Can I use my original license plate number when changing cars?
2 Answers
You can use your original license plate when changing cars. Below are the relevant details about using the original license plate number: 1. To apply for the use of the original license plate number, the following conditions must be met: (1) The application must be submitted within six months after completing the transfer or cancellation registration. (2) The vehicle owner must have owned the original vehicle for more than three years. (3) All traffic violations and accident records related to the original vehicle must be resolved. 2. Required documents: (1) "Motor Vehicle Transfer or Registration Application Form." (2) Original and photocopy of the owner's ID card. (3) Proof of vehicle purchase tax payment or tax exemption certificate, vehicle annual inspection certificate, and relevant documents submitted during vehicle registration. (4) Non-local residents must also bring a residence permit and proof of the vehicle's origin. (5) For imported vehicles, additional documents include import certificates, vehicle factory qualification certificate, and compulsory traffic insurance certificate.
As someone who often talks about cars with my family, it's completely possible to keep the original license plate when changing cars, and I've personally experienced this. When my new car arrived last year, I retained the license plate I had used for three years instead of getting a new one. The conditions are simple: the license plate must have been used for at least one year, and the owner cannot be changed. I went to the DMV in advance to complete the formalities, bringing my ID card and vehicle registration certificate, and the whole process took just half an hour. The benefits are significant: it saves the hassle of memorizing a new number, and I have an emotional attachment to the old plate—for example, the numbers are my birthday, so it follows me to the new car. It's also reassuring from a safety perspective, as my neighbors can easily recognize it as my car. One thing to note: if the license plate is involved in an accident or violation, it might not be allowed to be reused, so driving responsibly can save you trouble.
