Can the vehicle owner be changed without replacing the license plate?
4 Answers
It is not possible to change the vehicle owner without replacing the license plate, except for property transfers between spouses. In all other cases, a new license plate must be issued. Currently, each license plate number is assigned to only one individual. If a vehicle is transferred in a secondary transaction, the license plate number must be changed, and the original number is automatically retained in the system for 6 months. If the original owner purchases a new vehicle within 6 months, they can reuse the original license plate number associated with their name. After 6 months, the number is automatically invalidated and returned to the number pool. When applying for a transfer or cancellation registration of a motor vehicle, the original owner can request to use the original license plate number for the new registration.
Yes, I know many people want to keep the original license plate when buying or selling used cars, thinking it's a minor hassle. Having driven for over a decade myself and traded several cars, I've had to reselect plates with each transfer. The reason is that license plates are tied to the vehicle and cannot be arbitrarily transferred to others. During the transaction, both parties must visit the DMV to first deregister the old plate, and the new owner needs to apply for a new one. The whole process takes a day or two and may cost a few dozen yuan in fees. Some find plate changes upsetting, especially with auspicious numbers, but the policy is designed this way to prevent fake plates or illegal activities. My advice is to handle it early to avoid driving inconveniences, regularly check the car's condition, and clarify local regulations before trading for a smoother process.
License plates are not something you can just keep on your car arbitrarily. When changing vehicle ownership, the plates must be replaced as well, because the DMV regulations state that license plates are part of the vehicle registration and not personal property. If you're buying or selling a car, you'll need to visit the DMV to complete the necessary procedures: the original owner must transfer and cancel the registration, while the new owner fills out forms to receive new plates. The process is quite straightforward—it just takes some time and money. I've heard that there are exceptions in some places, like Beijing's more lenient policies for electric vehicles, but overall, plate replacement is mandatory. If you want to retain your plates, I recommend checking the details with the DMV in advance or considering other solutions to avoid misunderstandings. Remember, safety comes first—don't get stuck on the license plate issue.
Looking at it from another perspective, not being able to transfer the license plate isn't a big deal. Financially speaking, keeping the old plate serves no purpose, while applying for a new one is cheap and hassle-free, with low costs. During vehicle transfers, people often worry about this detail, but in practice, more attention is paid to the car's condition and the transfer process—don't let the plate issue delay the overall transaction. When I helped a friend with a used car deal, the buyer was hung up on the license plate but ultimately opted for a new one, making things easier for everyone. The DMV has these rules to simplify management and prevent fraud. If you're planning to buy used, focus on the engine and paperwork—plate changes don't affect performance or insurance.
