Procedure for Retaining License Plates When Scrapping a Vehicle

[AvaFitz]

The original owner of the motor vehicle can apply to use the original vehicle license plate number when registering a newly purchased motor vehicle with the vehicle management office. The application must be submitted within six months after completing the transfer or cancellation registration; the vehicle must have been owned for more than three years; and all traffic violations and accident settlements must be resolved.

[SanColin]

Last year I went through the license plate retention process, which requires step-by-step procedures. First, you need to find a certified end-of-life vehicle recycling company to hand over your old car. They will provide you with important documents like the 'End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling Certificate' and 'Motor Vehicle Deregistration Certificate'. Remember to bring your ID card and the motor vehicle registration certificate, as the DMV recognizes these materials. The key point is that if you want to retain the license plate, you must ensure it has been used for at least one year before scrapping the vehicle, with no outstanding fines. At the DMV, specifically apply to retain the original license plate number. They will enter the information into the system, and within six months when you purchase a new car, you can directly select the original number without going through the lottery process again. The entire process takes about two weeks, with a nominal fee of just a few dozen yuan for administrative costs. However, be aware that specific requirements may vary slightly between different cities.

[StIker]

Here's how I retained my license plate: First, I sent the car to a designated scrapping facility where they dismantled the vehicle on-site and handled the relevant procedures. After that, I took the recycling certificate, registration certificate, and ID card to the DMV to complete the deregistration. Here's the key point: You must specifically note on the deregistration form that you're applying to retain the original license plate. The staff informed me that three conditions must be met: The license plate must have been continuously used for at least one year, all traffic violations must be settled, and the original number must be used on a new vehicle within six months after scrapping. The entire process was simpler than expected. The most time-consuming part was actually finding an authorized scrapping facility, so I recommend checking in advance for certified processing plants in your local area.

[NevaehLynn]

To keep your original license plate, timing is crucial: before the vehicle is deregistered. Based on my experience, first go to the scrapyard to complete the scrapping procedures and obtain a recycling certificate. Then immediately submit the required documents to the DMV to deregister the vehicle, making sure to fill out the license plate retention application form at this stage. It's especially important to purchase a new car within six months after the vehicle is deregistered, otherwise the plate will be returned to the pool. The entire process requires the original vehicle registration certificate and your ID card, and the recycling facility will also provide some documents. Processing times may vary by location—it took me three to four business days. I recommend avoiding the end-of-month rush when handling this.