When selling a used car in California does the buyer get new license plates upon registration?

Question

I am selling a car and the front plate is too damaged to remain on the car. Do I have to order a replacement before I can sell the car or can I just wing it and leave the front plate off until the buyer registers and gets their own plates? Or do the same plates remain on a car with different registration?

Answer 1

In California, the plates follow the car.  From the California DMV website (How to Change ownership)  http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fas...

What do I do with the license plate?

Most vehicles have sequentially issued "standard" license plates that remain with the vehicle when ownership is transferred. If the license plate is a special interest or personalized license plate, you must decide if you want to retain the plate for use on another vehicle, or release your interest in the plate. Complete a Special Interest License Plate Application (REG 17) or a Special License Plate Application (REG 17A) indicating your retention or release of the special plate and give the form to the buyer.

Answer 2

When you sell your car in CA, the plates are yours -- DO NOT LEAVE THEM WITH THE NEW OWNER!!! The plates follow the owner, not the vehicle.  If you leave the plates with the car, you have the chance to open your self up to problems, like the new owner getting parking tickets that will come back to you or something more serious like someone causing a hit and run accident and a witness getting the plate #, the plate will come back to you and you will have the CHP knocking on your door.