What to Do with the License Plate When Selling a Car?

[ElianaLynn]

After selling the car and completing the transfer registration, the vehicle management office will issue a new license plate, and the old one will be automatically deregistered. Below is the relevant introduction from the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations": 1. How to Deregister: When the ownership of a registered motor vehicle is transferred, the current owner must apply for transfer registration at the local vehicle management office within 30 days from the date of vehicle delivery. Before applying for transfer registration, the owner must resolve all traffic violations and accidents related to the vehicle. 2. Processing Timeframe: If the current owner resides within the jurisdiction of the vehicle management office, the office should, within one day of accepting the application, verify the vehicle, check the vehicle identification number imprint, review submitted documents and certificates, retrieve the license plate and vehicle registration certificate, assign a new license plate number, annotate the transfer details in the vehicle registration certificate, and reissue the license plate, registration certificate, and inspection compliance mark.

[JohnLee]

I'm just an ordinary person who realized the license plate was an issue only after selling my car. Last year when dealing with my old car, it was quite a hassle. At first, I thought it was a minor matter, but after handing over the car, the buyer urged me to go to the DMV. That's when I found out the license plate had to be officially canceled, otherwise it would still be under my name, which could lead to serious consequences. I quickly gathered all my documents—ID card, vehicle license, and vehicle registration certificate—and made a trip to the DMV. After waiting in line to complete the transfer, the staff directly revoked the original license plate, and the buyer selected a new plate number on the spot. The whole process took a few hours, but it gave me peace of mind, and I didn’t receive any annoying messages afterward. I recommend checking local policies before selling your car. Some cities have license plate quotas or require appointments via an app—being well-prepared can help you avoid unnecessary trouble.

[LauraRose]

As an experienced car owner who has traded vehicles multiple times, I always handle license plate details first. When selling a car, the license plate must never be left with the buyer, and this should be clearly stated in the contract to avoid disputes. I prefer to go through the transfer process with the buyer at the vehicle management office, where staff will guide you through filling out forms, verifying the vehicle's status, and then immediately canceling the old plate number while the buyer applies for a new one. The entire process takes some time but ensures no loose ends, such as avoiding legal liabilities or potential fraud with the plates. I also keep a copy of the proof documents just in case. In summary, handling license plates is a core part of the transaction—don’t cut corners for convenience, safety first.

[VonKyle]

I've sold a car once, and I remember the license plate handling was particularly straightforward. The license plate cannot be transferred. After the transaction, just go to the DMV with your documents to process it. They will directly cancel the old plate, and the buyer can choose a new plate number. The whole process takes just a few hours—just spend the time to get it done. The key is not to delay, to avoid any accidents where you might be held responsible.