How Long is a License Plate Automatically Retained?
3 Answers
Previously, the maximum retention period was one year. For license plates registered after July 2019, if they have been used for one year, they can be retained for two years. This means that when a vehicle is transferred or sold, the license plate number under the owner's name is automatically retained for two years. When purchasing a new car or a used car within these two years, the owner can directly re-register the plate, as long as it is within the two-year period, they can choose from the available number plates again. Below is relevant information about license plates: 1. License Plate Material: Vehicle license plates are panels hung on the front and rear of the car, usually made of aluminum, plastic, or stickers. The plates display the vehicle's registration number, registration region, or other basic information. 2. Function: License plates serve as identification numbers for vehicles. Their main purpose is to indicate the province, city, or county to which the vehicle belongs. The vehicle management office can use the license plate to identify the vehicle's owner.
I remember dealing with license plate retention before, which was after my car was scrapped. Generally, after a vehicle is deregistered, the license plate is automatically retained for about a year, roughly 12 months, allowing you to continue using the original plate on a new car in the future. That time, I happened to catch a policy update, and when I asked the DMV staff, they mentioned that the retention period might have changed, with some regions extending it to 18 months or longer. So, it’s advisable to keep an eye on local announcements. Also, the process is quite straightforward—just provide your ID and the deregistration documents of the old vehicle. However, you must apply within the specified period; otherwise, the plate will be reclaimed and lost forever. This arrangement saves resources and gives you peace of mind. Don’t be like my friend who waited too long and missed out—I recommend acting early to ensure you don’t lose your chance.
As someone who frequently follows vehicle-related matters, I understand that automatic license plate retention is typically valid for one year from the date of vehicle deregistration. This setup is mainly for the convenience of car owners during the transition period, avoiding the hassle of adapting to a new plate number. The application process requires submitting basic documents, and the timeframe is generally capped at 12 months. Expired plates will be automatically released by the system. The key is to verify that the vehicle status is fully deregistered before initiating the retention. Many people often overlook this deadline, procrastinating until they lose the opportunity. Therefore, regularly checking the official website or app is the safest approach, saving a lot of subsequent troubles.
