Is the original license plate automatically canceled after vehicle transfer?

[JeffreyLee]

After the vehicle is transferred, the original license plate can be applied for retention within two years. If the original license plate is not used within two years after the transfer, the license plate number will be automatically canceled. After the vehicle is transferred, if you want to keep the original license plate, you should quickly go to the relevant department to apply the license plate number to your newly purchased vehicle. Only in this way can you continue to use the original license plate; otherwise, it will be automatically invalidated. Article 52 of the "Regulations on the Registration of Motor Vehicles" stipulates that after completing the transfer registration or cancellation registration of a motor vehicle, the original owner can apply to the vehicle management office to use the original license plate number when registering a newly purchased motor vehicle. The application to use the original license plate number must meet the following conditions: The application must be submitted within six months after completing the transfer registration or cancellation registration; The owner must have owned the original motor vehicle for more than three years; All traffic violations and accidents involving the original motor vehicle must be resolved. Article 53 states that the determination of the motor vehicle license plate number shall be done through computer-automated selection or by the owner arranging it themselves according to the standard regulations for license plates. The documents required for the original owner during the transfer of a used vehicle include: the registration certificate, the vehicle license, and the ID card. The buyer needs to provide an ID card, and if they are from another region, a residence permit or temporary residence certificate is required. Vehicle transfer first requires a vehicle evaluation. The evaluation fee is generally 1%-2% of the evaluated vehicle price, while other fees include those for the license plate and vehicle license. The original commercial insurance of the vehicle can be canceled (compulsory insurance cannot be canceled), or it can be transferred to the buyer at the insurance company. Precautions when purchasing a used vehicle: Incomplete documentation. Complete documentation for a used vehicle includes: the vehicle registration certificate (or the original purchase invoice), the vehicle license, the vehicle purchase tax payment certificate, road maintenance fee records, and compulsory insurance. Missing documents such as the vehicle registration certificate or vehicle license, or unpaid compulsory insurance and road maintenance fees, can cause endless trouble for the buyer. Therefore, if the seller cannot provide complete documentation, the buyer should be particularly cautious. Tampering with the odometer. Most consumers rely on the odometer to judge the condition of the vehicle, and sellers often take advantage of this by tampering with the odometer. In fact, the odometer is not only an indicator of usage intensity but also a record of repairs and replacements for other vehicle components. If the buyer follows the maintenance schedule based on a tampered odometer, it can lead to a series of potential safety hazards. New paint covering "external injuries." When purchasing a used vehicle, if the vehicle has been repainted and there are signs of repairs around the front, rear, or A, B, and C pillars, the vehicle may have been involved in a major accident. "Tuning the heart" to raise the price. Many consumers focus too much on the vehicle's "heart" (engine) and neglect the health of the body when buying a car. Used car sellers take advantage of this by replacing engine components to make the vehicle's "heart" appear younger, thereby inflating the price.

[LeAlexandra]

I previously sold a car, and during the transfer process, the original license plate was not automatically canceled unless I specifically requested it or chose not to retain it by default. The DMV staff explained that whether the license plate is canceled after the transfer depends on the owner's choice: if you want to keep the original plate, you must apply before the transfer. For example, if the plate has been used for over three years, you can apply for an extension. Otherwise, when the new owner registers for a new plate, your old plate will automatically become invalid. In my case, since the car had been used for five years, I successfully retained the original plate and later used it on a new car, which was quite convenient. The transfer process is a routine procedure, but many people mistakenly believe the license plate follows the car—this is incorrect. In reality, they are separate. I recommend checking with the local DMV about specific rules or looking up local policies online before the transfer to avoid affecting future vehicle use. In short, the plate isn’t automatically canceled, but there are conditions—handling it properly saves time and money.

[VonFelicity]

When I sold my car and went through the transfer process, I was really confused about whether the original license plate would disappear. Later, I asked the guy at the 4S dealership and finally understood. After the transfer, the original license plate usually doesn’t get automatically canceled—the owner can choose to keep it, for example, if the old plate has been used for more than a year, but an application form needs to be filled out. Otherwise, when the new owner registers the car, your old plate will be invalidated. My friend forgot to declare it during the transfer, and the plate was gone, wasting all that time they’d used it. I recommend contacting the DMV or an agency in advance to confirm the details before transferring ownership, or things can easily go wrong—like if the plate gets canceled and you later buy a new car, you’ll have to enter the lottery again or pay for a new plate. Spending a little extra time to understand the policy can save you a lot of hassle.

[CoreyAnn]

Having worked in the automotive industry for many years, I've encountered common issues during vehicle transfers where the original license plate is not automatically canceled—it's handled according to the owner's preference. Retaining the license plate comes with conditions, such as the old vehicle having used the plate for a certain number of years, and the owner must request retention during the transfer process. Otherwise, without an application, the plate is directly canceled. In practice, I advise clients to bring their ID to the DMV during the transfer to confirm the rules, avoiding regrets later. Canceling a license plate doesn't have major impacts, but if you're looking to save money and reuse it, it's best to complete the retention procedures early.