Can the license plate be transferred when transferring a car?

[LeGabriel]

When transferring a car, the license plate cannot be transferred. The original license plate can only be transferred to the owner's new vehicle information. Even if the license plate number is transferred to another vehicle, it will still belong to the original owner for six months. After six months, the license plate will enter the license plate resource pool. A license plate, commonly known as a car plate, is a panel hung on the front and rear of a vehicle. It is typically made of aluminum, iron, plastic, or paper, and bears the vehicle's registration number, registration region, or other relevant information. License plates serve as a numbering and information registration system for vehicles. Their primary function is to identify the region to which the vehicle belongs and to allow tracking of the vehicle's owner and registration details based on the license plate.

[VanAlessandra]

I just helped a friend with the car transfer procedures, and there are indeed some nuances regarding license plates. According to traffic regulations, the license plate belongs to the registrant, not the vehicle. Therefore, during a regular sale and transfer, the original license plate will be reclaimed by the DMV. However, both the buyer and seller can find some loopholes: if the original owner has used the license plate for at least one year, they can apply to reuse the old plate when buying a new car within two years after the transfer. As for the new owner, they can only participate in a lottery for a new plate at the DMV. A word of caution: don’t believe the nonsense from the black market about transferring a car with its plate. The DMV system is fully networked, and any attempt to secretly retain the old plate will only result in the car failing inspection. Before transferring, it’s best to check the local DMV website, as there might be slight variations between different cities.

[LeEzra]

Last month, I just sold my old car and made sure to clarify the license plate issue during the transfer. The actual situation is that the original license plate cannot be transferred to the buyer with the car, and the DMV directly reclaimed the metal plate. However, there is a favorable policy for car owners: as long as the original plate has been used on the car under your name for more than one year, you can apply to transfer the old plate to a new car within two years after the transfer. The new owner, on the other hand, must go through the plate selection process again—either choosing from fifty options at the DMV or using the 12123 APP to customize a plate. It is recommended to take a photo of the license plate as a keepsake before the transfer, as some auspicious numbers are truly worth preserving. Also, remember to make a copy of the vehicle registration certificate to avoid future disputes.

[VonVivian]

When transferring vehicle ownership, the license plate must be replaced with a new one—it's the law. If the original owner wants to retain the old plate number, three conditions must be met: the plate must have been used for at least one year, the application must be submitted within two years after the transfer, and it can only be used for the owner's new vehicle. The new owner has to choose a new plate, and currently, there are two methods at the DMV: on-site random selection (with a 90-second time limit to pick one) or pre-selecting 20 custom number combinations via the 12123 app. Be careful not to make mistakes when filling out the forms—last time, my friend rushed and missed the engine number, resulting in two wasted trips to the DMV. The plate fee is just over 100 yuan, and with all the paperwork in order, the transfer can be completed in half a day.

[McBrooke]

When it comes to transferring car license plates, there are two sides to consider: the new owner must definitely change the plates, but the original owner can use some tricks to keep the old number. The key lies in the three '1' rules: the original plate must have been used for at least 1 year, the application to retain it must be made within 1 year after the transfer, and the retention period is up to 1 year. It's advisable to settle any traffic violations before the transfer, otherwise, you might get stuck at the DMV. During the production of the new plates, a temporary paper license will be issued, valid for 15 days, which is enough time to complete the procedures. Regional differences should be noted; for example, my friend in Hebei could use the second-hand car turnover quota, extending the plate retention period to six months.

[HaileyAnn]

The actual license plate transfer process goes like this: After both parties sign the sales contract, the old license plate is immediately confiscated and destroyed by the DMV. The new owner must reselect a number—it's recommended to use the Traffic Management 12123 APP for preselection to avoid last-minute confusion during on-site selection. If the original owner wishes to keep the old plate, remember to submit a written application during the transfer. Here's a little-known fact: For corporate vehicle transfers, eligible plates can be directly reassigned to a new company vehicle. Regardless of the situation, don't forget to bring all required documents: original IDs of both parties, registration certificate, vehicle license, and tax payment proof. Missing even one item means you'll have to make another trip another day.