
Can the license plate be kept when selling a car. Here is a partial introduction to the conditions for retaining the license plate when selling a car: 1. Conditions: The license plate must have been registered under the owner's name for at least 3 years; the license plate must be applied for within 6 months after the transfer; a new vehicle must be purchased and registered within 6 months, and the name on the original vehicle's driving license must match the name on the invoice for the new vehicle. 2. Old vehicle transfer: After the old vehicle is transferred or scrapped, if the license plate number has been used for one year, the original owner can use the original license plate number whether purchasing a new vehicle or a used one. A new license plate number can also be used. If the original owner does not apply to use it within one year, the license plate number will be returned to the selection pool and made available to the public.

When I just sold my old car, I wanted to keep the license plate number since I had been with it for so many years and had developed some attachment. Whether you can retain the plate here depends on local traffic regulations. Generally, you can go to the DMV to apply for a retention procedure by submitting an application form and some identity documents, which will temporarily freeze the plate number until you buy a new car and reactivate it. The process is quite straightforward, but policies vary by region—some cities allow direct retention for a few years, while others may require the plate to be transferred with the car to the buyer. My advice is to check the local DMV regulations in advance or call to inquire, to avoid any hiccups during the sale. Retaining the plate can also save you some registration fees, especially if it's a desirable number—it's worth the effort.

From a car seller's perspective, handling license plates requires careful consideration. Last time I sold a car, I chose to retain the license plate because the number held some sentimental value. The process wasn't too troublesome—just visit the DMV to fill out an application form, bringing along the vehicle registration certificate and ID card. After retaining the plate, the transaction went smoothly, with the buyer using a new plate without affecting the handover. If you don't retain it, the plate automatically transfers to the new owner, which is hassle-free but means you lose that number. Regulations vary by location, so it's best to understand them before selling to avoid last-minute confusion. Retaining the plate also saves you from the hassle of queuing for new plates, which I found quite worthwhile.

From a professional perspective, when selling a car, there are two paths for license plate handling: transferring with the vehicle or retaining it under the owner's name. To retain the plate, a visit to the DMV is required to complete the transfer procedure, typically by providing the owner's identification and vehicle documents to freeze the plate number for a certain period. There are significant variations between provinces. For instance, first-tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou offer more flexible processes, allowing retained plates to be used for new cars, while smaller localities may lean more towards transfer. It's advisable to clarify the policies in advance to avoid transaction delays. Whether the plate is worth retaining depends on personal preference. If it carries a desirable number or sentimental value, retaining it is wiser and can also simplify the subsequent car purchase process.


