Can a license plate number be transferred to someone else?
3 Answers
License plate numbers cannot be transferred to someone else; they can only be scrapped or retained upon application. Vehicles can be transferred by presenting the original and photocopies of both parties' ID cards and other required documents. The original license plate can only be transferred to the owner's new vehicle information and cannot be transferred to others. However, there is one exception: spouses can transfer license plates to each other with a marriage certificate, allowing the other party to obtain the license plate without going through a lottery or bidding process. This special transfer situation only applies to married couples and requires both parties to bring their marriage certificate, ID cards, registration certificate, and vehicle license, and drive to the vehicle management office to complete the transfer procedures.
I have some insights when it comes to handling vehicle-related procedures. License plates aren't something you can casually transfer like clothes—they're primarily bound to the vehicle and can't be separately reassigned to someone else. For instance, I've assisted friends with vehicle transfers several times, and the entire process is only completed at the DMV during a formal transfer, where the license plate moves along with the car. Both the original and new owners must be present to sign, providing identification, vehicle registration certificates, and other necessary documents. I remember a friend who wanted to privately transfer a license plate to a relative, only to be denied because DMV policies state that license plates are state property, and individuals have no right to buy, sell, or transfer them separately. If a transfer is absolutely necessary, the only legal way is to sell the entire vehicle and complete the procedure with the license plate included—otherwise, it's considered illegal and subject to penalties. When it comes to driving and vehicle maintenance, I recommend not scheming over such matters. Safety first—always go through official channels to avoid unnecessary trouble.
My past experiences of buying and changing cars have taught me that a license plate number cannot be separately transferred to someone else; it can only be transferred along with the vehicle when you sell it. For example, last year when I sold my old car and went through the transfer process at the vehicle management office, the license plate automatically went to the new owner. I couldn’t keep the plate for myself because regulations require it to be tied to the vehicle. After asking friends and researching online, I found this is the case everywhere in China—personal trading of license plates is prohibited, and doing so could lead to legal risks, such as fines for violating regulations. If you really want to give someone your license plate, the only way is to sell them the car along with it and complete the transfer process. Other ideas, like directly transferring the plate, are unnecessary and could cause trouble. I recommend consulting the vehicle management office first to avoid any disruptions to your daily life.
