Can license plate numbers be changed?
3 Answers
Whether a license plate number can be changed depends on two scenarios: 1. After registration: The license plate number cannot be changed because current license plates are for life and cannot be bought or sold. The only method is to transfer the vehicle ownership, after which you can reapply for registration and choose a new number. 2. Before registration: If you have only selected a number online but not registered it, you can change the plate number. After selecting a number, the owner should submit the required documents to the vehicle management office within the specified time to apply for registration. If not processed within the designated time, the selected number will automatically become invalid and be returned to the pool of available numbers. Note that there are only three chances to change the number.
I've been thinking about changing my license plate number, feeling that my current one is too ordinary and lacks personality. Later, I found out that it's not something you can change at will. A license plate number is like a car's ID card—once issued, it's fixed and can't be altered casually. Only under special circumstances, such as if the plate is lost, damaged, or you sell the car to someone else, can you apply for a new number at the DMV. I remember helping a neighbor with this process, which involved filling out an application, bringing their ID, vehicle registration, and photos of the car, and possibly explaining the reason, such as theft or corrosion. The whole process is time-consuming and laborious. If you're lucky, you might get a new number randomly assigned, but there's no guarantee you'll get one you like. Many people choose auspicious numbers during the license plate lottery when buying a car, which is much more convenient. In short, unless there's a special reason, it's better not to bother with it in daily life to avoid unnecessary hassle.
I always pay attention to vehicle regulations, and there are clear restrictions on license plate changes. According to traffic management regulations, license plates serve as permanent identifiers for vehicles, used to track violations and accidents. Arbitrarily changing them would disrupt system management. However, the rules allow applying for a new number in cases of loss, damage, or vehicle transfer. To reapply, one must visit the vehicle management office, provide the owner's ID, vehicle registration certificate, and a written explanation. After review, a new number will be issued. In practice, I've seen a friend reapply due to a stolen plate—the new number may be randomly assigned and not self-selected, which helps prevent misuse. If you truly want to change your plate number, transferring ownership via buying/selling a vehicle is the simplest method, as the new owner can select a number from scratch. The key is to comply with the law and ensure safe driving without risks.
