Can a used car be re-registered with new license plates?

[DiIsabelle]

Buying a used car can be re-registered with new license plates. The required documents and procedures for registering a used car are as follows: Documents required for registering a used car: The documents required for the transfer of a used car include the vehicle's driving license, the motor vehicle registration certificate, the motor vehicle registration supplementary form (obtained from the local vehicle management office in the jurisdiction where the vehicle is registered, with the ID card, driving license, and road maintenance fee certificate required for extraction), the vehicle purchase tax certificate, and the ID cards and household registration books of both the buyer and seller (if the buyer is from another region, a temporary residence permit is also required, and the buyer's temporary residence permit must be valid for at least one year). Procedure for registering a used car: After selecting a used car and completing the transaction, the seller must bring the registration certificate, driving license, and ID card; the buyer must bring their ID card to sign the agreement, and both parties must go to the local used car transfer hall to complete the transfer procedures. Fill out the transaction transfer form and issue the used car transaction invoice. When purchasing a used car, it is essential to check whether the engine number and chassis number match those stated in the documents. If they match, the relevant documents can be taken to the vehicle management office to select a license plate number. It should be noted that, except for new cars, used cars are not allowed to choose their own license plate numbers; the selection must be made through a random 60-choose-1 process. Additionally, after the license plate number is selected, it generally takes 1 to 2 months to collect the new license plate from the hall.

[HopeDella]

When buying a used car, re-registration is mandatory because the license plate does not transfer with the vehicle during the ownership change. You must personally visit the DMV to complete the procedures. I remember when I bought a used SUV before—first, I signed a transfer agreement with the original owner, then brought my ID, vehicle registration certificate, and transfer invoice to the DMV for an inspection. After the staff confirmed the car’s condition was acceptable, I could submit an application for a new license plate. The whole process was straightforward but took about half a day, with fees including administrative costs and the license plate fee, totaling a few hundred yuan. Don’t forget to update the insurance policy afterward—skipping this to save money or effort could lead to major hassles in future transactions or accidents. This isn’t just a legal requirement; it also safeguards your ownership rights, making it easier to recover the car if stolen. So don’t delay.

[JulietMarie]

Of course, you can re-register a used car, which is a fundamental step in any transaction. When I bought my car, the process was straightforward: first, complete the transfer documents with the seller, obtain the vehicle certificate, then queue at the DMV to submit the materials and have the car inspected. I quickly selected a new license plate. The whole process wasn’t as complicated as imagined—just a bit of time spent making a trip. Remember to book an appointment in advance to save time, and hiring a reliable intermediary can speed things up. Re-registering ensures you become the legal owner and avoids disputes, such as handling any outstanding violations from the previous owner before registration—this is crucial and shouldn’t be overlooked. In short, it’s an essential safety step after purchasing a car.

[SanKeira]

Buying a used car requires re-registration, no exceptions. The process involves completing the transfer of ownership, then going to the DMV to submit the required documents. After the vehicle passes inspection, you can collect the new license plates. The cost is low, and it can be done in a day or two, but don't overlook any documents.