Can the license plate be kept when selling a car?
2 Answers
After selling the car, the license plate can be retained. Conditions for retaining the original license plate: The vehicle must have been used for at least one year to retain the original license plate, and the retention period can last up to one year; the original license plate can be retained in cases of vehicle transfer, cancellation, or relocation; both used and new car purchases are eligible for license plate retention; all traffic violation records of the original vehicle must be resolved. Precautions when selling a car: Understand the local used car market conditions well, and bring along an experienced mentor who is familiar with various aspects of car dealers; prepare the car purchase invoice, vehicle registration certificate, vehicle license, proof of payment for vehicle purchase tax, vehicle usage tax, insurance, and other relevant taxes and fees; ensure the car is in good condition, clean and tidy.
I remember when I sold my car before, I really wanted to keep the license plate too, as I had an emotional attachment to it. But in reality, the license plate cannot be retained separately because it's part of the vehicle registration. During the car sale and transfer process, the license plate must be transferred to the new owner along with the car, and the new owner needs to re-register it. However, if you particularly like that number and meet certain conditions, you can apply to retain the original license plate number for a period of time. For example, if you've used that plate for more than a year before selling the car, you can go to the DMV to complete a retention procedure. The fee isn't high—just a few dozen yuan—and the process is straightforward. But be aware that failing to handle it promptly might result in automatic cancellation of the plate. In short, when selling your car, it's important to handle the license plate properly to avoid any disputes that might affect the transfer later on.
