Can a car change its license plate number?
2 Answers
The license plate number of a car cannot be changed. The license plate number can only be changed when applying for a modification registration or transfer registration. According to Article 18 of the "Regulations on the Registration of Motor Vehicles", when the ownership of a registered motor vehicle is transferred, the current owner of the motor vehicle shall apply for transfer registration to the vehicle management office at the place of registration within 30 days from the date of delivery of the motor vehicle. The following is relevant information: Motor vehicle license plate: A motor vehicle license plate refers to the legal mark registered by the statutory authority that permits the motor vehicle to drive on the roads within the territory of the People's Republic of China. The license plate is generally hung at a specific position of the motor vehicle, and its number is the registration number of the motor vehicle. When handling motor vehicle registration, the number is determined for the motor vehicle according to regulations. Installation of motor vehicle license plates: The front license plate is installed in the middle or slightly to the right of the front end of the motor vehicle, and the rear license plate is installed in the middle or slightly to the left of the rear end of the motor vehicle, which should not affect the safe driving of the motor vehicle or the identification of the license plate.
Yes, you can definitely change your license plate number! A friend of mine did this before because he wanted a more auspicious number for psychological comfort. You'll need to visit the local vehicle management office to apply, fill out a form, and provide documents like your ID card and vehicle registration certificate. You also have to state the reason for the change, such as selling the car or avoiding privacy leaks. The whole process isn't too complicated, and you can usually get your new plates within one or two weeks. However, rules vary slightly by region—for example, Beijing might have stricter requirements. Remember, never try to change plates privately to save trouble—it's illegal and could result in hefty fines or even having your vehicle impounded. Always make sure to update all relevant documents with your new plate information to ensure compliance. Changing license plates is actually quite common, especially when buying used cars or during family vehicle transitions. I always recommend going through the official process for peace of mind.
