Can I Keep My License Plate When Changing Cars?
2 Answers
Can I Keep My License Plate When Changing Cars? Yes, you can keep your license plate when changing cars. Here are the specific conditions for retaining your original license plate: Ownership for over one year: If the vehicle has been used for more than one year, you can retain the original license plate, and the retention period can last up to 1 year. Transfer, cancellation, or relocation: You can keep the original license plate if the vehicle is transferred, canceled, or relocated. Purchasing a vehicle: You can apply to retain the license plate whether you buy a used car or a new one. Handling traffic violations: All traffic violation records of the original vehicle must be resolved. Below is extended information on the process for retaining the original license plate: Transfer procedure: First, go to the vehicle management office to complete the transfer, cancellation, or relocation of the original vehicle. During the transfer, request to retain the license plate and surrender the old one. Submit an application: When scheduling an appointment at the vehicle management office for license plate registration, simply submit an application to continue using the original license plate.
As a driver who frequently changes cars, I can share my experience of changing vehicles multiple times: it is indeed possible to keep the original license plate number when changing cars, provided that the plate has been used continuously for more than one year and the owner remains the same. Last time I changed my car, I first sold the old car with all the necessary paperwork, then went to the DMV with the relevant documents to fill out an application form. I only paid a handling fee of about 300 yuan, and within a few days, I successfully transferred the old plate to the new car. The advantage is that the license plate number has been used for so long that it's easy to remember, making parking or when friends need to find your car much more convenient. There's also an emotional factor—the license plate is like a tag from an old friend, and changing to a new car doesn't affect that sense of familiarity. The whole process is simple and quick. I recommend handling any traffic violations of the old car in advance to avoid any unexpected delays.
