How to Handle License Plates When Selling a Car?

[MacColin]

If the owner has used the license plate for more than 1 year, they can have priority to continue using it or apply to retain the license plate. Otherwise, the license plate that does not meet the requirements will be immediately returned to the public pool and re-enter the national license plate database for other types of car owners to choose freely. The following are the conditions for applying to retain a license plate: 1. Duration of use: As long as the original license plate has been used for more than one year, the original license plate can be retained. The retention period can now be extended to two years. 2. Continued use: Whether purchasing a new car or a used car, the original license plate can be used. A new license plate can also be used. If the original owner does not apply to use it within two years, the license plate will re-enter the selection pool and be publicly released to the society.

[DeKaleb]

Handling license plates when selling a car depends on the situation and involves three steps. Having sold cars twice myself, the most hassle-free method is to directly go to the DMV to process a transfer registration. The old license plate will be taken away, the new owner will have to choose a new number, and the old car quota will be freed up for you to use when buying a new car. If you can't bear to part with your license plate, remember to apply for retention in advance. Generally, you need to have used the plate for at least a year and purchase a new car within six months to reactivate the original number. Don't listen to scalpers who claim they can directly transfer the license plate—the DMV doesn't recognize such practices. Oh, and remember to remove the ETC device. Last time, my friend forgot to remove it, got charged highway fees, and had to argue about it later.

[Enid]

Just helped a relative complete the license plate transfer process, and it's actually quite simple. When signing the car sale contract, you need to specify 'license plate to be scrapped with the vehicle' or 'retain the original plate number.' On the day of the transfer, bring the vehicle registration certificate and original ID card. The DMV will collect the old metal plate and issue a temporary plate, and the file transfer usually takes about three to five working days. Important reminder: For out-of-town transfers, the license plate is directly invalidated. For auctioned plates like Shanghai plates, you need to go through the quota transfer process. It's recommended to check for any outstanding traffic violations on the Traffic Management 12123 app beforehand, as unpaid fines will prevent the transfer from being processed.

[VanSavannah]

License plate policies vary significantly across different regions. Last month, my colleague sold his car in Shenzhen. The new energy green license plate was directly scrapped with the vehicle and couldn't be retained, while the blue plate could apply for original number extension. Transfer between spouses is even simpler—just bring the marriage certificate to the DMV to change the name without altering the plate. Never keep the license plate privately as a souvenir, as police will consider it 'driving without displaying plates' and deduct 12 points immediately. It's best to take photos of the license plate before transfer, which can serve as evidence in case of disputes later.

[SanAlina]

Legally speaking, license plates are state registration credentials, and individuals only have the right to use them. There are strictly three ways to handle them: the license plate is automatically canceled when the vehicle is scrapped, it can be applied to retain the original number when transferring to children, and a new number must be selected for cross-province transactions. It's important to note that anti-tamper fasteners must be used for the license plate screws, as forcibly removing them yourself may damage the edges of the plate. Once, I saw someone using pliers to remove a plate, which got bent and resulted in a 200-yuan fine from the DMV for a reissue. It's recommended to spend twenty yuan to have a repair shop use specialized tools for removal.

[Sophie]

The actual operation is divided into four stages. When signing the contract: Be sure to specify the license plate handling method in writing. At vehicle delivery: Bring the original vehicle registration certificate, insurance policy, and purchase tax certificate. DMV procedures: Both parties must be present to fill out the "Motor Vehicle Transfer Registration Application Form". Follow-up: To retain the original license plate, remember to purchase a new vehicle within six months, and promptly update the insurance policy beneficiary. Last week, a neighbor failed to modify the insurance, and after the buyer had an accident, the insurance premium increased, leading to a lawsuit between both parties.