Can the license plate be transferred together with a used car?
3 Answers
Used cars cannot be transferred together with their license plates. The relevant details are as follows: 1. If the owner is the buyer: After completing the transfer of the used car, the vehicle can only be re-registered with a new license plate. Only the vehicle is transferred, not the license plate. 2. If the owner is the seller: When the vehicle is transferred to someone else, the seller can choose to retain the original license plate or give it up. The original license plate will be reclaimed by the vehicle management office. If the seller wishes to continue using the original license plate, they can apply to retain it, but there are conditions: the license plate must have been used for at least one year, and all traffic violations related to the original vehicle must be resolved. Additionally, there is a time limit for retaining the license plate—generally, the vehicle management office will keep it for one year. If the license plate is not used within that year, it will automatically be reclaimed by the vehicle management office.
I just finished handling a used car transaction, and the license plate transfer is not possible. The license plate is like a personal ID, tied to the original owner's name. During the sale, only the vehicle procedures can be transferred, and the new owner must personally go to the DMV to queue up for a new license plate. Otherwise, driving without it could lead to trouble if caught by traffic police. Last time I helped a friend sell a car, I reminded him to prepare all the necessary documents in advance, such as the vehicle registration, ID card, and compulsory insurance policy. I accompanied the buyer throughout the process, which saved a lot of time and even allowed us to choose a lucky plate number. It's advisable to consult the local DMV's policies before buying or selling, as there might be slight regional differences. Don’t try to cut corners or falsify documents to save money.
Actually, transferring a license plate is pretty much impossible—it's the exclusive property of the vehicle owner, not an accessory that comes with the car. After buying or selling a used car, the original owner usually keeps the license plate, and the new owner has to apply for a new one. Don’t assume the plate can be given away as a bonus. I’ve dealt with many cases where mistakes led to anything from failing to complete road registration to triggering fines and disputes. When transferring ownership, follow the proper procedures: first, inspect the car and check for any violation records, then complete the vehicle transfer registration, and don’t forget to update the insurance information. Although the whole process is a bit of a hassle, it’s safe and reliable—definitely worth spending an extra half hour on.
