Can Beijing Court-Auctioned Vehicle License Plates Be Transferred?
2 Answers
Vehicles can apply for transfer, but the license plate cannot be transferred. The license plate will be canceled when the vehicle is transferred. A new license plate will be issued to the transferee. If the vehicle owner has held the vehicle for more than 3 years, they can apply to retain the license plate for six months when transferring the vehicle. The "Beijing Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Driver Management Regulations" stipulate that no unit or individual is allowed to alter, forge, or fraudulently obtain motor vehicle license plates or any supporting documents required for applying for license plates. Here are the relevant details: License Plate Cancellation: When transferring a vehicle, the vehicle management office will cancel the original license plate and vehicle registration certificate and issue new ones to the transferee. License Plates Are Public Resources: Vehicle license plates are public resources and not the private property of the government. The true owners of license plates are the taxpayers and the general public. Public resources should not be auctioned without the consent of the public, excluding them from public decision-making and allowing the government to act unilaterally. Furthermore, the government should clearly disclose the use of proceeds from license plate auctions to ensure the funds are genuinely used for the benefit of the public.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience in Beijing, I've personally assisted a friend through the process of transferring a court-auctioned license plate. Yes, court-auctioned plates can be transferred, but you must absolutely ensure you possess a Beijing car purchase quota—this is non-negotiable. After winning the auction, the court will issue you an auction confirmation letter. Then, bring your ID, quota certificate, and vehicle inspection report directly to the DMV to complete the transfer. The entire process isn't overly complicated, but it may take several days, especially during peak periods when queues can be lengthy. Thoroughly checking the vehicle's condition beforehand is crucial to avoid purchasing a problematic car that could lead to future headaches. I also recommend consulting professionals about fee details. After successful transfer, don't forget to promptly update insurance and tax records. While court-auctioned vehicles are cheaper, never act impulsively—if the quota doesn't match, you risk losing both the plate and your investment. In short, prepare documents methodically, and the transfer will proceed smoothly.
