Can unconfirmed license plate numbers be selected again after expiration?
4 Answers
Unconfirmed license plate numbers cannot be selected again after expiration. If a pre-selected license plate number on the 12123 Traffic Management APP is not confirmed within the deadline, the number will be returned to the random number pool within 90-120 days after expiration. Generally, pre-selected license plates on the APP are reserved for 15 working days starting from the next day. If not confirmed within 15 working days, the selected license plate will be considered as unconfirmed after expiration, and the penalty is being barred from online license plate selection for two years. Below are the precautions for selecting license plates: Each motor vehicle can have a total of 20 self-edited license plates and 5 random selections. The pre-selection of license plates includes two stages: the basic information entry stage, which users can complete at any time, and the pre-selection stage, which operates from 09:00 to 21:00 daily. New vehicle registration, used vehicle transfer, and used vehicle import pre-selection services support both self-editing and random selection methods, while new energy vehicle license plate replacement pre-selection services only support random selection.
If you fail to confirm your selected license plate number within the deadline, generally speaking, you cannot directly choose that number again. The plate selection system has a time limit, and once exceeded, the number will be automatically released back into the pool for others to choose. I remember when I bought my car, I carelessly forgot to confirm my first plate selection, and the next day the system showed it as invalid. I had to log back into the DMV website or app and start the selection process from scratch. So, it's advisable to confirm your selection immediately after choosing or set a phone alarm as a reminder to avoid wasting the opportunity. If you do miss the deadline, don't worry—just go back into the plate selection interface and pick a new one. Be patient; you might still find a good alternative. The key is to pay attention to official announcements, as rules may vary by region. For example, some places allow a small grace period, but in most cases, there's no flexibility. In short, prevention is key—don't let a small mistake delay your journey.
When I was selecting a license plate number, I didn't confirm it in time, and the system prompted that it had expired—the original number just disappeared. This kind of thing is quite common, especially for beginners who tend to overlook the time window. Looking back now, the DMV system is designed for fair rotation—overdue selections make way for others, so there's absolutely no chance of getting the same number again. Fortunately, the re-selection process is simple: just log in to the relevant app or go on-site to repeat the procedure. My advice is to complete the confirmation on the same day—I've seen people lose their numbers after delaying for a few days. Also, trying a few more times might lead to a better combination, so don't get discouraged over small setbacks. The rules are transparent, and checking your local DMV policy online will give you more peace of mind.
If you fail to confirm the license plate number within the deadline, the number is usually reclaimed. I've experienced this myself—I selected a number but forgot to click confirm, and after the deadline passed, the system automatically invalidated it, forcing me to reapply for a new selection. Simply put, plate selection operates on a time-limited basis; missing the deadline means losing eligibility, which prevents number squatting. The solution isn’t complicated: just reopen the selection tool and pick a new one. It’s best to act promptly to avoid delaying registration. A quick tip: set a reminder on your phone, as choosing a plate is a significant step. Manage your time well, and everything will go smoothly.
