Does the old license plate need to be returned when replacing it through 12123?

[StCalvin]

After applying for a license plate replacement through 12123, you must first mail back the original license plate along with the relevant fees. The traffic management department will then issue a temporary license plate, and the official license plate will be produced in approximately 15 days. You can choose to have it delivered by mail or pick it up at the vehicle management office. Relevant details are as follows: 1. Relevant regulations: According to the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations," when processing vehicle transfer procedures, the original license plate must be submitted to the vehicle management office for recovery. If the previous license plate number has been used for more than three years, you have the right to use the original vehicle number within six months after the transfer of the old vehicle when purchasing a new one; otherwise, the original license plate number cannot be used. 2. Old license plates: For old license plates from vehicles that have been transferred or deregistered, if the owner does not use them immediately, they can still be retained for the owner for six months. Within this period, if the owner purchases another vehicle, they can continue to use the old license plate.

[JustinLee]

As someone who frequently handles vehicle procedures, I think it's necessary to clarify: after applying for a license plate replacement on 12123, the old plate must be reclaimed by the DMV. This is to prevent the old plate from being used by criminals for illegal activities such as creating clone vehicles. Last time when I helped a friend with the process, the staff specifically emphasized that the old plate must be brought to the site to exchange for a new one, even if the plate is damaged—it must be surrendered for destruction. If the old plate is lost, a loss report procedure must be completed before continuing with the replacement process. So, don’t assume you can keep the old plate as a souvenir; the state regulates this very strictly.

[LeHaven]

I just renewed my license plate last month through the 12123 app. When I went to the DMV to collect the new plates with the old ones, the staff directly took them away. They explained that it's a unified regulation, similar to how old ID cards are reclaimed when applying for new ones. Honestly, it makes perfect sense. With so many counterfeit plates on the road these days, if the old plates were to circulate and get misused, I'd be unfairly held responsible for any traffic violations or fines. That's why I now keep a license plate removal tool in my car trunk. A friendly reminder: remember to remove your old plates in advance and bring them with you on the day of plate renewal.

[VanLilah]

A veteran driver tells you that changing license plates requires returning the old ones! I've been driving for twenty years and have seen too much trouble caused by license plates. Once, a neighbor didn't return the old plates, and someone picked them up and installed them on the same model of car, then fled after causing an accident. He had to explain for a long time to clear things up. The traffic authorities collect old plates mainly to prevent cloned and fake plate crimes, which is the same logic as banks recycling old banknotes. Even though it's convenient to handle the procedures on 12123, you still have to go to the DMV in person to return the old plates during the final step of receiving the new ones. This is an ironclad rule.

[CeciliaRose]

At first, I was also puzzled about why they needed to collect the old license plates. Later, when I was replacing my plate on the 12123 platform, I consulted the staff and finally understood. They gave an analogy: a license plate is like a car's ID number. If you get a new number, the old one must be deactivated; otherwise, both the old and new plates could be used, which would create chaos. Moreover, everything is now managed online, and if you don't surrender the old plate, the system will block the issuance of the new one. I remember my old plate had a dented corner at the time, but they still took it away for processing. I suggest everyone clean their old plates properly when replacing them—after all, it's the last time you'll see them.

[AngeloMarie]

According to national regulations, any formal license plate replacement requires the old plates to be reclaimed and destroyed by the vehicle management office. This isn't just a requirement of the 12123 platform—it applies to all plate replacement methods. The core purpose is to prevent plates from being reused. Imagine if someone found your discarded old plates and put them on a stolen vehicle—all speeding tickets and violations would be under your name. During the reclaim process, staff will also verify the stamped serial numbers to ensure the plates' legal origin. Additionally, if the old plates are lost, you must first file a police report and obtain a certificate before applying for new plates.