Northern Irish Number Plates

Northern Irish registrations have never carried an age identifier. Every one contains the letter I or Z, and because they do not reveal a vehicle's age they can be put on vehicles of any age across the UK. This guide explains how the system developed, how to recognise a Northern Irish registration and why they are often the most affordable way to get a dateless plate.

How do you recognise a Northern Irish registration?

Northern Irish registrations are built around a two-letter code containing I or Z. Common layouts include:

• AZ 1234: a two-letter code followed by up to four numbers, the original style;
• 1234 AZ: the same code with the numbers first, a "reversed" sequence; and
• AAZ 1234: a serial letter in front of the code, followed by up to four numbers, the style used since 1966.

None of these layouts contains a year letter or number, which is why they are treated as dateless registrations.

How did the Northern Irish system develop?

When registrations were introduced under the Motor Car Act 1903, codes containing I or Z were set aside for Ireland. Each county and county borough in what became Northern Ireland was given its own codes. Examples include IA for Antrim, IB for Armagh, IJ for Down and IL for Fermanagh, while Belfast needed many codes because of the number of vehicles registered there.

Each code originally ran from 1 to 9999. As codes filled up, further codes were allocated, and once every code had been used, reversed sequences with the numbers before the letters were introduced.

From January 1966, a serial letter was added in front of the code, giving the three-letter style still used today, such as AAZ 1234. Unlike Great Britain, Northern Ireland never adopted suffix, prefix or current-style age identifiers.

Registration in Northern Ireland was handled by the DVA in Coleraine until July 2014, when responsibility moved to the DVLA in Swansea. Northern Irish registrations are now bought, transferred and retained in exactly the same way as any other UK registration.

Can a Northern Irish registration go on any car?

Yes, on any vehicle that is eligible for a private registration, in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Because they carry no age identifier, they cannot make a vehicle look newer than it is, so the age rule does not restrict them.

The usual restrictions still apply. Registrations beginning with Q or QNI cannot be used as private registrations, and the receiving vehicle must meet the DVLA's normal conditions.

Why are they called "cover plates"?

Many buyers choose a Northern Irish registration simply to hide the age of their vehicle. Because there are far more Northern Irish combinations than early dateless British marks, longer Northern Irish registrations are often among the cheapest private registrations available. Shorter combinations, and ones that read as initials or names, can be worth considerably more.

What are Northern Irish registrations worth?

Value depends mainly on length and meaning. A three-letter, four-number registration with no particular meaning is usually inexpensive, while a two-letter code with a single number, or a combination that reads as a word or initials, is in a different market altogether. Search comparable registrations in our Sales Explorer, or ask for a free valuation.

Frequently asked questions

Are Northern Irish registrations legal in Great Britain?

Yes. They are UK registrations issued by the DVLA and can be displayed on vehicles anywhere in the UK.

Are Republic of Ireland registrations the same?

No. Registrations issued in the Republic of Ireland since 1987 include the year and a county code, such as 05 D 12345, and are not UK registrations.

Do Northern Irish plates look different?

No. They are displayed using the same number plate rules as any other UK registration.