Can the original license plate be retained after a car transfer?
2 Answers
Whether the original license plate can be retained after a car transfer depends on different circumstances: 1. If both parties involved in the vehicle transfer are spouses, the original license plate can be retained; 2. If not, the license plate cannot be used on the original vehicle when the vehicle is sold and transferred normally. In this case, a new vehicle license plate must be selected during the transfer process. A vehicle license plate, also known as a car number plate and vehicle driving license, is a hard-coded plate with a unified format and style as stipulated by national vehicle management regulations. It is issued by the vehicle management authority after reviewing, inspecting, and registering the vehicle that has applied for the license plate, and it bears the registration code.
Whether a license plate can be retained depends on the specific circumstances, and in most cases, it is possible. You need to apply for its retention as the original owner and meet certain conditions, such as having used the plate for at least six months without any issues and ensuring it is still within the validity period. I've seen many friends successfully retain their old license plates when transferring vehicle ownership, which is quite convenient, especially for personalized plates that represent personal style or memories. Retaining them avoids the time-consuming process of getting a new plate for a new car. However, you must actively apply for it during the vehicle transfer procedures at the DMV; otherwise, a new plate will be automatically assigned. Additionally, rules may vary by location—larger cities might be more lenient, while smaller cities could be stricter. Therefore, I recommend checking the local DMV website or making a call to confirm before the transfer. Having all the necessary documents ready will make the process smooth. This not only saves unnecessary trouble and costs but also preserves that sentimental value.
