Can a used car get a new license plate?
4 Answers
Used cars can get new license plates. Here are the extended details: 1. After selling the old car, the original owner can apply to retain and continue using the original license plate without participating in the lottery, directly applying for a renewal indicator. 2. Within six months of obtaining the renewal indicator, the original owner must submit an application to use the original license plate number when registering a newly purchased motor vehicle with the vehicle management office; otherwise, it will expire and become invalid. 3. To apply for license plate retention, three conditions must be met simultaneously. First, the vehicle owner must have owned the original vehicle for more than three years. Second, the application must be submitted within six months after completing the transfer or cancellation registration. Third, all traffic violations and accidents related to the original vehicle must be resolved.
I recently helped a relative with the transfer of a used car. Of course, a used car can get a new license plate. The process is actually quite simple: after purchasing the car, bring the owner's ID, vehicle registration certificate, and transaction invoice to the DMV to complete the transfer registration. During the number selection process, you can choose a new number on the spot by giving up the original plate, or pre-select a number on the 12123 traffic management app. However, it's important to note that the new plate can only be registered under the owner's name, and all traffic violations and annual inspections must be cleared, with emissions meeting local standards. Last time, I encountered a case where a buyer purchased a National V standard car and wanted to transfer it to a city that only allows National VI standards, but the DMV refused to issue the plate, resulting in a wasted trip.
I consider myself quite an experienced veteran when it comes to cars, having handled at least several dozen used vehicles. When purchasing a used car, you can absolutely apply for new license plates instead of keeping the old ones. However, there are a few key points to note: If the previous owner has an ETC device registered, make sure they cancel the registration first—some owners forget this step, resulting in the new plates being unable to register for ETC. Additionally, always double-check that the VIN and engine number match. I once saw a used car dealer try to pass off a salvaged vehicle, only to get caught during the inspection. If you want to save time and hassle, you can hire a professional agent for a few hundred yuan to handle the paperwork, saving you from long queues and potential missing documents.
Last week, I accompanied my neighbor to the DMV to register his newly purchased second-hand Fit, and the whole process took less than two hours. Used cars can absolutely get brand-new license plates—I personally watched him roll a number with '666' from the plate selection machine. However, regulations vary by region; for example, cities like Beijing with lottery systems are more troublesome. Key documents must not be forgotten: the green vehicle registration book, the transfer form signed by the original owner, and a copy of the compulsory insurance policy are all essential. I recommend going early to queue, preferably on a weekday afternoon, avoiding the rush periods at the beginning or end of the month. Don’t leave in a hurry while waiting for the new plate to be made—if the staff forget to give you a temporary plate, you won’t even be able to enter your neighborhood.
