Can the license plate be continued to be used after changing cars?
2 Answers
First of all, the license plate must belong to you. In the past, the original license plate could only be retained when replacing a new car. However, after the implementation of the new license plate regulations, whether you buy a new car or a used car, you can retain the original license plate as long as you meet three conditions at the same time. The following is the relevant introduction to retaining the license plate: 1. Apply in time: Within one year after transferring the old car to someone else or canceling it, the original license plate is reserved for the owner. As long as you apply to the vehicle management office to use the original license plate during this period, you can put the original license plate on the purchased new car or used car. After more than one year, the license plate will re-enter the selection pool and be released to the public. 2. The original license plate must be used for more than one year: In the past, the license plate had to be used for more than three years to be retained. Many car owners who wanted to change cars waited for three years to change cars in order to retain the license plate. Now, as long as it has been used for more than one year, you can apply to retain it. 3. The violations and accidents of the original car must be settled: If you have had road violations or fines when driving the original motor vehicle before, you must pay the fines and have no outstanding traffic accidents before you can apply to continue to retain the original license plate number.
Can I keep my old license plate after changing cars? I've personally experienced this. Last year, I bought a new car and wanted to keep the old license plate number because it had been used for several years, and family and friends were familiar with it. First, certain conditions must be met: the old license plate must have been used on the original car for at least one year, with no traffic violations or unpaid fees. Then, I applied to retain it at the local DMV. The process wasn't too complicated—just fill out an application form, bring my ID and documents for both the old and new vehicles, and once completed, I could use it on the new car within six months. The benefit is peace of mind—no need to remember a new plate number, making parking or driving smoother. However, be mindful of the time limit; if it expires, the plate becomes invalid, and you'll have to go through the lottery process again. I managed to complete everything within two months, and it went smoothly. I recommend confirming the details with your local DMV early when changing cars.
