Can Old License Plates Be Used on a New Car?

[McCassidy]

Yes, old license plates can be used on a new car. According to relevant laws and regulations, when the old vehicle's license plate has undergone motor vehicle transfer or deregistration, the old license plate can be used on a new car. Here are the conditions that must be met to use an old license plate on a new car: 1. The old license plate must have been used for more than three years. 2. The old license plate must be used within six months after the transfer or registration of the vehicle. 3. All traffic violation records of the old vehicle must be resolved. 4. The owner must be the same. 5. After the old license plate is deregistered, the traffic management department will retain the old license plate for the owner for six months. During this period, the owner can apply to the vehicle management office to continue using the old license plate. After the six-month period, the old license plate will automatically return to the database.

[Robinson]

I think it's possible to transfer old license plates to a new car, but it depends on the specific situation and local regulations. Based on my understanding of domestic policies in China, license plates are usually transferred with the vehicle. However, if you want to retain the old plates for a new car, the owner must meet certain conditions: the vehicle ownership must be yours, the plates must have been held for at least three years, and you must apply to the DMV to retain them when the old car is scrapped or sold. During the application process, you'll need to submit documents like your ID card and vehicle registration certificate. Once the new car is acquired, you can register the old plates during the registration process. The benefits include saving on new plate fees and keeping a familiar number as a memento. However, there's a common misconception: some people think they can simply remove the plates and attach them to the new car, which is illegal. If caught, you could face fines or points deducted. Therefore, it's best to contact the local DMV to confirm any policy changes before proceeding, ensuring you follow the rules step by step. The whole process isn't difficult—it just takes some time to complete the paperwork—but it's much safer.

[BriellaRose]

It's quite common to transfer old license plates to a new car in practice. I've helped friends with this process twice. First, confirm that the ownership of the old vehicle's license plate is under your name. If you've already sold or scrapped the old car, promptly visit the DMV to complete the plate retention procedure, bringing along your ID and vehicle documents. Once the application is approved, the plate will be reserved for a certain period. After purchasing your new car, return to the DMV to have the old plate reassigned. The entire process usually takes about a week if everything goes smoothly, but be mindful of regional policy variations – stricter requirements in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, while smaller towns may be more lenient. The benefits include saving a few hundred yuan on new plate fees and the comfort of using a visually appealing plate number. The downside is that if the plate has a history of violations or belongs to a special category, it might be rejected. Therefore, it's advisable to run a plate check before registering the new car to avoid complications.

[GabriellaMarie]

Transferring an old license plate to a new car is feasible, but not automatic. The first step is to apply to retain the original plate at the vehicle management office when disposing of the old car, such as scrapping or selling it. The procedure is simple: bring all required documents to complete the registration, and once the system approves, the plate is locked. After purchasing the new car, use the retention certificate during the license plate registration process to directly select the old number. This method saves both money and effort, but the time window is short, generally requiring completion within 3 months. Personally, I find it more practical than getting a brand-new license plate, especially if the plate contains auspicious numbers worth keeping. Note that different types of license plates have different handling methods. For example, the rules for transferring new energy vehicle plates are similar, while personalized plates are treated separately.

[LeLevi]

From a cost-saving perspective, keeping your old license plate for a new car is definitely worthwhile. I researched this when I changed cars myself—the savings aren't huge, but they add up to a few thousand yuan. The steps are: apply to retain the plate before disposing of your old vehicle, ensure you meet the requirements, and then attach it to your new car once you get it. The DMV usually charges a small handling fee, but it's much cheaper than buying a new plate. One detail to note: the plate must be in good standing, with no unpaid fines or pending cases, or the process will stall. Compared to a new plate, an old one may carry sentimental value, but the downside is that if it's too old or worn, it could affect usability. It's advisable to maintain your plate regularly to prevent rust.