What do suffix registrations look like?

Suffix number plates consist of three letters followed by a one, two or three digit number, with a year-identifying letter at the end. For example, a plate reading JAM 3S uses the three opening letters and the number 3 (standing in for E) to spell JAMES, with the S suffix indicating 1977.

The three letters at the start originally indicated the area where the registration was issued. For example, "ABH" relates to Buckinghamshire, while "CHN" relates to Darlington. Combined with the suffix letter, it was originally possible to identify both the age and origin of the vehicle.