Can a Vehicle Be Transferred with Its License Plate?

[Nigel]

Currently, the license plate of a vehicle being transferred is tied to the person and the vehicle, and cannot be transferred with the vehicle, nor can the license plate be transferred separately. According to Article 52 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations," when a motor vehicle undergoes a transfer registration, the license plate must be replaced. Below are the procedures required for the transfer: Documents the seller needs to prepare: 1. Original ID card of the seller. 2. Original vehicle registration certificate. 3. Original vehicle license. 4. The vehicle must be present. Documents the buyer needs to prepare: 1. Original ID card of the buyer. 2. For non-local residents, a valid temporary residence permit (receipt) or residence permit card is required to register the license plate.

[AlexFitz]

When transferring vehicle ownership, the license plate generally cannot be directly carried over. I've encountered this in several transactions. The license plate is bound to the original owner, and when the vehicle is transferred to someone else's name, the plate will be taken back. However, some places have more relaxed policies, like Beijing or Shanghai. If you apply to retain the old license plate, you can use it on a new vehicle within a certain period, which is much more convenient. It's best to check with the local vehicle management office before buying or selling to avoid unnecessary trips. License plate issues also affect subsequent registration and insurance. I recommend allowing enough time to handle these matters and not rushing to get everything done on the same day. The entire process takes at least one or two hours to fill out forms and pay fees, which is tedious but helps avoid unexpected troubles.

[JaceFitz]

When I bought a car, I also wondered if the license plate could stay with the car, but the answer is basically no. After the transfer, the license plate has to be re-registered, and the number changes completely, which can be quite disruptive to one's habits, especially for those who prefer the original plate's digits. Policies vary by region—for example, in big cities, you can keep the old plate, but you need to apply first. During the transaction, both parties must be present to ensure the process goes smoothly. License plate issues can also lead to other matters, such as updating vehicle records, which makes it easier to reference when buying insurance. Don’t find it troublesome—check the local vehicle management regulations before taking action to avoid mistakes and having to start over.

[VanCassandra]

Most of the time, the license plate cannot be transferred with the vehicle because it belongs to the original owner. Once the vehicle is transferred, the plate number becomes invalid. I've helped a friend with a similar situation and found that a new vehicle requires a brand-new license plate unless there are special policies, such as personalized plates that can be temporarily retained. The process isn't complicated—just visit the DMV to cancel the old plate and apply for a new one, which takes about half a day. Considering the license plate issue can also remind you to check other aspects of the vehicle, such as unpaid fees or traffic violations, to ensure a smooth transaction. It's best to make an appointment in advance to avoid long queues.