How to Keep the Same License Plate When Changing Cars?
3 Answers
Method for keeping the same license plate when changing cars: Follow the process for canceling the registration of a 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, along with the scrapping certificate of the original vehicle and the registration documents of the vehicle corresponding to the license plate, to the vehicle management office. The vehicle management office will review the documents. Eligible owners will have their applications accepted, the original license plate recorded, and a temporary license plate printed and issued to the vehicle owner. To apply for the use of the original motor vehicle license plate number, the following conditions must be met: 1. The application must be submitted within six months after the transfer or cancellation of registration; 2. The vehicle owner must have owned the original vehicle for more than three years; 3. All traffic violations and accidents involving the original vehicle must be resolved.
I recently got a new car and managed to keep my old license plate number, with the whole process going pretty smoothly. Before dealing with the old car, I hurried to the DMV to apply for keeping that number, bringing the vehicle's registration certificate and my original ID card, and filling out a simple form stating the reason. After their review confirmed the old car had no issues, they reserved the plate for me to use within six months. When buying the new car, I went directly to the licensing office and chose to use the original plate, only paying the standard registration fee, saving me the hassle of memorizing a new number. I recommend preparing a week in advance, checking the local DMV requirements, as some places even allow online appointments to save time. The key is ensuring the old car has no traffic violations or debts, otherwise the application will fail. The whole process took about one or two hours for paperwork, plus a two-day waiting period, and now I'm driving the new car with the old plate, which feels quite nostalgic.
I understand the need to keep the license plate when changing cars, so I specifically looked up the regulations on how to do it. According to traffic authorities, if a car owner wants to reuse their old license plate number when getting a new car, they must first submit a retention application before disposing of the original vehicle. This includes providing the original vehicle's registration certificate and a copy of the owner's ID to the DMV during the transfer or scrapping process. The retention period for the license plate number is typically six months. When registering the new car, the owner must then submit the retention certificate to choose the original plate number. It's important to note that the original vehicle must be in good condition with no outstanding fines, otherwise the plate may be revoked. I also found that fees vary by region, but most only charge a small handling fee, making the overall process straightforward and hassle-free. It's advisable to check with the local DMV for any new regulations before proceeding to avoid missing any details.
