Can I Use My Old License Plate on a New Car?
4 Answers
You can use your old license plate on a new car, but there are specific conditions: 1. The license plate must belong to the same owner, meaning both vehicles must be registered under the same person; 2. The registration location must be the same, for example, a plate from Shandong (Lu Q) can only be replaced with another Shandong (Lu Q) plate; 3. The type of license plate must be the same—yellow plates can only be replaced with yellow plates, blue plates with blue plates, and green plates with green plates; 4. The vehicle must be non-commercial; 5. If you have already swapped plates, you must wait one year before applying for another swap or retaining the original plate number. If all these conditions are met, you can use your old license plate on your new car.
When I just bought a new car, I also wondered if I could use the license plate from my old car. Generally, it's not possible because the license plate is tied to the old vehicle, and the new car must be registered with a new plate. However, if you sell or scrap the old car, you can apply to retain the original license plate. The conditions include: the license plate must have been under your name for at least one year, with no major accidents or violations, and then you need to go through the procedures at the vehicle management office to apply for retention. Last year, I went through this process once, and it went smoothly. It took some time and involved paying fees, but being able to continue using a familiar number felt worth it. I recommend checking the details at the vehicle management office before buying a car, and bringing your ID and old car documents to save time, so it doesn’t delay getting your new car on the road. Additionally, retaining the license plate can save money, avoiding the hassle of drawing a new number.
From what I understand, new vehicles cannot directly use old license plates. License plates are tied to the vehicle, so a new car requires a new registration and new plates. However, if the old vehicle is deregistered or transferred, you can retain the original license plate number for the new car, provided that the plate has been held for over a year and there are no records of serious traffic violations. To do this, you need to apply at the vehicle management office, bringing relevant documents such as proof of ownership and the vehicle deregistration certificate, and wait for approval. This not only facilitates personalized use but also reduces cumbersome procedures. It's advisable to contact your local vehicle management office to check specific regulations, as some areas may have different requirements regarding the duration of plate ownership. Do not attempt this without proper guidance to avoid fines for non-compliance. Considering this when changing cars can enhance your overall vehicle experience.
I've been driving for decades, so I know about license plates. New cars can't use old plates; plates are exclusive. However, if your old car is scrapped, you can apply to retain the plate number if it meets conditions like being used for over a year. Go to the DMV and ask as soon as possible to save trouble. Remember to bring all required documents, and drive safely first.
