Can I use my original license plate when changing cars?
3 Answers
It is possible to use the original license plate when changing cars. The vehicle owner can apply to the vehicle management office to retain the original license plate number. As long as the conditions for continued use of the license plate are met, the owner can submit an application to use the original license plate number when registering the new car at the vehicle management office. After approval, the original license plate number can continue to be used. The conditions for applying to use the original license plate are as follows: 1. The owner must have owned the original license plate number for at least 3 years; 2. The transfer registration must be completed within half a year after obtaining the updated indicator; 3. If the original car has any outstanding fines, violations, or unresolved traffic accidents, all of these must be fully settled. Note: After submitting the application and retaining the original license plate number, the owner must also go to the traffic management department to replace the license plate with a new one, regardless of whether the original plate is damaged or worn.
I used to keep my old license plate when changing cars, which was quite convenient. The key is to meet several conditions: the owner must remain the same, the license plate must have been used for over a year, and the old car must be deregistered and transferred. The entire process is handled at the DMV. Just bring your ID card, vehicle license, and vehicle registration certificate to apply for plate retention. That’s what I did last year when I changed cars—it saved me the hassle and time of selecting a new plate, plus the old plate holds sentimental value, like the number that followed me for ten years feels familiar. However, note that the application must be filed within a certain period after disposing of the old car, and policies may vary by region, so it’s best to check with the local DMV in advance. Also, if the old car was scrapped or involved in an accident, the process might be more complicated, but overall, it’s not difficult and can be done in half a day—both economical and hassle-free.
I've personally experienced the process of keeping my original license plate when changing cars, and it's actually quite simple. First, the vehicles must be registered under the same owner's name, and the license plate must have been continuously used for at least one year. When deregistering or selling your old car, you need to apply for plate retention at the DMV. I brought my documents, and the staff helped me register it. When licensing the new car, I directly used my old plate number. I find this particularly useful, especially for meaningful number plates like my son's birth year plate that I couldn't bear to change. The entire process took less than a week with low fees, though there might be some queuing. A reminder: go through this procedure as soon as you get your new car to avoid expiration. Also, make sure all old vehicle procedures are cleared with no outstanding fees or violations that might affect the application. All in all, it's a handy trick to make car transition smoother.
