Can the license plate be retained when changing cars?
2 Answers
It is possible to retain the license plate when changing cars, but certain conditions must be met. The conditions include: 1. All traffic violation records on the original vehicle must be cleared; 2. The owner must have owned the vehicle for more than 3 years; 3. The original license plate must have been used for more than 1 year; 4. The application to retain the original license plate must be submitted within 6 months after the original vehicle is transferred or scrapped. Documents required for retaining the old license plate: ID card and its copy, vehicle transfer or registration application form, compulsory traffic insurance certificate, annual inspection certificate, vehicle factory certificate, vehicle origin certificate, import certificate for imported vehicles, purchase tax payment certificate, and various documents submitted during vehicle registration.
When changing cars, it is indeed possible to retain the original license plate, but several strict requirements must be met. Firstly, the license plate must have been registered under your name for at least 1 year; you can't just get a new plate and try to retain it after a few months. If you wish to retain it, you must apply within 6 months after purchasing the new car—otherwise, the opportunity expires. When I last changed cars, I specifically asked the DMV, and they also emphasized that all traffic violations and fines from the old car must be fully settled before applying. Another benefit of retaining the license plate is avoiding the hassle of reapplying for a new plate through a lottery or auction, especially for plates with special numbers. However, it's important to note that current regulations stipulate that one person can only retain one license plate number. If you have multiple plates under your name, you can only choose one favorite to keep.
