Is it possible to transfer a license plate?
2 Answers
License plates cannot be transferred to others. Currently, during vehicle transfer, the license plate follows the person, not the vehicle. It cannot be transferred with the vehicle and can only be scrapped or retained upon application. However, license plate numbers can be transferred between spouses. According to Article 50 of the "Implementation Rules for the Management of Small Passenger Vehicle Quota Increment," if one spouse transfers a locally registered vehicle to the other spouse who does not own a vehicle or hold a valid quota, the transfer can be processed directly with valid documents such as a marriage certificate, without the need to apply for a quota. In other words, as long as the other party does not own a vehicle or hold a valid quota, the vehicle can be transferred to their name at any time. Additionally, if you wish to retain the original license plate, the following conditions must be met: The vehicle must have been used for at least one year to retain the original plate, and the retention period can last up to one year. The original plate can be retained if the vehicle is transferred, deregistered, or relocated. Both used and new vehicles are eligible for plate retention. All traffic violations related to the original vehicle must be resolved.
When handling license plate transfers, I found that many places do allow plate transfers, but this usually only applies when accompanied by the transfer of vehicle ownership. You can't simply sell the plate for profit because it is tied to the vehicle. For example, when selling a car to a new owner, the license plate naturally transfers with it. The key step is completing the transfer procedures at the vehicle management office, where basic requirements include providing ID, the vehicle license, and the vehicle registration certificate. It's also important to check the plate status: if the vehicle has unpaid fines or unresolved accidents, the transfer will be blocked. The cost is relatively low, typically around 300-500 RMB, and the process is straightforward, taking about a week. To avoid disputes, I recommend consulting a knowledgeable friend or downloading the forms directly from the official website, especially to protect personal information and avoid trusting unlicensed intermediaries. In summary, transfers are feasible but must be done legally and compliantly—always verify local policies beforehand to prevent violations.
