Can the license plate be retained when selling the car?
3 Answers
License plates can be retained. Here is the relevant information: 1. Whether it's a scrapped or transferred vehicle, you can apply to retain the original license plate. The required documents include: your ID card and its copy, the "Motor Vehicle Transfer or Registration Application Form", the vehicle's compulsory insurance certificate, the annual inspection qualification certificate, the whole vehicle factory qualification certificate, the motor vehicle origin certificate, and for imported vehicles, the import certificate, the purchase tax payment certificate, and various documents submitted during vehicle registration. 2. If you want to continue using the original license plate, you need to check with the vehicle management office how long it has been since the transfer and whether it is still within the validity period. Within the validity period, you can continue to apply for use when purchasing a new car or a used car. You only need to apply to the vehicle management office transfer personnel at the last step of selecting the number.
That's a great question. I only learned that license plates can be retained when I sold my old car last year. In China, according to regulations, as long as you want to keep the license plate when selling your car, you can apply at the vehicle management office. The key condition is that the license plate must have been registered under your name for at least one year, and you need to complete the procedures before registering a new car. Typically, the retention period is about six months, and it becomes invalid if missed. I think retaining a license plate is quite convenient, especially for those with commemorative or easy-to-remember numbers. For example, my license plate has lucky numbers, so I can continue using it when changing to a new car without the hassle of selecting a new one. When selling and transferring the car, remember to inform the buyer in advance that you want to keep the license plate to avoid disputes. The whole process isn’t difficult—just bring your ID card and vehicle registration certificate to the vehicle management office to fill out a form. However, policies may vary by region, so it’s best to check the local vehicle management office’s requirements or consult a professional beforehand.
I've personally experienced the process of retaining license plates when selling a car. Before selling my vehicle, I discussed with the buyer that I wanted to keep my plates, and we went together to the DMV. After submitting a retention application, the staff approved it since my plates had been used for over a year. The key is to complete this before registering a new vehicle, with a six-month grace period. Otherwise, the old plates will be automatically recycled by the system. I think it's worthwhile - keeping them saves the hassle of selecting new plates and maintains consistency. Think about it, a good license plate is like a status symbol, and some regions even care about lucky numbers in feng shui. Just be aware that transfer fees might include this procedure, so don't overlook details. If mishandled - like delaying too long or having incomplete documents - you could lose the plates and waste your effort. I recommend consulting the DMV or hiring professional agents before selling to avoid minor mistakes. In short, since the policy allows it, go ahead confidently.
