Is there any difference between used car license plates and new car license plates?
4 Answers
Used car license plates and new car license plates are the same, with no difference. Here is some information about car license plates: 1. According to the latest policy requirements, car license plates cannot be bought or sold. License plates cannot follow the car but must follow the owner. 2. A car license plate is a unique form of identification for a vehicle, whether it's a new car or a used car, and is used for daily traffic management. 3. Car license plates, as stipulated by national vehicle management regulations, have a unified format and design. They are hard-numbered plates with registration codes issued by vehicle management authorities after reviewing, inspecting, and registering the vehicle that applied for the license plate.
I previously bought a used car and noticed that the license plate is physically no different from a new one—it's the same metal plate made by the DMV. The difference lies in the paperwork: for a new car, you get the plate directly, needing to choose a number and pay a fee; for a used car transfer, if the original owner keeps the plate number, it’s reused, otherwise, you must apply for a new one. The transfer process is simple—just bring your ID and vehicle documents, costing around 100-200 RMB. Many mistakenly think used car plates look old or different, but plates are just identification tools—what matters is the car’s condition. Always verify the plate’s registration to avoid fake plates. A friend once bought an unregistered used plate cheaply and got fined on the road. DMV procedures are quick, often done in half a day, much easier than expected. Legally, plates—new or old—don’t affect driving, so use them confidently.
I've dealt with license plates a lot. The plates themselves are identical in every way, whether for new or used cars—they all follow standard specifications. The main differences lie in the registration process: new cars require applying for a license plate number for the first time, which may involve a lottery for number selection; for used cars being transferred, the plate number can either be retained or replaced, depending on transfer preferences and local regulations. Cost-wise, new plates incur a fee of around 100 yuan, while the total cost for a used car transfer is similar but may include an additional vehicle inspection step. In terms of procedure, new cars get plates directly, whereas used cars require coordination with the previous owner to complete the transfer and ensure no historical issues. A key point not to overlook is the legality of the plate—fake plates carry high risks, as a simple records check can reveal their authenticity. On average, the process takes a few days with little difference between new and used. The age of the plate number doesn't affect value; good vehicle condition is what truly matters. License plates are like a car's ID card—just handle them carefully without overthinking their origin.
When I first got my driver's license, I didn't understand the difference between license plates either. It wasn't until I bought my own car that I realized all plates are made of the same aluminum material. New cars come with brand-new plate numbers; for used cars transferred through ownership, you might keep the original plates or get new ones. The transfer process requires both buyer and seller to visit the DMV for documentation—it takes some time but is straightforward. The plates themselves don't differ based on whether the car is new or used; just check that the printing is clear during inspection. Don't worry about wear on used plates—it doesn't affect functionality. What matters most is that the car itself has no issues. The process isn't difficult—just go through proper channels for legal transfer, and the plates can be used without problems. It doesn't cost much, and driving with peace of mind is what counts.
