Can a new car be re-licensed?
3 Answers
It is not possible to re-license a new car. Here is the relevant information: 1. The current license plate system is for life. Once a car is licensed, the license plate cannot be changed, so a new car cannot be re-licensed. Unless the car is transferred, a new license can be applied for. However, the new license plate belongs to the car buyer. To change the license plate, you would need to buy another car. 2. According to the validity period of the temporary license, the car must be licensed within 15 to 30 days. To license a car, you need to go to the local vehicle management office. You have three chances to choose a number, and within these three chances, the one you choose will be your license plate number. Buying a car and licensing it can be done across different regions. License plate application processes may vary by region, so for specific details, you can consult the local vehicle management office.
I've dealt with similar situations before. Changing license plates for a new car is indeed possible, but it depends on the circumstances. If you're unsatisfied with the randomly selected plate from your first attempt, you can directly apply for a change at the DMV, but you'll only have a maximum of two re-selection opportunities. A friend of mine specifically picked a number, but the DMV system froze, causing the plate to be invalidated—this situation also qualifies for a replacement. If your license plate gets bent or damaged in an accident, just bring your vehicle registration and ID to get it reissued, though you'll need to pay a processing fee. The most cost-effective time to change your mind is right after selecting the number but before receiving the metal plate—the process is simple and doesn't affect your ability to retain the original plate when changing cars later. The most frustrating scenario is wanting to change a plate that's been in use for over a year—not only can you not keep the original number, but you might end up with a worse combination after going through the lottery process again.
Having personally gone through the process of changing license plates on new cars three times, the key lies in timing. If you're unsatisfied with the online-selected plate number before completing vehicle registration, you can simply abandon it. The penalty is being barred from online plate selection for two years, though on-site machine selection remains unaffected. If you've already obtained official plates but it's been less than a year, changing them requires going through modification procedures, including re-inspection and fee payment. Important reminder: After using plates for over a year, changing them automatically forfeits your right to the original plate number – my neighbor overlooked this rule and deeply regretted his plate change. Bonus tip: Switching from new energy vehicle plates to regular blue plates requires a transfer process equivalent to selling the car to a family member for re-registration, with all taxes and fees payable again.
