Does Buying a Used Car Come with the License Plate?
2 Answers
Buying a used car does not include the license plate. Remember this rule: the license plate follows the person, not the vehicle. Here are the relevant details: 1. Conditions for keeping the original license plate: The following conditions must be met: the original license plate must have been used for more than three years; the application to retain the original license plate must be submitted within six months after completing the transfer or cancellation of registration; all traffic violations and accident liabilities related to the original vehicle must be resolved. 2. Used car: A used car refers to a motor vehicle that has been registered with the traffic management authorities, has not yet reached the national scrapping standards or is still within its economic service life, and remains operable.
When I bought a used car last time, I found that the license plate usually doesn't transfer with the vehicle because it's registered under the owner's name. After the transaction, the new owner needs to reapply for a plate. For example, in regular cities, you need to sign a contract with the seller first, then go together to the DMV to complete the transfer procedures, pay a small transfer fee, and wait a few days to get new plates. However, in cities with license plate restrictions like Shanghai, you may also need to apply for a passenger car quota yourself, making the process more complicated. Remember to check if the car has any traffic violation records, otherwise the transfer won't go through. Also, it's best to transfer the compulsory traffic insurance together for safer driving. Although the whole process is a bit troublesome, you can handle it yourself in one trip to avoid future troubles.
