Can license plates under one's own name be swapped?

[Chad]

For non-commercial vehicles registered under the same owner (individual or organization) at the same registration location with the same type of license plate, an application can be made to swap the license plate numbers between vehicles. The same vehicle can change its license plate number once within a year. A license plate number is an identifier for a vehicle, consisting of Chinese characters, English letters, and numbers, and is issued by the vehicle management office. The Ministry of Public Security introduced the "Motor Vehicle License Plate Number Swap" measure several years ago to facilitate public selection of license plate numbers. Only vehicles registered under the same owner at the same location with the same type of license plate can swap numbers, known as the "three sames and one non-commercial" rule. For non-commercial vehicles registered under the same owner (individual or organization) at the same registration location with the same type of license plate, an application can be made to swap the license plate numbers between vehicles. The same vehicle can change its license plate number once within a year. It is important to note that to use the original license plate number, all traffic violations and accident liabilities related to the original vehicle must be resolved, and the vehicle must have a valid safety inspection and compulsory traffic insurance. Materials required for the application include: The original identity proof of the vehicle owner; Vehicle registration certificate (if not previously issued, apply for it first); "Motor Vehicle License and Certificate Application Form" (printed at the service window), signed by the authorized person for organizational vehicles or the owner for personal vehicles; If applying through an agent, submit the agent's original identity proof and a written authorization from the vehicle owner, with the agent signing the "Motor Vehicle License and Certificate Application Form"; One compliant vehicle photo for each vehicle (free on-site photography available); The original license plates of both vehicles.

[Hazel]

I was also curious before about whether I could swap license plates between my own vehicles, and it turns out you can, but there are rules to follow. All vehicles must be registered under your name and be of the same type, such as both being private passenger cars—you can't mix electric and fuel-powered vehicles. You'll need to apply at the local vehicle management office, bringing your ID card, vehicle registration certificate, and other required documents. Fill out the swap application form and pay a fee of around a hundred yuan. The process isn't complicated, and after a few days, the plates will be successfully swapped. Why would someone want to do this? Some people prefer to keep an old license plate for luck, or they don't want to lose a cherished plate when selling a car. Just remember to check the vehicle's status before swapping—if there are any outstanding violations or if the vehicle hasn't passed its annual inspection, the swap won't be possible. It's best to call the vehicle management office in advance to confirm specific requirements to avoid a wasted trip.

[LeAshlyn]

I remember when I first bought my car, I wanted to swap license plates with my girlfriend for fun, but only after checking the policy did I realize it was feasible. The key point is that the vehicles under your name must be registered in the same location, for example, both must be Beijing plates or Jiangsu plates—cross-province operations are not allowed. The steps are simple: schedule an appointment at the DMV, bring both vehicles' documents, pay a fee of around tens to a hundred yuan, and fill out an application. Wait two or three days, and once officially confirmed, it's done. Interestingly, after swapping, the license plate numbers will be updated on each vehicle's registration certificate, with no impact on insurance or annual inspections. It's advisable to do it early to avoid policy changes. By the way, now new energy plates and fuel vehicle plates cannot be swapped anymore, as this is to protect environmental policies.

[DeEmilio]

I've done a license plate swap before, and it only costs a small amount of money to get it done. First, make sure both vehicles are registered under your name and are of the same type. Then, submit an application at the DMV. The fee is usually around a hundred yuan, and don't forget to bring your documents. The advantage is that you can keep your favorite number, but remember that license plate numbers cannot be freely transferred—they can only be swapped.

[VonJuliana]

As a car owner, I tried it once to retain the old license plate and swap it with the new car. The whole process went smoothly. First, I made an online appointment, then spent half a day queuing at the vehicle management office. With all the materials ready, it was done successfully. The cost wasn't high, just over a hundred yuan, but it took two or three days to wait for the review. It's best to go on a weekday to avoid crowds, and also to check that the vehicle has no disputes. After the swap, the vehicle management system updates quickly, so it doesn't affect daily driving.

[VanKeira]

I find license plate swapping practical as it saves money and hassle. The procedure: Ensure both vehicles under your name comply with regulations before visiting the DMV. The application process is straightforward and quick, costing around a hundred yuan with no additional expenses afterward. The benefit is convenient personal asset management, but don't expect to resell swapped plates as it's not legally supported.