Can the license plate be transferred when transferring vehicle ownership?

[EllieDella]

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.

[PeytonLee]

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.

[DelDeclan]

When handling the vehicle transfer process, I paid special attention to the license plate policies. Motor vehicle license plates are exclusive administrative resources and cannot be transferred with the vehicle according to the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations". The buyer will receive a new license plate number when obtaining the green book (vehicle registration certificate), and must go through the new number application process. If the seller wants to retain the original plate number, they need to prepare the car purchase invoice and ID copy in advance for the retention procedure. Currently, many regions have license plate quota policies, and the handling methods differ between new energy vehicles and fuel vehicles. It's best to call 12345 to confirm local regulations before transferring ownership. The used car transaction contract must specifically include clauses about license plate ownership to avoid future disputes.

[DelilahMarie]

License plates absolutely cannot be transferred during vehicle ownership changes—this is an ironclad rule! I’ve accompanied friends through three ownership transfers, and each time the original plate was scrapped, with the new owner selecting a fresh number on the spot. Sellers can apply to retain a plate used for over a year, but only if done immediately after the new vehicle’s invoice is issued. New owners have three options for plate selection: random draws via DMV machines, custom numbering through the 12123 App, or using a previously reserved number series. A special note for out-of-province transfers: for example, Beijing-plated cars relocated elsewhere will have their plates voided without retention. Remember to bring original IDs for both parties during the transfer—otherwise, the vehicle itself won’t transfer, let alone the plate.

[Brielle]

My old classmate who works at the vehicle management office told me that license plate policies vary across different cities. In first-tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen with license plate restrictions, management is stricter, absolutely prohibiting license plate transfers, while some third- and fourth-tier cities may allow license plate auctions. However, for ordinary family car transfers, in 95% of cases, the license plate returns to the original owner, and the new owner must choose a new number. The key points are: the original owner must actively apply to keep the license plate, as the system does not automatically retain it; before selecting a number, the new owner should check the release times of the number pool and, in cities with traffic restrictions based on the last digit of the license plate, try to avoid combinations like 4 and 7 that are subject to restrictions. On the day the transfer is completed, the new vehicle registration certificate can be obtained, and the old license plate is immediately clipped and invalidated.

[MaliaAnn]

The most troublesome part when selling a car is handling the license plate. My advice is to apply for plate retention one month in advance by filling out the 'Application for Retention of Original License Plate Number,' so you can secure the plate for your new car after the transfer. The buyer will have to accept the fact that they need to select a new plate number. I recommend avoiding special number combinations during the selection process, such as awkward sequences like '250' or 'SB.' Some scalpers claim they can facilitate plate transfers, but that’s mostly a scam. Nowadays, the 12123 App has a plate selection simulation system, allowing buyers to practice before the transfer. Lastly, be mindful of the green license plate policies for new energy vehicles—for example, in Shenzhen, electric vehicle plates can be retained but will be converted into incremental indicators.