What are the methods for transferring a license plate number?

[JaceRose]

Methods for transferring a license plate number: 1. License plate leasing: Generally, the lease period is 1 to 5 years. Both parties sign a lease agreement, and the lessee uses the lessor's license plate registration qualification to purchase and register a vehicle; 2. License plate back-to-back sale: Back-to-back sale with ID card quota, back-to-back sale without ID card quota, or back-to-back sale of a dead account quota. A back-to-back license plate buyout means a one-time purchase of a certain period of usage rights; 3. Spousal license plate transfer: One spouse can transfer a locally registered vehicle under their name to the other spouse who has no vehicle and no valid quota, directly with valid documents such as a marriage certificate, without needing to apply for a quota; 4. Purchasing a company with a quota: Small passenger vehicle quotas are divided into individual account license plates and company account license plates. This involves acquiring a company with a vehicle quota by changing the legal person and equity of the company that holds the vehicle quota, thereby obtaining the company's vehicle quota.

[SamanthaLynn]

The transfer of a license plate number mainly depends on the vehicle transfer process. My neighbor Lao Wang just went through this last month. According to the official procedure, a license plate number cannot be directly or separately transferred; it follows the vehicle. When you sell your car, the original license plate will be reclaimed by the DMV. However, if your license plate has been used for over a year, you can reapply to use the same plate number when purchasing a new car within one year after the transfer. This application must be submitted together with the vehicle transfer registration at the DMV, and you need to prepare documents such as your ID card, vehicle registration certificate, and transfer transaction invoice. You can also follow the local DMV's official account for updates. Some cities support online appointment services, which can save a lot of time.

[Erica]

Previously, I helped a friend with license plate retention, and the process went quite smoothly. There are two core requirements: the license plate must have been used continuously for at least 12 months, and a new vehicle must be purchased within one year after the old vehicle is transferred or deregistered. During the vehicle transaction, remember to proactively inform the counter staff that you want to retain the original license plate, and the system will mark it for registration. My friend bought a new car after more than half a year, and when registering the license plate at the 4S dealership, he simply reported the original number, and it was processed successfully. The most critical part of the entire process is the strict time limit for retention—applications made after one year will not be accepted, so it's important to plan the timing of the vehicle change carefully.

[HadleyRose]

Simply put, license plate transfer is essentially about retaining the right to use the plate. When you sell or scrap your car, if it meets the required usage period, you can apply to the DMV to reserve the number. When purchasing your next car, inform the registration window that you want to use the reserved plate number, and the staff will retrieve the file for association. Remember to bring photocopies of your vehicle license and ID card in advance, and sign an Application Form for Using the Original Vehicle License Plate Number on-site. The entire process can be completed within half an hour.

[MacJade]

The most commonly overlooked aspect of license plate transfer is its applicable scope. For example, changes in jointly owned property between spouses do not count as a transfer; simply presenting a marriage certificate allows for a direct name change without altering the plate. However, in ordinary sales transactions, the buyer must be an immediate family member and provide household registration proof to retain the original plate number; otherwise, a new lottery draw is required. Additionally, current policies differ between new energy vehicle green plates and traditional blue plates. Special attention should be paid to plate type changes when switching from gasoline to electric vehicles, and it's best to consult the local vehicle management office directly.

[William]

From my experience, there are three key points to note regarding license plate retention: The plate must have been used for at least one year to qualify, similar to keeping a mobile number; the DMV system only records the right to use the plate, not the physical plate itself—don’t get confused; during the retention period, the plate can only be used for vehicles under your personal name and cannot be transferred to a company or friends. Many cities have now simplified the process, and in some places, retained plates can even be used for second-hand car purchases. For detailed guidelines, check your local traffic police mini-program on WeChat.