Can a Licensed Vehicle Change Its License Plate?

[Nicholas]

In principle, a licensed vehicle cannot change its license plate, as traffic authorities generally do not easily allow random changes to license plates. If there are special circumstances requiring a license plate change, you must apply for re-registration at the vehicle management office. This process is more complicated than the initial license plate application. If you genuinely wish to change the license plate, you can do so through the following two methods: 1. Transfer of Ownership: The simplest and most direct method is to transfer ownership within the family, such as between husband and wife or parents and children. However, this affects the vehicle's resale value, as each transfer counts as a transaction, turning the vehicle from new to used. 2. Approval Process: Submit an application to the local traffic authority to cancel the vehicle's license plate and wait for approval. After approval, publish a notice declaring the cancellation of the license plate. Once the required waiting period has passed, you can apply for re-registration with all necessary documents. However, this method is not only cumbersome but also requires considering the difficulty of reapplying for a license plate (refer to the lottery systems in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou).

[DePaisley]

My car had its license plate changed the year before last, which was due to the vehicle being transferred to my wife. According to regulations, a vehicle that has already been registered can indeed have its license plate changed, but it must meet specific conditions. The most common scenario is a transfer registration, such as when transferring ownership between spouses or during a sale transaction, where a new plate number is usually required. Additionally, some car owners who are dissatisfied with their chosen plate number can also apply for a change, but they must go to the vehicle management office to fill out forms, pay fees, and follow the procedure. However, it's important to note that plate changes are limited to once a year, and the vehicle must have no outstanding violations. When I changed my plate, it cost me over 100 yuan in administrative fees, and the entire process took about two days. Required documents included my ID card, vehicle license, and vehicle registration certificate. It's best to make an appointment in advance via the 12123 traffic management app to avoid a wasted trip.

[Lori]

A seasoned driver who has owned seven or eight cars tells you that changing license plates for registered vehicles isn't something you can do casually. It mainly applies to these scenarios: mandatory plate change during vehicle transfer of ownership, replacement of damaged plates, or special circumstances requiring modification of registration details. Last time I helped a friend with a transfer, if the original owner kept the plates, new plates had to be selected. The process starts with filling out an application at the DMV, vehicle inspection, then paying a 120 RMB processing fee—new plates are ready in three days. A reminder: arbitrarily changing plates is illegal; it must be done by the book. Also, remember to update your insurance with the new plate information to avoid issues during claims.

[Sanders]

I've looked into the matter of changing license plates, and it's indeed possible to change the plates on a registered vehicle. There are two common scenarios: the first is mandatory plate replacement during the sale or purchase of a used car, and the second is voluntarily applying for a plate number change. Last year, my colleague disliked the original plate number for sounding unlucky and specifically went to the DMV to spend 115 yuan for a new selection. The process involves clearing any traffic violations first, then submitting an application, and receiving the new plates about 7 days after approval. However, it's important to note that in cities with license plate restrictions like Beijing and Shanghai, changing plates might affect the renewal quota. Regular cities don't have such restrictions. Nowadays, many cities support online applications, making the process much more convenient than before.