The first two letters are the DVLA memory tag, the two numbers (the age identifier) indicate the age of the vehicle, and the last three letters are random. For example, BD signifies Birmingham, 51 represents September 2001 and SMR are random letters. The age identifier changes every six months in March and September.

DVLA Personalised Registrations - Buy private registrations direct from the DVLA. From £250 fully inclusive.

Earlier number plate formats The old 'prefix' system with a leading single letter to show the year of first registration began on 1 August 1983 with the introduction of the 'A' prefix and ended with 'Y', which ran from 1 March 2001 until 31 August 2001. Before 1983, letters were used as a suffix.

Another option is to use the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) website. The DVLA maintains records on all registered vehicles in the UK, including information on previous owners and any changes in ownership. You can access this information by searching the DVLA database using the car's registration number.