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Car buying glossary · what it means

Age identifier

An age identifier shows when a car was first registered, such as its number plate or first MOT record.

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What Age identifier means for you

A March plate carries the last two digits of the year (24 means March 2024); a September plate adds 50 (74 means September 2024). A private plate can make a car look older, never newer, and a Q plate means its age can't be confirmed. Compare the plate with the car's first MOT, which is due three years after first registration.

If the dates don't match, ask the seller why before paying. Wrong or misleading plates can bring a fine of up to £1,000. A Full Check (£9.99) covers plate changes.

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