How long does it take for a canceled license plate to be released?

[OCamila]

License plates are retained for six months after cancellation. For retaining a license plate number after vehicle scrapping, an application must be submitted to the Vehicle Management Office within six months of completing the transfer or cancellation registration. Below are relevant details: 1. Vehicle license plate replacement: Bring your original driver's license and ID card, along with copies, to the Vehicle Management Office to fill out the Application Form for Replacement of Motor Vehicle License Plates. Submit your original license plate and pay a processing fee of 100 yuan. According to regulations, this replacement procedure is generally completed within one working day. 2. Cancellation of vehicle license plates: Vehicle license plates can be canceled, but the vehicle for which the cancellation registration is processed must have been under the owner's name for more than three years. Bring the vehicle's driver's license to the traffic police department to apply. There are only two scenarios where a license plate may be canceled: scrapped vehicles and transferred vehicles. The Inspection Department will issue a written notice to the owner of a vehicle nearing its scrapping deadline two months (60 days) in advance, requesting them to complete relevant procedures at the Vehicle Management Office (apply for an extension or cancellation due to scrapping). If the owner fails to complete the relevant procedures at the Vehicle Management Office from the date of the notice, the procedures will be handled in accordance with Article 61 of the Ministry of Public Security's "Registration Specifications."

[DiLorenzo]

As someone who frequently deals with vehicle matters, I remember that after selling my old car and canceling the license plate last year, I wanted to quickly reuse the original number. However, the DMV informed me that I had to wait for a six-month cooling-off period. The reason is to prevent license plate abuse, such as avoiding situations where someone frequently buys and sells vehicles to use the same plate number for illegal activities. It also gives the system time to process cancellation records and update the database. During this period, I checked local policies and found that in big cities like Shanghai, the waiting period is sometimes reduced to three months, but in second- and third-tier cities, it might be longer, around 180 days. So, after canceling your plate, don’t rush to register a new one. It’s best to check the official website or call to confirm the specific waiting time to avoid delaying your new car registration. Additionally, make sure to complete all necessary documents during the cancellation process to prevent unexpected delays. In short, patience is essential—it ensures a smooth and error-free registration process later on.

[DelCaleb]

I think canceling a license plate is something that needs to be discussed based on everyday experience. I've helped friends with cancellations several times, and each time the license plate number couldn't be reused immediately—it usually takes a cooling-off period of three to six months. The DMV needs to ensure there are no conflicts in the system, such as checking whether the old plate is involved in any disputes or errors, before it can be released back into the pool for reissuance. Delays sometimes occur due to slow processing during peak periods or incomplete documentation, which can prolong the wait. So, it's advisable to apply for a temporary license plate as a transition after cancellation and regularly check the local DMV website to see if the status has been cleared for reuse. Don’t assume cancellation is the end—the entire process is actually for fairness and safety, so don’t rush to complain about the duration. Handling it this way helps avoid traffic chaos and makes things easier for everyone.

[DeAnnie]

When my family deregistered the old car, they were told the license plate would take half a year to become available again. The DMV mandates a cooling-off period of at least six months to ensure fair distribution of plate numbers and prevent misuse through repeated transactions. It's advisable to check the plate status on online platforms after deregistration or contact local authorities directly—the process is straightforward but shouldn't be delayed. This waiting period isn't excessive and allows time to prepare for new vehicle registration.