In 1837 the Island was divided into 5 Registration Districts: Calbourne, Cowes, Godshill, Newport and Ryde

By 1890 the population in the area covered by Ryde had grown considerably and it was decided to split this area up by creating the new area of Brading

From April 1934 the six districts were further augmented by the addition of two more districts, Sandown/Shanklin and Ventnor.

In July 1948 the system changed to a division of 4 districts only, which were called North, South, East and West. This division lasted until March 1952 when the Island then was divided into 2 districts only, North/West (NW) and South/East (SE). The last changes were made in January 1968 when the terms A and B were given. A and B no longer indicate districts as all registrations are done centrally and only refer to the books in which the registration has been entered.