How Long Can a Scrapped Vehicle's License Plate Be Retained?
2 Answers
After a vehicle is scrapped, its license plate can be retained for one year. Below is additional information: 1. The Ministry of Public Security has implemented measures allowing the original owner to use the same license plate number when purchasing a new or used vehicle after transferring or scrapping the old vehicle, or to apply for a new license plate number. The requirement for the original license plate to be used for three years before it could be retained has been adjusted to one year of use before applying for retention. Additionally, the application deadline for retaining the original license plate has been extended from within six months after the transfer or scrapping of the original vehicle to within one year. 2. Original owners who meet the requirement of having used the license plate number for one year after transferring or scrapping the old vehicle can use the same license plate number when purchasing either a new or used vehicle, or they can apply for a new license plate number. If the original owner does not apply to use the license plate within one year, the number will be returned to the selection pool and made available to the public.
Let's hear from experienced drivers on this matter. When I processed my scrapped vehicle before, I specifically asked the DMV - regular license plates cannot be retained after vehicle scrappage, as they're directly reclaimed by the DMV during cancellation. However, there are ways to keep your original plate if certain conditions are met: first, the plate must have been registered under your name for over 1 year, and you must purchase a new vehicle within 6 months after scrapping the old one to apply for reusing the original plate. I deliberately kept this in mind - bought a new car in the fifth month after scrapping, brought the scrappage certificate to the DMV to fill the forms, and got it done on the spot. Note that the number becomes invalid if you exceed the timeframe, and new energy vehicles requiring green plates can't use blue plate numbers.
