Can the original license plate be retained when transferring ownership of a sedan?
2 Answers
The original license plate can be retained by the original owner for 6 months after the vehicle ownership transfer. When applying for new vehicle registration after completing the transfer or cancellation of the motor vehicle registration, the original owner can apply to the vehicle management office to use the original license plate number. The application to use the original license plate number must meet the following conditions: 1. The application must be submitted within six months after completing the transfer or cancellation registration; 2. The original owner must have owned the vehicle for more than three years; 3. All traffic violations and accident records related to the original vehicle must be resolved.
I just dealt with this issue myself when selling my car last year. I wanted to keep the original license plate, but the original owner had to apply in advance. According to regulations, the license plate must be held for more than three years to be eligible for retention. I went to the DMV, filled out the application form, submitted the required materials, and waited a week for approval. After the transfer, the license plate became mine. However, if you don't apply, the new owner will have to go through the hassle of getting a new plate, which is quite a tedious process. The policies are becoming more standardized now, so I recommend checking local regulations in advance to avoid regrets later. A license plate represents a personal mark, and keeping it can really lift your spirits.
