Can license plates be transferred to someone else's name?
3 Answers
License plates cannot be transferred to someone else's name. According to Article 12 of the Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations: When the vehicle management office handles the modification registration of a motor vehicle, if the motor vehicle license plate number needs to be changed, the license plate and the vehicle license will be recovered, a new motor vehicle license plate number will be determined, and the license plate, vehicle license, and inspection qualification mark will be reissued. If the domicile of the motor vehicle owner moves out of the jurisdiction area of the vehicle management office, the vehicle management office shall, within three days from the date of acceptance, note the modification matters on the motor vehicle registration certificate, recover the license plate and vehicle license, issue a temporary vehicle license plate valid for thirty days, and hand over the motor vehicle file to the motor vehicle owner.
I remember when I sold my old car last year, the license plate could indeed be transferred to the new buyer along with the vehicle, but the whole process couldn’t be taken lightly. The transfer must be done at the DMV, bringing both parties' ID cards, the vehicle registration certificate, and the insurance policy. After the vehicle inspection and fee payment, the license plate is automatically transferred to the new owner. However, the license plate itself cannot be sold separately; it must be bound to the car, like a fixed accessory. Some friends thought they could privately trade special numbers, but that’s illegal, and if caught, they could face fines or even have the plate revoked. Before selling the car, it’s advisable to call the local DMV to ask about the details to avoid any mishaps. The rules are being simplified now, but safety comes first—don’t forget to keep the transfer documents just in case.
As someone who frequently assists with vehicle sales, I can share some insights: License plates can indeed be transferred to another person's name, but only if you sell the entire vehicle. During the transfer, the license plate naturally goes with the car, and the new owner updates the plate records at the DMV after completing the procedures. However, buying or selling license plates separately is not allowed—it's against regulations. The process is straightforward: both parties prepare their documents, schedule a vehicle inspection, pay the required taxes and fees, and it’s done in about ten minutes. In a few cities, license plate numbers can be applied for retention, but they must still be linked to a new vehicle. Buyers should be cautious and not take the seller’s verbal promises at face value—official documents are the most reliable.
