Can the license plate be retained from the previous owner after vehicle transfer?
3 Answers
There are two scenarios: 1. License plate retention: If the vehicle transfer occurs between spouses, the original license plate can be retained. 2. Non-retention: For regular vehicle sales transfers, the license plate cannot remain on the original vehicle. During the transfer process, a new license plate must be selected. Vehicle transfer documentation requirements: 1. Processing time: Typically completed within 1-2 working days. Vehicle transfer involves changing ownership documentation, after which a new license plate must be selected, a new vehicle registration certificate issued, and relevant records updated in the vehicle registration book. Additionally, compulsory traffic insurance and commercial insurance policies must be transferred. 2. Violation check: All traffic violations and unresolved accident records must be cleared before transfer. During the transfer process, the original license plate will be reclaimed and permanently retired, making it essential to resolve all outstanding violations completely.
I bought a used car before and thought about keeping the old license plate to save trouble after the transfer, but the DMV said no—the plate is tied to the owner's identity, so you must reapply or get a new one after the transfer. Otherwise, if you're caught driving with it, you might face fines or points deducted. In case of an accident, insurance might even refuse to pay. I suggest that beginners just hire an agent or go to the counter for the transfer—don't skimp on this small cost to avoid bigger hassles. Just make sure the vehicle documents are complete, fill out the application form, pay the fee, and you'll get a new plate in a few days. Also, remember that regular annual inspections are important—don't delay them.
Hey, I've handled this multiple times. Generally, you can't keep the previous owner's license plate after transferring the vehicle ownership because it's linked to their name. You'll need to change it. Want to keep the original number? You must meet certain conditions, like having used the car for over three years or something similar—specifics depend on local policies. Once, I accompanied a friend during the transfer process; he was too lazy to change the plate and got warned. Later, redoing it took some time, but at least it was done properly. My advice: check the rules before transferring ownership. Don't believe those online rumors about saving money or effort—safe driving comes first.
