How long can a license plate be retained under one's name?

[DelAiden]

It can be retained for at least two years. The following are the conditions that must be met to retain it for at least two years: 1. The license plate must be under one's own name: License plates cannot be traded, so a personal license plate can only be retained under one's own name. Additionally, the plate must have been used for at least one year. In other words, if you buy a car and the license plate is only registered for a few months before selling the car, and the plate has not been registered under your name for a full year, the plate will not be retained. It must be registered for a full year before the license plate can be used again. 2. Strict time limits apply: Previously, the maximum retention period was one year. However, for plates registered after July 2019, if they have been registered for one year, they can be retained for two years. This means that if the car is sold or transferred, the license plate will be automatically retained under the owner's name for two years. During this period, if the owner purchases a new or used car, they can directly register the retained plate, as long as it is within the two-year timeframe, and the owner can choose to use the same plate number again.

[KadenMarie]

Regarding how long license plates can be retained under one's name, the regulations are quite clear in most regions of China. Generally, if you, as the vehicle owner, have used the license plate for at least one year, you can apply to the vehicle management office to retain the plate number after selling or scrapping the vehicle. The retention period is usually one year. During this time, you must purchase a new vehicle and reapply for registration to continue using the same plate. If you fail to do so within the specified period, the plate will be released for others to choose. Some cities like Shenzhen even allow one renewal, extending the retention period to a maximum of two years, but specific policies depend on local regulations. It's advisable to regularly check the vehicle management office's website or app to stay updated and avoid losing your preferred plate number due to oversight, as it could affect the resale value of your vehicle.

[McMartin]

I remember when I bought my car, the license plate had been under my name for over two years. Later, when I changed cars, I wanted to keep the old plate. Based on experience, in China, the retention period is generally one year, starting from the day the old car is deregistered. You must ensure that the original license plate number has been used for at least 12 months to be eligible for retention. The process isn’t complicated either—just bring your ID card and vehicle registration certificate to the DMV to complete the procedure. If you don’t handle it in time and the retention period expires, the plate will be invalidated, and you’ll have to draw a new number, which is such a waste. I often hear about car owners neglecting this and regretting it later, so I always remind my friends to plan the plate renewal timeline before selling their cars and not wait until the last minute.

[SiennaMarie]

How long a license plate can be retained under your name mainly depends on the regulations of your city. In most regions of China, the retention period is usually 1 year, but the plate must have been used for at least one year before applying for retention. If no action is taken after selling the car, the plate will expire and be released, potentially being selected by others. I recommend directly consulting the local vehicle management office or the official vehicle management app to accurately obtain policy updates, so as to avoid affecting your license plate plans due to misunderstandings.

[StLilliana]

To keep a license plate under your name long-term, timing is crucial: You must apply to retain it within one year after selling the car. Remember to visit the DMV to complete the retention procedure—just pay a small fee (around a few dozen yuan) and don’t miss the deadline. In practice, I’ve seen many owners procrastinate until the year is almost up, only to end up losing their preferred plate number and having to select a new one. Keep the DMV’s contact info or online tools handy to check the status anytime, ensuring a smooth plate renewal process.

[DelBella]

In most cities, the retention period for license plates under one's name is limited to 1 year, during which a new vehicle must be purchased and registered promptly. Based on my observation, the retention policy is fundamentally based on the original use of the license plate for at least 12 months; otherwise, one is not entitled to retain it. After expiration, the license plate is released, potentially requiring a re-selection of a random number, which may affect the sense of security and value. It is advisable to handle new vehicle matters within the retention period to avoid complications caused by delays, as administrative processes are prone to errors when prolonged.