Can the license plate from the previous car be used on a new car?
4 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 continuing to use 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: 1. Introduction: License plates, commonly known as vehicle plates, refer to the plates hung on the front and rear of a vehicle, which display the vehicle's registration number, registration region, or other related information. 2. Function: License plates serve as a numbering and information registration system for vehicles. Their main purpose 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.
The old license plate from a previous car can be transferred to a new one, but there are certain conditions. I remember encountering this when I changed cars—the old vehicle must have been used for at least one year before the license plate can be retained. You need to visit the DMV in advance to complete the transfer procedures, preparing documents like your ID, purchase invoice, and the vehicle registration certificate (green book). The old license plate must be under the original owner's name and cannot be mortgaged or involved in any accidents. After transferring the old car, the original license plate becomes invalid, and you must apply to use it on the new car within one year; otherwise, it automatically expires. If the new car meets the local emission standards, the plate can be directly installed, saving the hassle of selecting a new number. The process is a bit tedious, but it can save some money.
I learned this trick from an experienced driver—old license plates can indeed be transferred to a new car, but it depends on the year. If the old car has been used for over a year, the plate automatically enters the retention pool, eliminating the need for a lottery draw. The key point is the tight timeline for the transfer: you must complete the process within six months of purchasing the new car. Last time, I accompanied my buddy to the DMV. He brought the vehicle license and registration certificate, filled out a license plate retention application form, and the counter staff handled it in just ten minutes. A reminder to everyone: check the vehicle's status beforehand—outstanding violations will definitely prevent the process. Emission standards were looser in the past but are stricter now. If the new car meets China 5 standards while the old one is China 6, you might hit a snag, so it’s best to consult in advance.
It is indeed possible to use your old license plate when changing cars, but you must comply with the regulations. After using the old plate for at least one year, you can apply to retain it before registering the new vehicle. I remember during my last procedure, the DMV required a vehicle inspection to confirm no modifications were made. If the car is transferred to someone else, the plate definitely cannot be used. The time window is tight, so don’t delay. To be safe, it's best to directly inquire about the latest policies at the DMV.
