Can the license plate from the previous car be used on a new car?
3 Answers
You can use the original license plate when changing cars. The owner can apply to the vehicle management office to retain the original license plate number. As long as the conditions for continued use of the license plate are met, the owner can submit an application to use the original license plate number when registering the new car at the vehicle management office. After approval, the original license plate number can continue to be used. Relevant information about license plates is as follows: Introduction: A license plate, commonly known as a vehicle plate, refers to the vehicle registration plate, which is a plate hung on the front and rear of the vehicle, engraved with the vehicle's registration number, registration region, or other relevant information. Function: The license plate serves as a numbering and information registration for each vehicle. Its main function is to identify the region to which the vehicle belongs through the license plate, and the owner of the vehicle as well as the registration information of the vehicle can also be traced based on the license plate.
I remember the time I transferred the license plate from my old car to the new one—the whole process was actually quite straightforward. My eight-year-old car was about to be scrapped, but the plate number was my lucky number, so I couldn't bear to part with it. I went to the DMV to inquire, and the staff told me that as long as the old plate had been registered for over a year and I was the owner, I could apply for a transfer. It involved filling out forms, paying a small fee of a few dozen yuan, and waiting a few days for approval. However, they warned that if the plate was severely worn or had unresolved traffic violations, the request might be denied. Keeping the old plate wasn’t just about saving money—it also held sentimental value for me, having been with me for so many years. But with regulations changing quickly and policies varying by region, it’s best to check online or call ahead to confirm details to avoid a wasted trip. Overall, it’s a convenient and practical option, especially for sentimental car owners like me.
From a practical standpoint, transferring old license plates to a new car is entirely feasible—I've done it several times myself. First, ensure you own the original vehicle and the plates haven't been deactivated. Typically, you'll process the transfer at the local DMV where the car is registered: bring your ID, ownership certificates for both the old and new vehicles, insurance documents, and fill out an application form. The fee is around 50 yuan. However, regulations vary by province—some require plates to have been used for at least three years, otherwise you'll need new ones. I've also found this saves a bit of money since randomized new plate numbers cost more, but be careful not to miss the new vehicle registration deadline, or you'll face issues with expired temporary plates. I recommend booking an appointment in advance or avoiding peak hours to skip long queues. This method saves time and maintains vehicle identification consistency, making it ideal for daily commuters.
