Can the license plate number be transferred along with the car when selling it?
2 Answers
Vehicle transfer cannot include the original license plate. Vehicle transfer refers to changing the name of the vehicle owner. When processing the vehicle registration change, the original license plate number must be changed, and the plate, registration certificate, and inspection sticker will be reclaimed. A new license plate number will be assigned, and new plates, registration certificate, and inspection sticker will be issued. The vehicle transfer process includes: Issuing the transaction: Pay the used car transaction tax. Vehicle inspection: Drive the vehicle to the inspection station for external inspection, tracing the VIN, removing the plate, and taking photos. Obtain vehicle photos and attach them to the inspection record form, then proceed to the transfer hall for archiving. Plate selection: Take a number from the queue machine and wait in line with relevant documents to pay the transfer fees. Transfer and relocation: Required documents include the vehicle registration, transfer, and cancellation form, transfer application form, inspection record form, original vehicle title, original registration certificate, original owner's ID card, original license plate number, vehicle photos, and the transfer invoice from the trading market.
Sigh, I've sold several cars before, and the license plate indeed cannot be directly transferred to someone else along with the car. This is because the license plate is usually tied to an individual's name or lottery quota. When selling a car, the vehicle can be transferred to the buyer, but the license plate falls under the government's resource management. In most places, especially big cities like Beijing and Shanghai, the buyer must use their own quota to apply for a new plate or obtain one through auction or lottery. Trying to forcibly transfer the license plate might violate traffic regulations, causing trouble for both the seller and the buyer. In practice, during the vehicle transfer process, the DMV will cancel the old license plate, and the buyer must bring the relevant documents to complete new registration procedures after receiving the car. I remember one time my friend tried to keep the license plate number, but it's only allowed under specific conditions, such as the original owner applying to retain it when buying a new car. In short, the license plate can't follow the car, so handle it carefully and don't be fooled by intermediaries.
