How to Retain License Plate When Changing Cars?
2 Answers
You can apply to retain the use of your license plate at the vehicle management office. According to Article 52 of the 'Automobile Registration Regulations,' after completing the transfer or cancellation of the vehicle registration, the original vehicle owner can apply to use the original license plate number when registering a newly purchased vehicle. Here are more details: 1. Conditions for using the original license plate: a. Apply within six months after completing the transfer or cancellation of registration. b. The vehicle owner must have owned the original vehicle for more than three years. c. All traffic violations and accidents related to the original vehicle must be resolved. 2. The old vehicle must first undergo transfer or scrapping. After completion, register the new vehicle at the vehicle management office within three working days. If retaining the original license plate for a scrapped vehicle, the scrapping certificate must be presented.
When I changed my car last year, I personally handled the license plate retention process, which wasn’t actually difficult. The key is to first confirm that the old license plate had been used for at least one year, and then fill out the retention application form during the vehicle sale and transfer. Here’s the crucial part: you must purchase a new car and re-register this plate within two years, or it will expire. I learned the hard way when dealing with traffic violations—I highly recommend paying all fines at least one week before selling the car. When registering the new car, just bring your ID card and the old vehicle transfer certificate directly to the DMV and tell the staff you want to use the retained plate. The whole process takes about half an hour, though queuing might take two hours. Oh, and procedures may vary by city, so it’s best to call the local DMV beforehand to confirm the required documents to avoid multiple trips.
