Can Used Cars Be Transferred with License Plates?
2 Answers
Some used cars can be transferred with license plates, while others cannot. Passenger cars cannot be transferred with their original license plates and must obtain new ones. Commercial vehicles, however, can be transferred with their original license plates. The seller's license plate can be retained (or not), but the buyer must obtain a new license plate (or use a previously retained one if available). Reasons for not allowing license plate transfers: One advantage of not permitting license plate transfers is to avoid speculation and inflated prices for license plates. In some regions where license plates are scarce, to prevent speculation and ensure rational use of plate resources, license plates cannot be transferred. Additionally, in principle, a used car with its license plate can be sold, but the license plate number cannot be transferred. This means the ownership of both the license plate and the vehicle remains under the original owner's name, and the buyer only has the right to use the vehicle. Legally, the buyer's rights may lack protection. Pre-registered used cars can be transferred with license plates: Pre-registered used cars refer to those that were in dealer inventory when purchase restrictions were implemented. Dealers submitted these vehicles to relevant authorities for pre-registration or notarization. After receiving the pre-registration confirmation notice or notarization document and within the validity period, these vehicles can be sold with their license plates to buyers who have obtained incremental purchase quotas. Once expired, they lose the qualification for "transfer with license plates." Pre-registered used cars have no restrictions on buyers, do not require tax certificates, and are not limited to local residents. Anyone with an incremental purchase quota is eligible to buy.
I recently helped a friend with the transfer of a used car, and the question of whether the license plate can be transferred along with the car is actually quite common. Generally speaking, the license plate is transferred along with the vehicle, and the new buyer can directly inherit the original plate, but formal procedures must be completed. You need to bring both parties' ID cards, the vehicle registration certificate, the driving license, and the purchase contract to the DMV to fill out the application form, pay the fees, and have the documents reviewed. The whole process takes about 1-2 days, and I recommend bringing someone knowledgeable along to make it easier. Once the transfer is completed, the original license plate becomes invalid, and the new plate takes effect immediately. If the transfer is not completed, driving the vehicle on the road is illegal, and the traffic police can issue a hefty fine if caught. Additionally, you should check whether the vehicle's annual inspection and insurance are expired—these must be sorted out for a smooth transfer. Regularly checking these small details can save a lot of trouble, and it's practical advice for both new and experienced drivers.
