Can I Keep My License Plate When Changing Cars?
2 Answers
You can keep your license plate when changing cars, but the following conditions must be met: 1. The license plate application must be submitted within six months after the original vehicle is transferred or deregistered. Even one day beyond this period is not allowed, and these six months include holidays. 2. The original license plate must have been used for at least three years. 3. There must be no traffic violations or unresolved accidents associated with the original license plate. 4. Only the original owner (individual or organization) can apply to retain the original license plate; it cannot be transferred to another person. Additional information: 1. License plate policy: There are clear regulations regarding license plate policies. While vehicles can be bought and sold, the license plate belongs to the owner and cannot be transferred. This means the original license plate can only be used by the original owner (individual or organization) and cannot be transferred to others, not even between family members like father and son. 2. Restrictions on 'one person, multiple cars': In some regions, such as Shenzhen and Hangzhou, there are restrictions on 'one person, multiple cars.' If an individual owns more than two cars, only one can retain the original license plate when changing cars. Moreover, only local residents or non-local residents who have paid social insurance for at least two years can retain the original license plate.
I recently got a new car and kept the classic license plate number from my old one. According to regulations, you must have used the plate for at least three years to retain it. I first checked the local DMV requirements online, prepared my ID card, vehicle license, and vehicle registration certificate, then went straight to the counter to fill out the transfer application form. The process was smooth—I paid around a hundred yuan in fees, and within a day or two, the new plate was installed. This saved me the hassle of adapting to a new number and even cut some registration costs. That plate number has been with me for years, and I’ve grown attached to it—I really didn’t want to give it up when changing cars. I highly recommend everyone take advantage of this policy.
