Can I apply for a license plate without owning a car?
2 Answers
No. You cannot apply for a license plate without purchasing a vehicle, as vehicle registration requires the submission of relevant vehicle documents and the inspection of the motor vehicle. Cars fall under the category of motor vehicles, and a license plate serves as the vehicle's identification. Without a vehicle, there is naturally no need for such identification. Overview of car license plates: According to national vehicle management regulations, license plates have a standardized format and design. They are issued by vehicle management authorities after reviewing, inspecting, and registering the vehicle that has applied for the plate. The plate is a hard, numbered tag with a unique registration code. Function of car license plates: Car license plates, along with the vehicle registration certificate, are the legal documents permitting a car to be driven on public roads.
As someone who frequently deals with car-related procedures, I've found that it's impossible to apply for a license plate without owning a vehicle. A license plate is like the ID card of a car and must be linked to specific vehicle information, such as the VIN or invoice. Government regulations require submitting the vehicle's registration certificate when applying for a license plate; otherwise, the DMV won't process the application. In cities like Beijing, even participating in the license plate lottery requires a vehicle purchase eligibility certificate first, rather than directly applying for a plate. Therefore, I recommend handling the license plate application simultaneously when purchasing a car to avoid repeated trips. Additionally, policies vary by region—large cities may have auction systems allowing early bidding for license plate quotas, but ultimately, you must purchase a car and register the plate within the stipulated time.
