Can the license plate number follow the car when buying a used car?
2 Answers
When buying a used car, the license plate number cannot follow the car. During vehicle transfer, the license plate stays with the person, not the car. The license plate cannot be transferred with the car, nor can it be transferred separately. Below is some relevant information about used cars: 1. Overview: A used car refers to a motor vehicle that has been registered with the public security traffic management authorities, has not yet reached the national scrapping standards or is within its economic service life, and can still be used. 2. Suitable groups: The biggest selling point of used cars is their affordability. With the same amount of money needed to buy a new car, you can purchase a higher-grade used car. Therefore, from the perspective of reducing car purchase costs, buying a used car is a wiser choice for the general public. Additionally, for novice drivers who have just obtained their licenses but lack solid driving skills, buying a used car to practice is also a good option. For car enthusiasts who seek new experiences, used cars are an excellent choice.
Last time I was at the car market discussing used car transactions, many experienced drivers mentioned that license plate numbers definitely can't follow the car. Policy regulations state that license plates are tied to the vehicle owner. When buying a car, the original owner's plates must be either canceled or retained, while the new buyer has to apply for new plates at the DMV themselves. Don’t underestimate this—a friend of mine once bought a used car cheaply without completing the transfer in time. Although the car ownership was transferred, the license plate wasn’t handled properly, and later, not only was he fined, but the car was also impounded. So, I’d like to remind everyone to complete the paperwork promptly after the transaction. Bring both parties' IDs and the vehicle documents to get it done to avoid trouble. The process isn’t actually complicated; it usually takes just a day or two. Safety first—don’t cut corners for convenience. Also, remember that some places allow the original owner to retain the old plate number for a certain period, but this doesn’t concern the new buyer—you’ll have to pick a new number. The license plate is the car’s ‘ID card,’ so when ownership changes, it naturally needs updating. Don’t expect the old plate number to carry over.
