Can a used car be transferred with its license plate?
2 Answers
Used cars cannot be transferred with their license plates because license plates are not transferable. Below is relevant information about vehicle transfer: 1. Legal basis: According to Article 52 of the "Regulations on the Registration of Motor Vehicles", when the original owner of a motor vehicle applies for the registration of a newly purchased motor vehicle after the transfer or cancellation of the motor vehicle registration, they may apply to the vehicle management office to use the original motor vehicle license plate number. 2. Transfer time limit: When the ownership of the vehicle is transferred, the license plate will be canceled. If the owner has owned the vehicle for more than 3 years, the license plate can be retained for 6 months when the ownership is transferred. When the ownership of a registered motor vehicle is transferred, the current owner of the motor vehicle shall apply for the transfer registration to the vehicle management office at the place of registration within 30 days from the date of delivery of the motor vehicle.
I previously bought a used car and found out during the transfer process that the license plate couldn't be directly carried over. The law stipulates that the vehicle and license plate are registered separately. Transferring ownership means the vehicle changes hands, but the license plate belongs to the new owner. You have to apply for a new license plate at the DMV, and the old owner's plate will be deactivated. I've heard that in cities with purchase restrictions like Beijing and Shanghai, the policies are even stricter. The license plate quota can't be freely transferred and requires a lottery to obtain. During my own process, it was quite troublesome. First, I had to get the vehicle inspected to confirm the engine and chassis numbers were correct, then sign the contract and complete the paperwork. The whole process took several days, and I only felt at ease after receiving the new plate. Never attempt private transactions thinking you can keep the plate—police checks could result in fines or even impounding the car. So, I recommend checking the local DMV website for details before proceeding with the transfer.
