Can I change my car's license plate in a different location?
2 Answers
You can change your car's license plate in a different location. The following is the procedure for changing the license plate in a different location: Handling the change procedures at the original vehicle management office: Go to the vehicle management office where the car's license plate was originally registered to handle the change procedures. (Note: The vehicle used by the owner must meet the National IV emission standard). Required materials for the procedure: the original ID card of the vehicle owner; the vehicle license, registration certificate, and the vehicle itself. Transferring the vehicle records to the new location: After completing the change procedures at the original vehicle management office, transfer the vehicle records to the vehicle management office in the new location. Required materials for the procedure: the original ID card of the vehicle owner, the vehicle records, and the vehicle itself.
I previously wanted to change my license plate in another city but found it wasn’t straightforward. The vehicle must be processed at the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) in its original registration location because the license plate is tied to that city’s management system. If you move or live elsewhere long-term and want to change your plate, you’ll first need to complete a transfer procedure: for example, cancel the original plate number, then apply for a new one at the DMV in the new city, bringing your vehicle registration, ID card, and compulsory insurance documents. This process may take a few days, so it’s advisable to check the local DMV’s requirements in advance to avoid wasted trips. Some places allow family members to handle it on your behalf with a notarized authorization letter. From my experience, changing plates is quite convenient—just avoid peak hours to skip long queues. Make sure your vehicle has no unpaid fines or disputes, or the process could get stuck. Overall, changing plates across cities is doable, but you must follow the official procedures—don’t cut corners by using shady agents.
