How Long Can a Vehicle License Plate Be Retained?
4 Answers
Vehicle license plate retention period is one year. The following are the relevant details about vehicle license plate retention: Conditions for retaining a vehicle license plate: The requirement that the original vehicle license plate must be used for 3 years before it can be retained has been adjusted to allow retention after one year of use. At the same time, the application deadline for retaining the original plate number has been extended from within 6 months after the original vehicle is transferred or scrapped to within one year. The requirement that the original vehicle license plate must be used for 3 years before it can be retained has been adjusted to allow retention after one year of use. At the same time, the application deadline for retaining the original plate number has been extended from within 6 months after the original vehicle is transferred or scrapped to within one year. Notes on retaining a vehicle license plate: The license plate can only be used by the original owner and cannot be transferred to others (except for spousal changes). The application for retaining the plate number must be made within the one-year validity period; otherwise, it cannot be processed.
When I last changed cars, I specifically researched the license plate retention policy. The regulations state that after a vehicle is transferred, deregistered, or relocated, the original owner can apply to continue using the old license plate within two years. However, there's a prerequisite: you must have used that license plate for at least one year, and all traffic violation records of the old vehicle must be cleared to qualify. Personally, I think the two-year period is quite reasonable, as many people need time to save money or choose a new car model. Additionally, if you don't apply within two years, the DMV will return the license plate to the pool, so don't delay too long. If you plan to transfer the license plate number to a family member, it's best to check the specific procedures with your local DMV first.
As someone who frequently helps friends with vehicle-related matters, I've noticed many people are unclear about the time limit for license plate retention. Simply put, from the moment your old car is transferred, you have a two-year window to apply for retaining the original license plate. However, the plate must have been registered under your name for at least one year, and there should be no outstanding traffic violation fines. Nowadays, many cities allow direct applications through the Traffic Management 12123 App, eliminating the need to queue at the vehicle management office. If you previously owned a fuel-powered car and switch to a new energy vehicle, you can still retain your blue license plate number. I recommend handling this at least three months in advance to avoid last-minute complications.
My neighbor kept his decade-old license plate when he changed his car last month. The policy states that the license plate retention period is two years, but there are actually three key points to note: First, the old plate must have been in actual use for at least one year; second, all traffic fines and penalties related to the original vehicle must be cleared; and finally, you can apply for the retained plate when purchasing either a new or used car within the two-year period. I heard that some cities have relaxed the conditions now, allowing the transfer of the original plate between spouses. If the vehicle is deregistered due to theft or robbery, the calculation method for the retention period is different, so it’s best to consult the local DMV directly.
