How to Handle the Old License Plate After a Used Car Transfer?

[DiRebecca]

The original motor vehicle license plate, if it meets the conditions for retention, will be automatically retained by the vehicle management system for six months. When the original owner of the motor vehicle applies for the registration of a newly purchased motor vehicle, they can apply to the vehicle management office to use the original motor vehicle license plate.

[SanJulianna]

I just sold my used car, and the old license plate had to be processed by the DMV after the transfer. I remember going to complete the transfer after selling the car, and the staff immediately took back the old plate. I had the option to apply to retain that license plate number—the policy allows reusing it within a year if I buy a new car; otherwise, the plate would be destroyed and deactivated. Once, I accidentally failed to retain a plate number and regretted it for a long time, so now I always check the rules in advance. Handling license plates isn’t just about compliance; it’s also about protecting personal information—the plate carries the vehicle registration number, and losing or keeping it privately could lead to privacy leaks and potential trouble. I recommend understanding local regulations before selling the car and directly applying for retention or confirming recycling during the transfer to avoid future hassles. It’s also an environmental matter—recycled plate materials can be reused. In short, let the authorities handle everything properly, and don’t take matters into your own hands.

[DeGrace]

In used car transactions, handling old license plates is a common step. I've dealt with many cars, and the DMV always retrieves the original plates during ownership transfer. It's advisable for owners to decide in advance whether to retain the number: retaining requires filling out a form for application, with the validity typically effective for purchasing a new car within one year; if not retained, the plate is directly destroyed. We always remind our clients of this detail during sales, as many mistakenly believe they can keep the plate as a souvenir, but in reality, policy mandates its retrieval to prevent fraud or misuse. From an environmental perspective, most retrieved plates are melted down and recycled, reducing waste. Additionally, it's crucial to clean personal information off the plates, including removing any attached labels. To make the entire process smoother, remember not to delay after the transfer to avoid the number expiring and becoming unusable. This can help everyone save money and hassle.

[JasonLee]

After the transfer of a used car, the old license plate is uniformly reclaimed by the traffic management department. The owner can apply to retain the original number for a new car, but must meet the time condition, usually within one year. If not retained, the license plate will be legally canceled. The key is to complete the relevant procedures during the transfer; negligence may result in the number being unavailable for reuse or privacy exposure. Policies vary slightly by region, so consulting the local vehicle management office is recommended.