Dateless vs age-related number plates: what’s the difference and which should you buy?

If you’ve started browsing private number plates, you’ll quickly see the terms “dateless” and “age-related” come up.

They might look similar on the surface, but the difference matters — for legality, flexibility, price and long-term value.

This guide explains:

• What dateless and age-related plates actually mean
• The pros and cons of each
• Which type makes sense depending on your situation

1. What is an age-related number plate?

An age-related number plate includes a year identifier that links it to a specific registration period.

For example:

• A “12” plate indicates a vehicle registered between March and August 2012
• A “62” plate indicates September 2012 to February 2013
• Older prefix and suffix formats also relate to specific years

Because of DVLA rules, an age-related plate can **only** be assigned to a vehicle that is:

• Registered in the same year, or
• Registered after that year

You cannot use an age-related plate to make a vehicle look newer than it is.

2. What is a dateless (cherished) number plate?

A dateless plate does not contain any year identifier at all.

These usually come in formats like:

• One to three letters followed by numbers
• Initials or short name combinations
• Plates with no obvious age marker

Because there is no year reference, a dateless plate can legally be assigned to **almost any vehicle**, regardless of its age.

This makes dateless plates the most flexible option.

3. Key differences at a glance

Age-related plates

• Cheaper in many cases
• Still personalised
• Limited to certain vehicle ages
• Can become unusable if you change to an older car

Dateless plates

• More expensive on average
• Maximum flexibility
• Can be transferred between vehicles freely
• Often stronger long-term value

Neither option is “better” — it depends on how you plan to use the plate.

4. Which one is better for daily use?

If you:

• Plan to keep the same car long-term
• Don’t expect to downgrade to an older vehicle
• Want a personalised look without spending too much

An age-related plate can make perfect sense.

If you:

• Change cars regularly
• Own multiple vehicles
• Might move to an older or classic car later

A dateless plate gives you freedom without future restrictions.

5. Value and resale considerations

Dateless plates tend to:

• Hold value better over time
• Appeal to a wider pool of buyers
• Be easier to resell

Age-related plates can still resell, but:

• They appeal to a narrower audience
• Their usefulness depends on vehicle age
• Demand may drop if the year becomes less desirable

If resale value matters, dateless plates usually offer safer long-term flexibility.

6. Common mistakes to avoid

Buying age-related without thinking ahead

Many people buy a plate that suits their current car, then later discover it won’t transfer to their next one.

Assuming dateless always means better

Dateless plates aren’t automatically “better” — they’re only worth the extra cost if you actually need the flexibility.

Ignoring DVLA eligibility rules

DVLA will reject assignments that break age rules, even if the plate is already paid for.

7. How AuctionMyPlate helps clarify the difference

On AuctionMyPlate, listings should clearly indicate:

• Whether a plate is dateless or age-related
• Whether it’s on a vehicle or on a retention certificate
• Any relevant DVLA considerations

Understanding this before bidding avoids surprises later.

Final thoughts

Dateless and age-related plates serve different purposes.

If you want:

• Maximum flexibility and future-proofing → dateless
• A personalised look at a lower cost → age-related

The right choice depends on your car, your plans, and how long you expect to keep the plate.

Taking a few minutes to understand the difference can save you money — and frustration — later on.