Do I need to change the license plate number when changing cars?
4 Answers
Changing cars does not require changing the license plate number. After the introduction of the new policy, there have been new changes regarding the selection of plate numbers and retaining the original plate when changing cars. This modification is undoubtedly good news for car owners, as it resolves the previous awkward situation where changing cars meant changing plates. Now, the threshold for retaining the original plate number has been significantly lowered, making it accessible to almost everyone. Relevant information about license plates is as follows: 1. Introduction: License plates, commonly known as vehicle plates, refer to the plates hung at the front and rear of a vehicle, displaying the vehicle's registration number, registration region, or other relevant information. 2. Function: License plates serve as a numbering and information registration system for vehicles. Their primary role is to identify the vehicle's region of registration through the plate number, and they also allow for tracking the vehicle's owner and registration details based on the plate.
When changing cars, the license plate number does indeed need to be replaced because the plate is tied to the vehicle, not the individual owner. Legally, the new owner will receive a new number. However, based on my personal understanding, in most Chinese cities, the policy allows the original owner to retain the old license plate as long as the old vehicle has been registered and used for at least one year, with no traffic violation records or outstanding fees. You can then go to the vehicle management office to complete the retention procedure. The application requires preparing your ID card, vehicle registration certificate, and proof of disposal for the old vehicle. The process typically takes about one or two days and costs a few hundred yuan. This is quite convenient for those who have special numbers on their plates, but regulations vary by province, so it's advisable to check local policies in advance to avoid last-minute hassles. Once the retention is successful, you can use the original plate on your new car, saving a lot of trouble.
As an average car owner, I recently changed my car and initially thought the license plate number would automatically be replaced with a new one. However, upon hearing that it's possible to retain the old plate, I became interested. My old license plate bears my child's birthday, which holds deep sentimental value. When I inquired at the DMV, I learned that certain conditions must be met: the car must have been used for at least a year, and there are fees and procedures to follow. The process was manageable, though the waiting time was a bit long, but it saved me the cost and discomfort of getting used to a new plate. If you're also considering this, I recommend familiarizing yourself with the local procedures early to avoid issues during the buying and selling process. Retaining the license plate can make the new car registration feel more familiar, and in my opinion, it's worth it.
When changing cars, you usually need to get a new license plate, which incurs additional costs such as the production fee for the new plate and manual service fees, totaling possibly a few hundred yuan. If you can apply to retain the old plate, you can save this expense, but only if the vehicle meets the usage duration requirements. Before making a decision, I calculated the financial implications—retaining the old plate is both convenient and cost-saving, just don’t forget to check if the old car’s condition meets the standards.
