Can a Used Car Get New License Plates?
2 Answers
If there are no license plate restrictions, the vehicle management office will directly invalidate the old license plates and issue new ones during the transfer of ownership for a used car. The process for obtaining new license plates for a used car: 1. Complete the transfer procedures: After finalizing the transaction, select the used car for purchase, sign the used car transaction agreement and transfer agreement, complete the transfer procedures, and pay the relevant fees. 2. Vehicle inspection: Check the engine number and chassis number of the vehicle to ensure they match the details in the documents. 3. Random license plate selection: Used cars are not allowed to choose personalized license plates; new plates must be determined through random selection. 4. Collect the new plates: When collecting the new plates, the old plates must be surrendered, so it is essential to discuss this with the original owner and note the deadline set by the vehicle management office. 5. Obtain the vehicle registration certificate: After selecting the license plate number, the owner must visit the vehicle management office to take two photos of the vehicle (front and back), register the relevant information, and complete the filing process.
Last time I bought a used car, I could drive directly to the DMV to get new plates, and the whole process went smoothly. As long as the original owner cooperates with the transfer, brings the green vehicle registration certificate and both parties' ID cards, removes the old license plates and submits them to the counter, you can choose new plates on the spot. Remember to ask the seller to settle any traffic fines in advance, otherwise getting stuck at the final step is really frustrating. License plates don’t follow the car, so the new owner can certainly change them. Nowadays, you can even customize plates with birthdays or anniversaries via apps—my colleague got a combination of his wife’s initials and their anniversary. However, make sure to check the emission standards; some cities don’t allow older National III vehicles to get new plates.