Can License Plates Be Changed?
2 Answers
Whether license plates can be changed depends on the following situations: 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 solution is to transfer the vehicle ownership. After the transfer, you can reapply for registration, at which time you can choose a new number. 2. Before registration: If you have only selected a number online but have not registered it, you can change the license 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 the procedure is not completed within the designated time, the selected number will automatically become invalid and will be returned to the pool of available numbers. Note that there are only three opportunities to change the number.
I've also experienced the process of replacing a license plate, especially when I accidentally scraped the roadside guardrail while driving last time, causing severe bending of the plate and blurring the numbers. I immediately went to the local vehicle management office to apply for a replacement, bringing my ID card, vehicle license, and vehicle registration certificate. I filled out an application form, and the process went smoothly with clear guidance from the staff. The cost wasn't high—just about 50 yuan, plus a service fee totaling less than 100 yuan. The new plate was made and delivered to my home within about a week, and I felt much more at ease after installing it. If needed, you can also apply for a personalized license plate, such as choosing a meaningful combination of numbers, but it must comply with legal standards and can't be done arbitrarily. I also heard that if your license plate is lost, you must first file a police report and obtain proof before replacing it; otherwise, it might be considered a violation. Overall, replacing a license plate is quite convenient—it ensures safe driving and avoids trouble. I recommend that anyone in a similar situation not delay and handle it promptly.
