Can Car License Plates Be Transferred to Others?
3 Answers
Car license plates cannot be transferred to others. They can only be applied for use on a new vehicle by the original owner after the vehicle is transferred or scrapped. If you want to replace your car and continue using the original license plate, three conditions must be met according to regulations: 1. The original license plate must have been used for more than three years; 2. The application to continue using the original license plate must be submitted within six months after the transfer or cancellation of registration; 3. All traffic violations and accident-related issues involving the original vehicle must be resolved. License plates, commonly known as vehicle tags, refer to the plates hung on the front and rear of a vehicle. They are typically made of aluminum, sheet metal, plastic, or paper, and display the vehicle's registration number, registration region, and other relevant information.
I've dealt with similar situations before. Generally speaking, vehicle license plates cannot be directly transferred to others. According to national regulations, license plates are bound to specific vehicles and their owners, just like ID cards, and cannot be arbitrarily reassigned to someone else. If you want to transfer a car, the license plate will automatically follow the vehicle to the new owner, but transferring the plate alone is not allowed. In some places, especially major cities with purchase restrictions like Beijing and Shanghai, where license plates are obtained through auctions, the transfer process can be even more complicated. It usually requires meeting specific conditions, such as inheritance or relocation under special circumstances. A friend of mine tried to transfer a plate once and found out that it must go through the proper procedures at the vehicle management office, with eligibility reviews, otherwise it would violate regulations. Remember, unauthorized transfers can easily lead to legal trouble and possible fines, so it's best to consult your local transportation department first and follow the proper procedures based on your situation. License plate management is quite complex and involves security factors, so never ignore the rules for convenience.
Oh, this is something I can relate to. I remember last year my uncle wanted to transfer his old car's license plate to his son, only to find out it wasn't allowed at all. License plates, you see, are like the exclusive property of the vehicle—they can only go with the car. If you sell your car to a friend, the license plate will automatically transfer, but transferring it separately isn't possible. Some big cities even have purchase restrictions—like in Shanghai, where bidding for a license plate can be so expensive, and transferring one requires official approval, such as between spouses or through inheritance. I suggest you first check the local policies and not act on rumors. If the paperwork isn’t complete, you could face a lot of trouble later—maybe even end up with a car you can’t drive and have to deal with the DMV. In short, transferring a license plate isn’t a small matter—it involves driving records and safety, so it’s best to take it step by step. Next time you’re getting your car serviced, ask at the DMV station—it’ll save you time and hassle.
