Can a new car use the license plate from an old car?
3 Answers
It is possible to use the license plate from an old car on a new one, but there are conditions. The following are the conditions for using an old license plate on a new car: 1. The license plate must be registered under the same owner. This means the owner of both vehicles must be the same person. 2. The vehicles must be registered in the same location. In other words, the vehicles must be registered in the same region to be eligible for swapping. 3. The license plates must be of the same type. 4. The vehicles must be non-commercial. This means only private, household-use vehicles can swap license plates; commercial vehicles like taxis are not eligible. 5. After a license plate swap has been processed, you must wait one year before applying for another swap or to retain the original license plate number.
Can a new car use the license plate from an old car? I've experienced this issue several times. Years ago, after my first car was scrapped, I wanted to transfer that license plate to a new car. I went to the DMV, prepared the old car's cancellation certificate, ID card, and purchase invoice. After filling out a few forms, it was approved in three to five days. Nowadays, with more frequent car changes, as long as the old car is completely processed, the license plate retention procedure is quite simple. The key is to have all the required documents ready and not miss anything, otherwise, you might have to make extra trips. Additionally, policies vary by city—some places have usage limits or require additional reviews. I find this method convenient and hassle-free, especially for long-time car owners, as it avoids the hassle of getting a new plate and maintains a bit of personal identity. Keeping an eye on local DMV updates makes the process much smoother.
I remember when I last bought a new car, I also wanted to keep my old license plate. As a newbie, I was a bit confused at first. Later, I checked the official website and found out it's indeed possible! You need to transfer or scrap the old vehicle first, then apply to the DMV to retain the old plate. The process requires documents like your ID card and the old vehicle's registration certificate, and it might take a few days for approval. The advantage is saving the hassle and cost of getting a new plate. Many of my friends do this often, especially in cities where getting a new plate through the lottery is difficult. Now that I know more, it feels like a practical trick that even new drivers can easily learn. Don’t forget to handle the old vehicle's paperwork promptly—delaying might cause you to miss the window. Next time I change cars, I’ll definitely do this again—simple and effective.
