How long can a vehicle license plate be retained after scrapping?

[WalkerRose]

After a vehicle is scrapped, its license plate can be retained for two years if it has been used on the original vehicle for more than one year. Below is an introduction to the reforms in the management policies for motor vehicle license plates: The requirement has been reduced from three years to one year, and the application period has been extended from six months to one year. Original policy: To apply for the retention of the original motor vehicle license plate, the plate must have been used for more than three years; the application must be submitted within six months after the transfer or cancellation of registration. Reformed policy: To apply for the retention of the original motor vehicle license plate, the plate must have been used for one year; the application for retaining the original number can be submitted within one year after the transfer or scrapping of the original vehicle. Key points of the policy: (1) A motor vehicle license plate can be applied for retention if it has been used for more than one year. (2) The application for retaining the original number can be submitted within one year after the transfer or scrapping of the original vehicle.

[VonAubree]

I once scrapped an old car and remember that the license plate number could be retained for about a year. After vehicle scrapping, the original owner has 12 months to purchase a new car and apply to reuse the old license plate number. This is quite reasonable, as it allows retaining a personally preferred plate number and avoids the hassle of frequently memorizing new ones. The prerequisite is that the owner must remain the same, with no outstanding traffic violations, otherwise the application will be rejected. When I went through the process, the DMV staff repeatedly reminded me of the time limit—it automatically expires after one year, so don’t delay too long to avoid regrets. Policies vary slightly by region; for example, cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen may enforce the rules strictly, while suburban areas might be slightly more lenient. It’s best to directly contact the local DMV to confirm. An additional reminder: the application is free, but there are fees for new car registration procedures, and time is precious, so act early. If you’re considering transferring the plate, it’s best to check the rules first to avoid complications.

[Hattie]

I've researched vehicle scrappage policies, and license plate retention is typically valid for one year. As a vehicle owner, within one year after completing the scrappage procedures, you can apply to reuse your old plate number when purchasing or transferring a new vehicle. In this smart era, it's convenient and efficient – you can operate and receive deadline reminders through traffic apps like 12123. The key points are maintaining consistent ownership and a clean violation record. The policy's original intent is to optimize resource allocation and prevent long-term idleness. In practice, the plate becomes invalid after the retention period, so I set phone alarms to monitor the timeline. Some provinces or cities may adjust the retention period to 9-15 months, but the core principle remains unchanged – checking official websites for updates is the safest approach. For efficiency's sake, act decisively to avoid missing deadlines.

[McEmiliano]

I've been driving for many years, and it's a long-standing rule that license plates can be retained for one year upon vehicle scrapping. Buy a new car in time and apply for the old plate number, or it will expire and become invalid. The owner must be the same and have no traffic tickets—just remember these simple points. I advise everyone not to forget and to handle the procedures promptly to avoid losing the plate, which would be a shame. The rules are basically the same across regions, so proceed with confidence.