Can I use my original license plate when changing cars?
4 Answers
First, the license plate must belong to you. Previously, you could only retain the original plate when purchasing a new car. However, under the new license plate regulations, whether you buy a new car or a used one, you can retain the original plate as long as you meet three conditions. Here are the relevant details for retaining a license plate: 1. Timely application: Within one year after transferring or deregistering the old car, the original license plate is reserved for the owner. As long as you apply to the vehicle management office to use the original plate during this period, you can transfer it to the newly purchased car or used car. After one year, the plate will re-enter the selection pool and be publicly released. 2. The original plate must have been used for at least one year: Previously, plates had to be used for over three years to be retained, causing many owners to wait three years before changing cars to keep their plates. Now, you can apply for retention after just one year of use. 3. All violations and accidents involving the original car must be resolved: If there were any road violations or fines related to the original vehicle, all penalties must be paid, and no unresolved traffic accidents must remain before applying to retain the original license plate number.
I just upgraded my car and was really worried about whether I could keep my original license plate, since that number has been with me for over three years. Based on my experience, in most parts of China, you can retain your original license plate as long as you meet a few conditions: the original plate must have been used continuously for at least one year, without being canceled or having any traffic violations, and the new car must be registered under the same owner. The process is quite simple: first, apply for license plate retention eligibility at the local vehicle management office, bringing your ID card and vehicle registration certificate. After applying, you’ll usually get a six-month validity period, and when you buy the new car, just tell the dealership or license plate office that you want to use the old number. This saves you the hassle of selecting a new number and keeps a sentimental connection. The key is to double-check that the license plate is in good standing and avoid any misuse. Personally, I think this is a great policy—convenient and thoughtful.
From the perspective of automotive regulations, I see this matter quite clearly. The policy allows car owners to retain their original license plates when changing vehicles, provided that the plates have been used for the required period, typically at least one year, the owner's information remains consistent, and there are no outstanding penalties. Nowadays, many regions have simplified the process, such as enabling online applications to avoid unnecessary hassles. It's best to consult the local vehicle management office or official website in advance to confirm details and avoid overlooking minor changes. After getting a new car, simply complete the formalities directly—it won't affect road use and can save time and effort. I think people should make more use of this right, as the license plate is their own, and there's no need to start from scratch when changing cars.
When changing cars, I specifically kept my license plate because it has the numbers of my birth date. The first step is to check if the original plate meets the requirements: it must have been used for at least one year and have no issue records. Then, go to the DMV to apply for plate retention, bringing all necessary documents. When registering the new car, choose to use the original plate number. The whole process is not complicated and can be completed within two weeks. It's recommended to handle it as soon as you get the new car to avoid delays in the retention period.
