Can License Plates Be Transferred?

[SanJayce]

License plates cannot be transferred. At most, you can only apply to use the original license plate number on a new car after transferring ownership or scrapping the vehicle. Nominally transferring a license plate actually means the plate and vehicle registration are 'bound' together as one. By transferring the property rights of the vehicle, the vehicle's information is changed and registered under the new owner's name, achieving the purpose of transferring the license plate. If you want to switch to a new car and continue using the original license plate, you need to meet the following three conditions: 1. Three years or more: The original license plate has been used for three years or more; 2. Within six months: The application to continue using the original license plate must be made within six months after completing the transfer or cancellation of registration; 3. No violations: All traffic violations and accident-related issues involving the original vehicle must be resolved.

[AlejandroAnn]

Hey, I've looked into the issue of whether license plates can be transferred. In most places, like China or the U.S., license plates aren't something you can freely transfer because they're usually tied to the vehicle or the driver's name. For example, in China, many major cities have a lottery policy for license plates—the plate stays with the car and can't be separately transferred to someone else. If you sell the car, the plate must either be de-registered or retained for the new owner for a certain period. In some U.S. states, you might be allowed to transfer your old plate to a new car when you move, but it requires processing through the DMV—no private transactions allowed. Personally, I think these rules are quite reasonable as they prevent illegal activities like plate cloning. If you really want to change your license plate, it's best to directly ask your local DMV about the specific procedures—don't trust online ads selling plates lightly.

[SimonFitz]

From a legal perspective, the issue of license plate transfer involves laws and regulations, with the core principle being that plates cannot be arbitrarily transferred to prevent misuse. In China, license plates are government property and are attached to vehicle registration, so individuals do not have the right to privately transfer them. Exceptions, such as vehicle auctions or inheritance, may allow license plates to be transferred with the vehicle, but this requires official approval. In the United States, rules vary by state. For example, California may allow old plates to be transferred to a new vehicle, but this requires payment of fees and compliance with emission standards. Operating outside these regulations carries significant risks, such as liability in accidents if plates are misused. Therefore, I recommend consulting official vehicle management authorities for any changes to ensure legality and avoid legal disputes. This also protects you from fines or fraud issues.

[Ellis]

Once, I helped a friend with a car sale. He wanted to transfer the license plate to the new buyer to avoid the hassle of changing numbers, but it turned out to be impossible. After asking around, I learned that in most regions, license plates are fixed allocations and can't be directly transferred. When selling a car, the license plate is either canceled or can be retained for a while upon application. Later, I found out that in some places like Beijing, license plate quotas are limited, and transfers are strictly restricted. Although it's a bit troublesome, this system prevents license plate abuse, such as fraudulent insurance claims using duplicate plates. If you encounter a similar situation, prioritize contacting the DMV instead of wasting time on futile efforts.