How to Change License Plate Number Without Transferring Ownership?
4 Answers
It is not possible to change the license plate without transferring ownership of the vehicle. A license plate number consists of 7 characters: the first character is the abbreviation of the province, the second character is the abbreviation of the prefecture-level city, and the third to seventh characters are a combination of numbers and letters. These plates are mounted on the front and rear of the vehicle and are made of materials such as aluminum, sheet metal, plastic, or paper. Functions of license plate numbers: 1. To number and register information for each vehicle; 2. To identify the region to which the vehicle belongs; 3. To trace the owner and registration details of the vehicle based on the plate number. Types of license plate numbers: 1. White plates represent military or police vehicles; 2. Blue plates represent ordinary small vehicles with fewer than 7 seats; 3. Yellow plates represent ordinary large vehicles; 4. Black plates represent vehicles owned by foreign enterprises.
I had been driving my car for a while when someone scratched the license plate, which really bothered me. Not wanting to go through the hassle of transferring ownership, I went directly to the local DMV to inquire. The staff told me that it's possible to change the plate number without transferring ownership, but only for special reasons like damage or loss of the plate. I filled out an application form, brought my ID card, vehicle registration certificate, and the car's title, paid a small fee, and received the new plate number a few days later. The whole process was quite convenient and saved me the trouble of transferring ownership. I recommend checking the status of your license plate before applying for a change. If you simply want a different number, approval isn't guaranteed, so it's best to follow the official procedures to avoid future disputes. Now, driving out feels much better—it's like having a brand-new car. Remember, never resort to the black market for this, as it could result in fines.
I think changing license plates without transferring ownership is quite common, especially when there are issues with the plates. From my own experience, last year when my license plate was stolen, I didn't transfer the name or change the owner. I just went to the DMV to get a replacement and smoothly got a new number. The process is simple: bring the owner's ID and vehicle documents, explain the reason, take photos, and register. The staff will verify if it's a genuine case to prevent abuse. Nowadays, urban management is strict, and changing plates through unofficial channels is not allowed—getting caught leads to heavy penalties. I recommend calling your local DMV in advance to inquire about their policies, as some places may require proof. In short, safety first—don't take shortcuts for cheap gains.
The fastest way to change the license plate number without transferring ownership is to apply for a replacement. The vehicle management office has procedures in place for this, whether the plate is damaged or lost, and no ownership transfer is required. I recommend bringing your ID card and vehicle registration certificate to complete the process, just explain the reason.
