Can I Still Use My License Plate After Selling the Car?
2 Answers
After selling the car, the license plate can be retained. When applying for the registration of a newly purchased motor vehicle after the transfer or cancellation of the original motor vehicle's registration, the original owner can apply to the vehicle management office to use the original license plate number. Below is relevant information: Documents: According to Article 19 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations," when applying for a transfer registration, the current owner of the motor vehicle must fill out an application form, present the motor vehicle for inspection, and submit the following documents and proofs: the identity proof of the current motor vehicle owner; proof and documents of the motor vehicle ownership transfer; the motor vehicle registration certificate; and the motor vehicle license. Vehicle Modification: When the vehicle management office processes a motor vehicle modification registration, it is necessary to change the motor vehicle license plate number, retrieve the original plate and license, determine a new motor vehicle license plate number, and reissue the plate, license, and inspection compliance mark.
As someone who frequently helps friends with used car transactions, I can tell you whether license plates can be reused after selling a car. According to traffic regulations in most regions, license plates are tied to specific vehicles and cannot be directly transferred to others. However, as the original owner, you can apply to the vehicle management office to retain the plate for a newly purchased car, typically within six months after selling the vehicle. The process isn't too complicated—just bring your ID, vehicle registration certificate, and proof of sale to complete the procedure, pay a small fee, and you can transfer the original plate to your new car. This is especially useful if you have a special or sentimental license plate, avoiding the need to go through the lottery process again. However, remember to check local policies first, as rules vary by province/city—some have shorter time limits or stricter conditions. Neglecting this could lead to plate revocation, causing inconvenience. It's advisable to plan ahead before selling your car to save time and effort.
