Does Buying a Used Car Come with License Plates?
3 Answers
Buying a used car should not include the license plates, as it may lead to disputes later on. Here is some relevant information about purchasing a used car with license plates: 1. Meaning: Selling a car with license plates essentially means that the buyer purchases the used car along with the plates but does not complete the transfer procedures. For the seller, it means selling the car along with the plates, which is essentially mortgaging the ID card to 'sell' the quota. 2. Potential risks: After the owner mortgages the car to the dealer, they can return to their original location and reapply for a new ID card by claiming it was lost. The buyer continues to use the original owner's license plates without changing them. While this practice may seem convenient, it is not safe, as vehicles sold with license plates can easily lead to unexpected property or legal disputes in the future.
I've recently handled two used car transactions and noticed that license plates usually don't transfer with the vehicle. China's vehicle plate management system stipulates that license plates are the personal property of the owner and don't transfer during vehicle sales. During used car ownership transfers, the seller's old plates will be invalidated or returned to the DMV, while the new buyer must apply for fresh plates. This involves submitting documents like ID proofs and purchase contracts at the local vehicle management office for registration. In cities with plate restrictions like Beijing where plates are allocated via lottery, buyers must first win the draw. Even in unrestricted cities, there's typically a queuing process. The entire procedure may take several days and includes vehicle inspections and insurance transfers, so I recommend researching local policies beforehand to avoid transportation disruptions. Additionally, during transfer, prioritize checking the vehicle's condition and maintenance records over plate formalities - safety should always come first.
As a car enthusiast with years of experience who has bought and sold several vehicles, I've learned a crucial point: when purchasing a used car, the license plate indeed doesn't come with it. This stems from China's principle of license plates being tied to the owner rather than the vehicle. I remember last time when I helped a friend change cars, his old license plate automatically became invalid after selling the vehicle. The new buyer had to go to the DMV to select a new number and register, a process involving form filling, fee payment, and waiting for approval. In cities with license plate restrictions like Shanghai, plates are obtained through auctions, and buyers can't use the original plate—they must participate in a new bidding process. I advise everyone buying or selling used cars to clarify DMV regulations in advance, handle the plate transfer themselves after the ownership change to avoid disputes. Don't just focus on the price; the car's quality is more critical—check the mileage and accident history carefully, along with the license plate process. This approach ensures smoother transactions and safer driving.
