it is.

2. Secondly, 4-digit number plates are usually only released at auctions. However, many drivers throughout the UK sell their 4-digit number plates to Absolute Reg, meaning you can often find a 4-digit number plate listed through us.

3. Lastly, 4-digit number plates typically resemble common names such as Nate (NAT3), Johnny (JON1), Bonny (BON1), and Kate (KAT3). Each personalised registration is unique and can never be repeated. These similarities are only found on 4-digit number plates, making them special. 

4-Digit Dateless Number Plates

In 1904, the DVLA decided to fit a registration mark on every vehicle. At Absolute Reg, we pride ourselves on selling private registrations of all levels of affordability.

The first dateless private number plates were issued in 2 batches. The ordinary dateless number plate, and then a reversed dateless number plate.

How Do I Buy 4-digit Number Plates?

1. Search For A 4-Digit Private Number Plate

Use our search bar to search over 50 million DVLA number plates. Finding a 4-digit number plate that matches your name, business, or simply something more personal could not be easier.

2. Check to see if it is Suitable for Your Vehicle

After you have selected your 4-digit personalised number plate, you can check to see what private registrations are appropriate for your vehicle. The registration number cannot be older than the vehicle itself (other than Northern Irish registration numbers).

3. Click “View and Buy” and Checkout

Click the “View and Buy” button when you've found the 4-digit number plate of your dreams.

Other Number Plates Styles

As well as our 4–digit number plates, we also have DVLA number plates available in every imaginable style. You can explore a variety of styles and prices when trying to purchase a private plate. 

Decide the number plate style that best suits you and your car from the many options available to you.

Current/New Style

Current style number plates are also known as new-style number plates. They were first issued by the DVLA back in 2001. There are thousands of current or new style registrations for you to decide from that are affordable. 

Current style number plates use 2 letters at the start, representing the area of the issuing plate. At the end of the plate, there are 2 numbers (either a 0 or a 5) and the year date.

Suffix Style

Letters were used at the end of the registration as an age identifier. For example, registrations that ended with an A represented 1963, and registrations ending in Y represented 1982.

Prefix Style 

After the expiration of the suffix registration marks in August 1983, prefix DVLA number plates were issued for the first time. Prefix registrations are most popular across the private number plate market.

Prefix registrations are similar to suffix plates in that the first character indicates the year of issue. For example, if A is the first letter of the registration, it represents 1983.

Northern Irish

Northern Ireland registration marks are an outstanding way to hide the age of your vehicle. Many owners pay little to nothing for these number plates in the first place, because they're usually among the cheapest you can buy.

All Northern Irish registrations are dateless, too. So, they are often highly sought after and usually soar in value as time goes on.

Why You Should Buy Your 4-Digit Number Plates from Absolute Reg

Largest Stock

With over 50 million license plates, we have more than any other dealer – including the DVLA!

Price Promise

Our price promise ensures that you are getting the best deal on the best selection of private registration plates at Absolute Reg.

Lifetime Customer Service

It doesn't matter if it is two weeks after your purchase or two years down the line, our friendly after-sales team is always happy to help.

Rated Highest On-Time Delivery in 2020

See why our private number plates are so popular by purchasing your 4-digit number plate online or by phone today! Our accolades are also available on reviews.co.uk.

Certificate of Entitlement

When you purchase a brand new DVLA number plate from us, you will receive a V778 or V750 certificate of entitlement from the DVLA.

When a new registration number is being used for the first time, you receive a V750 certificate.

4-Digit Number Plates as Gifts

Personalised number plates always make incredible gifts, no matter the length of the combination or the style. However, 4-digit number plates are particularly special, and this makes for an additionally unique gift.

They can also be attached to any motor vehicle whatsoever, as they are dateless and without an age identifier. This means that no matter what car your loved one drives, they can always attach your gift to their car, and will continue to do so long after they get a new vehicle too.

Lastly, if you’re lucky, you may also find a 4-digit number plate that spells out the name of the person you’re giving the gift to.

Read through our number plate gifting guide now to learn more about gifting number plates to your loved ones.

4-Digit Number Plates FAQ

Can the DVLA create a number plate?

The DVLA is responsible for the creation of all registrations in the UK, including 4-digit number plates. However, you can only use DVLA number plates on taxed UK vehicles.

Can I put a 4-digit number plate on straight away?

Before putting your brand new 4-digit number plate on, you need to get it approved. When you purchase any new number plate, you need to send an application, so your plate is approved for use. Once the application has been approved, you are good to go.

Do you have to pay to put a 4-digit number plate on a car?

It's completely free to apply to change your number plate. You just need to complete the application form and send it away. 

Don't forget to apply to remove your old number plate through, or it will not be deemed valid. Otherwise, you won't be able to replace your old plate.

Can I put my number plate on any car?

Since registration numbers are issued from the DVLA they must meet the correct format they set for all registration plates. For example, a DVLA number plate cannot make the vehicle seem newer than it is.