Can the license plate be transferred when transferring vehicle ownership?
2 Answers
License plates cannot be transferred. Additional information: 1. Vehicle ownership can be transferred: Vehicle ownership can be transferred as long as both parties bring the original and photocopy of the seller's ID card, the original and photocopy of the buyer's ID card (for corporate entities, the organization code certificate needs to be presented), and other required documents. 2. The original license plate can only be transferred to the original owner's new vehicle information: It cannot be transferred to others. 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. According to Article 52 of the "Regulations on the Registration of Motor Vehicles," when a motor vehicle undergoes a transfer registration or cancellation registration, the license plate must be changed. Only commercial vehicles such as small trucks can retain the original license plate.
Last time I helped a relative sell a car, I specifically inquired about license plate transfer. The DMV said the license plate follows the owner, just like an ID card. During the transfer, the original plate would revert to the seller's name, and the buyer must select a new number. If the seller has sentimental attachment to the plate, they must meet two conditions to retain it: the plate must have been used for over a year, and the seller must purchase a new car within one year after the transfer. At this point, the buyer can only obtain a new plate through the 50-choose-1 system or the self-selection system. After the transfer, the DMV will reclaim the old plate and issue a new one to the new owner. Therefore, it's crucial to clarify the license plate matter during the handover to avoid misunderstandings. It's advisable to check the specific regulations of the local DMV in advance.
