What procedures are required for changing vehicle license plates?
2 Answers
To change the license plate number, you need to apply to the traffic management department to cancel the original license plate number. The traffic management department will then review the status of the vehicle's registration certificate and any violations associated with the license plate (all violations must be resolved, such as paying fines). If there are no issues, the traffic management department will approve the plate change. A cancellation notice for the license plate must be published in local print media or announced by the traffic management department. After 30 days, the vehicle owner must bring identification documents, the original vehicle purchase invoice, and other required materials to the local traffic management department to complete the new registration process and pay the plate change fee. Below is relevant information: Article 52: After completing the transfer or cancellation of a motor vehicle's registration, the original owner can apply to the vehicle management office to reuse the original license plate number when registering a newly purchased vehicle. To reuse the original license plate number, the following conditions must be met: the application must be submitted within six months after the transfer or cancellation of registration; the original owner must have owned the vehicle for at least three years; and all traffic violations and accidents involving the original vehicle must be resolved.
I just replaced my license plate because the old one had rusted and become illegible. Preparing the required documents in advance is crucial: bring the original ID card of the vehicle owner, a copy of the vehicle registration certificate, and a copy of the compulsory traffic insurance policy (it’s advisable to make two copies just in case). Drive to the local DMV—I chose a weekday morning when there were fewer people to avoid long queues. When filling out the application form, clearly state the reason for replacement, such as natural wear or loss. The staff will inspect the vehicle’s appearance and verify that the plate numbers match in the parking lot to ensure no modifications have been made. The fee is around 50–60 RMB, payable in cash or via QR code, after which you can collect your new plate. Install it yourself afterward, using reinforced screws to prevent loosening. The whole process takes about one to two hours, so bringing a bottle of water and some snacks makes it more comfortable. Most importantly, don’t forget to check that the plate is securely installed—give it a shake before driving to ensure it won’t fall off.
