Can the license plate be retained when transferring vehicle ownership?

[CharlieAnn]

It is possible to retain the original license plate when transferring vehicle ownership. The conditions for retaining the original license plate are as follows: 1. 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 1 year; 2. The original license plate can be retained when the vehicle is transferred, deregistered, or relocated; 3. Both purchasing a used car and a new car are eligible for applying to retain the license plate; 4. All traffic violation records of the original vehicle must be resolved. The procedure for retaining the original license plate during a transfer is as follows: 1. First, complete the transfer, deregistration, or relocation of the original vehicle at the vehicle management office; 2. Request to retain the license plate during the transfer process and surrender the old license plate; 3. After acquiring the new vehicle, schedule an appointment at the vehicle management office to apply for continued use of the original license plate during the registration process. Note: The retention period for the original license plate (1 year) starts from the date when the transfer or deregistration of the vehicle is completed.

[OLaila]

I recently researched the issue of retaining license plates when transferring vehicle ownership. The current policy is as follows: If your license plate has been used for more than one year, the original owner can apply to retain this plate number within one year after the vehicle is transferred or scrapped. However, note that what's retained is not the physical plate itself, but the right to use this number. You need to actively apply to use the original plate when registering a new vehicle, and also ensure all traffic violations have been cleared. The DMV clerk here reminded me that there might be slight differences between cities—for example, some places require the original vehicle to have been registered under your name for at least three years. I suggest visiting the DMV before the transfer to clarify the details, so you don’t have to make unnecessary trips later.

[VonElliot]

Last year, I successfully retained my old license plate when selling my car. Here’s how I did it. First, you must meet two conditions: the license plate must have been registered for at least one year, and the original owner’s identity must remain unchanged. During the transfer process, inform the staff that you want to keep the license plate, and they will register it for you. Within one year of selling the car, when purchasing a new one, bring your ID card and the new car’s invoice to the DMV, and fill out an application form to retain the original license plate. The whole process isn’t too complicated, but timing is crucial—a friend of mine waited six months too long and lost the plate. Now, my new car has the old license plate, and I don’t need to re-register it for the residential gate system, which is really convenient.

[SavannahDella]

As someone who frequently assists friends with vehicle procedures, I've summarized the key points for retaining license plates during transfer: First, the vehicle must be properly transferred or scrapped; second, the original license plate must have been registered for a full year; third, the application for retention must be made within one year from the transfer date; fourth, only the original owner can apply, and it cannot be transferred to someone else. Additionally, I'd like to remind everyone to ensure there are no outstanding traffic violation fines associated with the license plate when applying, otherwise the process may be delayed. It's recommended to complete the retention registration as soon as possible after transferring the old vehicle. The DMV system keeps records, which can save you a couple of trips.