How to Keep the Original License Plate When Changing Cars?

[VanChase]

The owner only needs to follow the procedures for deregistering the motor vehicle to complete the scrapping and deregistration of the original vehicle. Within six months after the vehicle is scrapped and deregistered, submit an application to retain the license plate and provide the registration documents to the vehicle management office. The vehicle management office will review the documents. Eligible owners will be accepted, and the original license plate will be recorded. A "Temporary Driving License Plate" will be printed and issued to the vehicle owner. The temporary license plate can be used on the road as long as it is within the validity period until the original license plate is retrieved.

[ArianaMarie]

I remember that when wanting to keep the original license plate number while changing cars, you need to complete the retention procedures before selling the old car. The key point is confirming the license plate has been used for at least one year to qualify for the application. Go to the local DMV to fill out an application form, bring your ID, vehicle registration certificate, etc., pay a fee ranging from tens to a hundred yuan, and obtain a retention certificate. When selling the old car later, inform the buyer that the plate number is reserved and should not be used casually. Then, when registering the new car, actively declare the intention to keep the original license plate and submit that certificate. This sounds simple, but many people get stuck on the timing—applying too late may result in the plate being reclaimed. I recommend going a week early to handle it and consulting clearly on the document checklist to avoid wasted trips. Don’t miss the opportunity—retaining the license plate can save money and preserve personal style and memories, which is quite worthwhile.

[Harris]

Hey, I successfully kept my old license plate when I last changed cars. The key is to handle this before selling your old car: go to the DMV to fill out a form applying for plate retention, usually requiring at least one year of use, pay a small fee (around a few dozen yuan) to get the certificate. When registering your new car later, just request to use the old plate and provide the proof. But be careful—if you change the vehicle model or color, it might not comply with the rules. A friend of mine overlooked this and lost the plate. The whole process isn’t complicated, and checking the DMV’s required materials online in advance saves time. If handled quickly, it can be done in half a day, avoiding the hassle of a new number and keeping my personalized tag.

[LeLeonardo]

The core steps to retain your original license plate when changing cars are threefold: apply to retain the plate before selling your old car by filling out forms, paying fees, and obtaining proof at the DMV; declare the use of the old plate and provide required materials when registering the new car; ensure the plate has been used for at least one year with all documents in order. A commonly overlooked aspect is the timing of the transfer—don't delay until the last minute to avoid delays. I recommend planning ahead, bringing identity and vehicle documents to prevent common mistakes, such as ineligibility for the application or forgetting copies. Though a small matter, it's cost-effective, saving you dozens on new plate fees and hassle.

[ArabellaRose]

When our daughter changed her car, she successfully kept our old license plate number. The key was that she visited the DMV before selling her old car to apply for plate retention, paid a small fee, and got the certificate. When registering the new car, she just said to use the old plate number, and remembered to bring her ID and other documents. The main point is that the plate must have been used for at least one year to qualify—don’t miss that. This saved money and hassle. As parents, we felt relieved that our daughter handled it quickly without any issues. We recommend other families take action early and not wait until selling the car to sort it out—it keeps the warm memories intact.

[AlexFitz]

Friend, want to keep your original license plate when changing cars? First, before selling your old car, complete the application at the DMV—spend some time filling out forms, paying fees, and getting the certificate. When buying a new car, request to use the old plate number at the registration office, but note that the plate must have been used for at least one year to qualify. Almost forgot to remind you—avoid switching to a drastically different type of car, as it might make the plate invalid due to regulations. The whole process isn’t too tricky; just bring all the required documents. Last time, I had to make an extra trip because I forgot some paperwork, so I recommend getting it done early to save time and costs—plus, it looks more professional.