Can the license plate be kept after selling the car?
3 Answers
Can the license plate be kept after selling the car? After selling the old car, the original owner can still apply to retain and use the original license plate. If the original license plate is retained, there is no need to participate in the lottery for a new license plate when purchasing a new car. The owner only needs to apply for an update at the vehicle management office. That is, within six months of obtaining the update quota, the owner can submit an application to retain the original license plate to the vehicle management office. To apply for the use of the original motor vehicle license plate number, the following conditions must be met: 1. The application must be submitted within six months after the transfer or cancellation of registration; 2. The owner must have owned the original motor vehicle for more than three years; 3. All traffic violations and accident-related matters involving the original motor vehicle must be resolved.
I deeply understand the issue with license plates. Wanting to keep the license plate as a souvenir or for future use after selling the car simply doesn't work. According to regulations, the license plate serves as the vehicle's ID card and must be processed when selling the car; it cannot be privately retained. Otherwise, if the new owner drives the car without re-registering the plate and something happens, you could still be held liable. When I sold my old car in Beijing and went to the DMV to complete the formalities, the staff clearly stated that the original license plate must be canceled or transferred; otherwise, the transaction cannot be completed. It's advisable to consult the local DMV's policies before selling the car to avoid future risks. Personalized license plates might have exceptions, but they are also strictly regulated. In short, for safety's sake, don't cut corners to avoid getting into trouble.
With over a decade of car maintenance experience, I'm telling you, you absolutely cannot casually keep your license plate after selling your car. The license plate and the vehicle are a unit—after the transaction, you must follow the proper procedures: either cancel it or complete the transfer process. I've personally seen cases where owners wanted to keep their plates as collectibles, only to delay their new car registration and end up with traffic fines. In practice, first check your plate type at the DMV—standard plates need timely handling, while personalized plates like lucky numbers might be retainable with an application fee. Also, keeping plates risks malicious use, which can affect personal credit. Spending extra effort consulting professionals or checking local regulations online can save you major headaches.
