Can the license plate be retained when selling the car?

[WyattDella]

When selling the car, the license plate can be retained. The functions of the license plate are: 1. To number and register information for each vehicle; 2. To identify the region to which the vehicle belongs; 3. To trace the owner and registration details of the vehicle based on the license plate. Types of license plates: 1. White represents military and police plates; 2. Blue represents ordinary small vehicles with fewer than 7 seats; 3. Yellow represents ordinary large vehicles; 4. Black represents foreign enterprise plates. The installation method for license plates: 1. Take out the screws of the license plate and insert them into the anti-theft caps; 2. Position the license plate correctly, align the screws with the gaps on the bumper, and secure them with tools; 3. Cover the anti-theft caps and press them into place.

[AlexisLee]

When I just sold my car, I was also worried about whether the license plate could be retained. The actual process turned out to be not complicated. Simply put, the license plate number can indeed be retained for two years, but several conditions must be met simultaneously: the car must have been registered under your name for at least one year, you must purchase a new car and apply to use the old plate number within two years from the date of completing the transfer, and all traffic violations must be cleared. The license plate retention is only applicable to the original owner and cannot be transferred to others. If you want to proceed, you can directly apply to use the original plate number when registering the new car at the DMV. However, note that what is retained is the number itself; the old metal plate will be collected and destroyed by the DMV. It is recommended to prepare materials such as your ID card and transfer certificate in advance to avoid unnecessary hassle.

[DiMaria]

Last time when helping a friend with a used car transfer, I specifically researched the license plate retention policy. There are essentially three key points: first, the time window—you must purchase a new vehicle within two years after selling the old one to apply; second, the eligibility requirement—the original vehicle must have been registered under your name for at least one full year; and third, all fines and accidents must be settled. If you meet these conditions, the license plate can be transferred with you, but the specific procedure depends on the type of the new vehicle—if the original vehicle had a blue license plate, the new one must also be a small passenger car to use it. When applying at the DMV, remember to bring the vehicle deregistration certificate and your original ID card, and the process can usually be completed on the same day. The license plate retention itself is free, but there may be a fee of around a hundred yuan for reissuing a new metal plate.

[DiDiana]

As a seasoned veteran with over a dozen vehicle transfers under my belt, I know all about license plate retention. Essentially, it means the plate number stays even when the car is gone, but the original owner must purchase a new vehicle within two years after selling the old one to reuse it. Key point: What you're retaining is the number eligibility, not the physical old metal plate! Many used car dealers will try to trick you into thinking the plate transfers with the vehicle – don't believe it. If the original car had a loan, you must clear the lien first to retain the plate. From personal experience, clear all traffic violations within a month after transfer – this makes the application process much smoother when buying a new car. Recent policy relaxations even allow spouses to inherit plates. For specifics, I recommend calling 122 directly for consultation.

[LeEthan]

My biggest concern when selling my car was losing the five-year-old 'lucky number' license plate, but the actual policy turned out to be more considerate than expected. The core rules are three musts: you must have owned the old car for over 12 months, must purchase a new car within two years, and must settle all traffic violations. The process involves two steps: first, schedule a license plate retention service via the Traffic Management 12123 App, then after buying the new car, bring your ID card and the old car's transfer certificate to the DMV to complete the transfer. A little-known fact—if you use temporary plates during the retention period, your old license plate eligibility remains valid. But remember, you'll receive an SMS reminder three months before the retention expires—don't miss the final application deadline.

[JonathanMarie]

Having gone through the complete license plate retention process, there are several details to pay attention to. First, timing is crucial—there's a strict 24-month validity period starting from the date of the used car transaction invoice. Second, when registering a new car, directly select the 'Use Original Plate' option; no new lottery is required. Important reminder: If the original vehicle was involved in a major accident, the plate may be locked by the system and cannot be retained. Many also overlook the vehicle type—motorcycle plates cannot be transferred to cars. Additionally, it's advisable to confirm the transfer date with the buyer when selling the car and keep the transaction receipt. If you don’t plan to buy a new car within two years, you can actually apply to retain the quota for a family member, but a new number will be selected.