Can a Used Car Use the Previous License Plate?

[OKeira]

Whether buying a new car or a used one, you can retain the original license plate as long as three conditions are met simultaneously. The specific conditions are as follows: Timely Application: Within one year after transferring or deregistering the old vehicle, the original license plate is reserved. As long as you apply to the vehicle management office to use the original plate during this period, it can be assigned to the newly purchased vehicle, whether new or used. After one year, the plate will be returned to the selection pool and made available to the public. A prerequisite is that the old vehicle must no longer be in your possession—either transferred to someone else or deregistered. Simply relocating the old vehicle to another region while it remains under your name does not qualify. Original Plate Used for Over One Year: Previously, a license plate had to be used for over three years to be retained, prompting many car owners to wait three years before changing vehicles to keep their plates. Now, retention can be applied for after just one year of use. All Matters Resolved: If there were any road violations or fines associated with the original vehicle, all penalties must be paid, and no unresolved traffic accidents can be pending. Only then can you apply to retain the original license plate number. Otherwise, ownership of the original plate will be forfeited, and it will be reclaimed by the vehicle management office.

[OJake]

When I sold my used car last year, I wanted to keep that special license plate because it was my lucky number. But during the transfer process, the DMV said the new owner couldn't use my old plate and had to get a new one. As the original owner, I could apply to reserve this plate number for one year to use on a new car I purchase. Just needed to fill out a form, which was quite convenient. As for the buyer, he received a new plate on the spot. Although the number changed, the process was quick—done in half an hour. I recommend discussing this matter before the transaction to avoid misunderstandings about additional fees. Overall, this rule prevents confusion in vehicle registration and gives a sense of a fresh start. Remember to bring the registration certificate and ID card, don't forget them.

[VonZane]

From a regulatory perspective, when transferring ownership of a used car, the new owner cannot directly use the original owner's license plate and must apply for a new one. This is a requirement of vehicle management regulations to ensure system clarity. The original owner has the right to retain the original license plate for one year to use on their new vehicle application. Having frequently handled such matters, I've found that both parties need to communicate clearly beforehand, otherwise the buyer might assume they can use the license plate directly. The transfer procedure is simple: bring the required documents to the DMV to fill out forms, and the original owner just needs to declare their intention to retain the plate number. This prevents misunderstandings and complies with safety standards. Conditions for retaining a license plate typically include the vehicle having been used for more than one year, among others.

[Carter]

When Xiao Ming bought my used car, he took a liking to the license plate number and wanted to keep using it. I told him it wasn't possible, as according to the rules, I had to retain it for my new car. In the end, he got a new plate. Although he wasn't happy about it, he accepted it. That time at the DMV took a while to complete the paperwork, and the staff explained that the original number could be retained but only by the original owner. Xiao Ming's new license plate turned out to be quite auspicious, and he adapted to it quickly. This experience taught me that in used car transactions, license plates can't be directly transferred, and buyers have to face reality and start fresh. The whole process was straightforward with just some simple document preparation.