Can a Used Car Get New License Plates?

[McMichael]

A used car can either get new license plates or retain the old ones. To obtain new plates, simply request a new number selection during the used car registration process. To retain the old plates, the following three conditions specified in Article 52 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations" must be met: The original owner must have owned the vehicle for at least three years; The application must be submitted within six months after the transfer or cancellation of registration; All traffic violations and accidents related to the original vehicle must be resolved. Documents required by the seller for used car transfer: Original and photocopy of the vehicle owner's ID (for corporate ownership, the original and photocopy of the business license are required); Proof of ownership transfer, such as a purchase or gift contract signed by both parties; Vehicle registration certificate; Vehicle license; Original and photocopy of the original purchase invoice or the last transfer receipt; Proof of paid vehicle purchase tax. Documents required by the buyer: Original and photocopy of ID (for corporate ownership, the original and photocopy of the business license are required); In restricted purchase areas, the original and photocopy of the personal passenger car quota certificate are also required; For non-local residents registering a local plate, the original and photocopy of a valid residence permit are also needed.

[HarmonyRose]

I just bought a used car and have been thinking about changing the license plate. The fact is, it's entirely possible. The key is to go to the DMV to complete the procedures, bringing along your ID card, vehicle registration certificate, and purchase invoice. The staff will inspect the car to ensure there are no violations. Then, you'll need to pay a fee of around 300 yuan. The most interesting part is selecting the new plate number—you can either have the computer generate one randomly or customize your own. I chose a catchy number, and the whole process went smoothly, taking only half a day. After changing the plate, the vehicle registration is automatically updated, and the insurance policy needs to be adjusted accordingly. Rules vary slightly between cities; some places have restrictions on plate numbers, and choosing a fancy number may cost extra. But overall, it's simple and convenient. A reminder for beginners: update your ETC device promptly after changing the plate to avoid issues on highways. It feels like giving your car a fresh new look—definitely worth a try!

[LucasMarie]

As someone who has handled used car transactions, I can say that changing license plates when buying a used car is a common practice. The key point is that during the transfer process, the new owner has the right to request a plate change. The procedure is straightforward: first, visit the local DMV to fill out an application form, providing the vehicle registration certificate, ID card, and proof of purchase. A vehicle inspection is essential to ensure there is no damage to the car. The cost typically ranges from 200 to 500 yuan, covering processing and license plate fees. There may be restrictions when choosing a new plate number—in big cities, self-selection is often prioritized. The entire process is efficient and can be completed within half a day. After the plate change, the old license plate becomes invalid, and the new owner must keep the receipt for future reference. Updating insurance is crucial and should not be overlooked. I’ve seen cases where owners forgot to notify their insurers, leading to delays in claims. So, before proceeding, check local policies to save time and hassle.

[VonLily]

From a regulatory perspective, the replacement of license plates for used cars is permitted based on the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations." The vehicle owner can apply for a license plate change by submitting required documents including ID card, vehicle license, and proof of vehicle ownership to the local vehicle management office. After the vehicle inspection confirms no violations, a fee of approximately 200 yuan is charged. A new license plate number is randomly assigned by the system, and the old plate is reclaimed. Implementation details may vary across different provinces and cities. For example, Beijing requires online appointments to avoid peak hours, with generally fast processing that allows same-day collection. However, it's important to note that any outstanding traffic violations may delay the process. It is recommended to clear all violation records and ensure all documents are complete before proceeding.