Do Used Cars in Beijing Come with License Plates?
3 Answers
In Beijing, purchasing a used car does not include the license plate. Relevant details are as follows: 1. Beijing's regulations on the handling of license plates in used car transactions stipulate that the seller's license plate cannot be transferred with the vehicle. The license plates of used cars are uniformly managed by the vehicle management office. After consumers purchase a used car and complete the transfer procedures, they can only select a new license plate. 2. If the original owner wishes to retain the license plate, they can submit an application within six months after the transfer and registration of the used car, provided they meet the corresponding conditions. The retained old license plate can continue to be used on a newly purchased car. The three conditions that the original owner must meet to retain the license plate are: 1. The owner must have used the original vehicle for at least three years. 2. The newly purchased car must be a new vehicle, and the application must be submitted within six months. 3. All previous traffic violation records must be cleared.
Buying a used car in Beijing is no easy task when it comes to the license plate. I’ve thought about it several times before, and generally, used cars don’t come with a license plate. Why? Because Beijing’s lottery policy is strict—you have to obtain the license plate quota yourself through a lottery or auction, just like a lottery ticket, with very low odds. The seller can transfer the quota along with the car to you, but only if you’re eligible to receive it—for example, if you already have a Beijing license plate quota under your name. I once had a friend who bought a used car where the seller had a quota, and they completed the transfer process successfully. Otherwise, the car would just be an empty shell. Nowadays, some dealers in the market claim they can provide cars with plates directly, but most of these are scams. Everyone needs to stay sharp and avoid jumping into a pitfall just to save a few bucks. Policies change every year, and recently, new energy vehicle plates have loosened up a bit, but it’s still tough for fuel-powered cars. Before buying used, check your eligibility on the Passenger Car Quota website—it’s the safest way to avoid a wasted trip.
Let me tell you about the situation of second-hand cars with license plates in Beijing. First of all, the license plate is not just an add-on; it's a personal quota, strictly controlled. From what I understand, when buying a car, the license plate usually doesn't come with the vehicle unless the seller has a quota and you also hold a valid car purchase qualification (e.g., having won the lottery). Both parties must go through the formal transfer process. The procedures are handled at the vehicle management office, requiring ID cards, quota proof, and a sales contract. I remember one time when I was helping a relative look for a car, I found many sellers advertising 'with license plate,' but in reality, it was an illegal operation with high risks—the plate could be revoked upon inspection. New energy vehicles, such as electric cars, have slightly looser license plate policies, where you can get priority by trading in an old car. I recommend buyers prioritize reputable second-hand car dealers or check out the Huaxiang Market, but always verify the vehicle information and quota status. The policy aims to control traffic, with a lottery winning rate of only about 0.2%, so don't expect to find a loophole. If you really lack a quota, renting a plate is an option, but the contract must be notarized to prevent legal disputes.
