What to Do with the Old License Plate When Getting a New One?
2 Answers
When transferring vehicle ownership, it is mandatory to replace the old motor vehicle license plate with a new one. If the original license plate meets the retention criteria, the vehicle management system will automatically retain it for six months. The original license plate can only be transferred to the owner's new vehicle and cannot be transferred to others. To apply for the use of the original motor vehicle license plate, the following conditions must be met: 1. The application must be submitted within six months after completing the transfer or cancellation of registration; 2. The vehicle owner must have owned the original vehicle for more than three years; 3. All traffic violations and accident liabilities related to the original vehicle must be settled.
When you get new license plates, you can't just dispose of the old ones however you want! Personally, I think environmental protection is very important—metal plates can be recycled. I recommend contacting your local DMV immediately to learn about the recycling process. Many areas have designated recycling points—sending them there is both safe and eco-friendly. Don't think about keeping them as souvenirs—if someone picks them up and uses them for illegal activities like cloning plates onto accident vehicles, the police investigation might trace back to you. I once saw a news story where someone kept old plates in their garage, and they were misused, causing major trouble. So act fast: check local regulations, return or safely destroy them (use metal shears to cut them up), and make sure your new plates are properly installed. After handling it, don’t forget to verify that your vehicle registration update is complete to avoid future issues. Eco-friendly plus safe—a win-win.
