Can License Plates Be Reissued in Another Location?

[MacAubree]

License plates cannot be reissued in another location; they can only be reissued at the vehicle management office of the registration location. A license plate number consists of 7 characters: the first character is the abbreviation of the province or municipality, the second character is the abbreviation of the provincial-level city, and the third to seventh characters are a combination of numbers and letters. Functions of license plate numbers: 1. To number and register information for each vehicle; 2. To identify the region to which the vehicle belongs; 3. To trace the owner and registration details of the vehicle based on the license plate. Types of license plate numbers: 1. White plates represent military or police vehicles; 2. Blue plates represent ordinary small vehicles with fewer than 7 seats; 3. Yellow plates represent ordinary large vehicles; 4. Black plates represent foreign investors in China.

[LeEmmanuel]

I once drove a long distance and unfortunately lost my license plate, which left me in a panic. Most of the time, you can't replace your license plate in another city; you have to go back to the vehicle registration office in your registered location because the system records are stored there. However, you can authorize a relative or friend to handle it for you. Prepare copies of your ID card, vehicle registration certificate, and other necessary documents, mail them to your proxy, and let them make the trip to get it done. Last year, I had my younger brother help me with this, and it was quite hassle-free. Remember, never drive without a license plate—you could get a ticket from the traffic police or even have your vehicle impounded. I recommend first calling 122 to report the loss and get a proof of report for backup, then check with the vehicle registration office to see if they have an express lane or online appointment system to avoid a wasted trip. Regularly maintain your license plate, ensuring it's securely fixed in place to prevent accidental loosening or theft.

[Kendall]

I've been driving for two years and often research these vehicle management topics. Typically, replacing license plates in another city requires returning to your local jurisdiction, but some DMVs now offer cross-region services—especially in first- and second-tier cities where official apps allow online appointments with document uploads for review. It depends on factors like your vehicle’s registration location and whether your current address is within a connected system. Last time I helped a friend inquire, the DMV required the original vehicle registration certificate and a signed authorization letter—simple but time-consuming. If returning isn’t feasible, consider temporary plate rentals or DMV agency services, usually costing around a few dozen dollars. Don’t delay too long—driving without plates is high-risk and invites trouble. Handle it promptly for safe travels.

[VeraAnn]

It's not very convenient to replace a license plate in another location. You mainly need to go back to the vehicle registration office where the car is registered, as the data cannot be shared remotely. Remember to bring all the required documents, such as a copy of your ID card and the police report for the lost license plate. If you can't go back, quickly authorize a relative or friend to handle it for you to avoid accidents or fines from driving without a license plate, protecting your own and others' safety. Regularly checking if the license plate is secure is crucial.