How do I know my car's age?

The registration number shows the year of first registration. UK plates display the age in the center (e.g., 66 plate = September 2016). You can also check your V5C logbook or run a VEHIXA report to see the exact registration date.

How do I read a UK registration plate age code?

The two middle digits are the age identifier. The first two digits show the year, the second two show the month (01-06 = March-August, 51-12 = September-February of previous year). So "16" = March-August 2016, "66" = September 2015-February 2016.

What if my registration date doesn't match my plate?

This is a red flag indicating the plate has been changed or is not the original. This could happen for legitimate reasons (damage to original plate) or indicate tampering or cloning. Always investigate this discrepancy.

Does my car's age affect insurance and tax?

Yes. Older cars are generally cheaper to insure but may be in higher tax bands if they are luxury models. Age affects depreciation, residual value, and repair costs. Classic cars over 40 years old sometimes get preferential rates.

How Old Is My Car? Check Your Vehicle's Age & Registration Year

Reading Your Registration Plate Age Code

The fastest way to determine your car's age is to read the registration number. UK plates show the registration year in the center two digits.

Example: AB66 MKL

The "66" in the center tells you the registration year and month:

First digit (6) = Year (0=2000, 1=2001, ... 9=2009, 10=2010, ... 20=2020, ... 26=2026)
Second digit (6) = Month (01-06 = March-August, 51-12 = September-February of previous year)

UK Registration Year & Month Codes

Spring/Summer (01-06)

01 = Mar 06 = Aug

Autumn/Winter (51-12)

51 = Sep 02 = Feb (next year)

Examples

Plate Code	Registration Period
06	August 2006
56	September 2006
16	March-August 2016
66	September 2015-February 2016
25	March-August 2025
75	September 2024-February 2025

Other Ways to Check Your Car's Age

Check the V5C logbook

The registration date is clearly shown. This is the official DVLA record and is definitive.

Look at the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)

The 10th character in the VIN encodes the year of manufacture (though this is not always the same as registration year).

Run a VEHIXA report

Enter the registration number to see the exact registration date, plus MOT history which shows the age progression.

Check MOT history

The first MOT test (usually at 3 years) roughly indicates when the car was registered, plus/minus a few months.

Red Flags: When Registration Age Doesn't Match

If the plate code doesn't match the V5C registration date, this is a warning sign:

Plate changed: Could be legitimate (damage) or indicate tampering or cloning
Wrong year: The car is older or newer than the plate suggests — investigate why
Cloned vehicle: If the difference is significant, the car may be stolen or cloned

Always cross-check the V5C registration date with the plate code. A VEHIXA report will flag discrepancies automatically.

Why Car Age Matters

Insurance Costs

Very new cars cost more. Middle-aged cars (3-7 years) are usually cheapest. Very old cars can vary.

Tax (VED)

Cars over 40 years old are zero-rated. Modern cars pay based on emissions and list price at registration.

Depreciation

Cars lose value fastest in the first 3 years, then more gradually. Age is a major factor in resale value.

Reliability

Older cars generally have higher repair costs and more frequent breakdowns, though well-maintained older cars can be reliable.