You are retaining the plate, not the vehicle
Plate retention is formally "retention of a vehicle registration mark". An owner may apply to the Transport Department to retain the registration mark of a vehicle registered in their name, for use on another vehicle registered in their name in future. Note that if you intend to keep the original vehicle in use, the Transport Department will assign a randomly allocated new registration mark to that vehicle.
Plate retention basics
| Form | TD 129 (Application to Transfer or Retain a Vehicle Registration Mark) |
|---|---|
| Fee | $560 per registration mark |
| Validity | 12 months, cannot be renewed |
| Where to submit | Hong Kong or Kowloon licensing office only |
| Documents | Original Registration Book, address proof, original Scrapping Certificate and more |
Hand over the car first, or retain the plate first?
If the vehicle has already been destroyed, the application to retain the plate requires the original Vehicle Scrapping Certificate. In practice, owners usually complete the handover and obtain the Scrapping Certificate first, then go to the Transport Department within 15 days to handle the cancellation of registration and the plate retention together.
Retaining the plate before handing over the car is not impossible, but it involves more documents and more steps. Whichever order you choose, complete documents are what matter.
What to bring
The following must be produced or attached when you submit the application:
- The registered owner's original identity document (for in-person submission) or a copy (when submitted by an agent or by post)
- For a limited company owner: the Certificate of Incorporation (a Business Registration Certificate will not be accepted)
- The original Registration Book
- Proof of address (original or copy)
- If the vehicle has been destroyed: the original Vehicle Scrapping Certificate
- If the vehicle has been exported: the original shipping document
If the vehicle class is a private or public bus, private or public light bus, taxi, or a private car issued with a hire car permit, the applicant must first obtain approval from the Transport Department's Public Vehicles Unit at the Hong Kong Licensing Office.
Only two licensing offices can handle it
This is the point that most often catches people out. Cancelling a vehicle registration can be submitted at four licensing offices, but plate retention can only be handled at the Hong Kong or Kowloon licensing office.
- Hong Kong Licensing Office: 3/F, United Centre, 95 Queensway, Hong Kong
- Kowloon Licensing Office: 2/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon
You may also apply by post to the Hong Kong / Kowloon licensing office, or via their drop-in boxes. The Transport Department offers telephone booking on 3763 8080 and online booking, with appointments available up to 10 weeks ahead.
Fees and payment methods
The reservation fee is $560 per registration mark. If you need to apply a mark bought at auction, or allocated at the special fee, to the retained vehicle, the Transport Department charges an additional $100 registration fee per mark.
For applications made at a licensing office, the accepted payment methods are cash, Faster Payment System (FPS), EPS or a crossed cheque. For applications by post or via a drop-in box, pay by crossed cheque.
Valid for 12 months and cannot be renewed
The "Certificate of Retention of Vehicle Registration Mark" is valid for 12 months from the date the Transport Department approves the retention, and it cannot be renewed. Within those 12 months the retained mark must be transferred to another vehicle owned by the same person or the same limited company.
If you apply in person or through an agent, the certificate is issued on the same day. If you apply by post, it is sent by registered post within 10 working days from the date the application is received.
Official documents referenced on this page
Every statement below is based on public government documents. Where those documents are updated, the latest government publication prevails.
- 1823 — How to retain a vehicle registration mark? (source: Transport Department)
- Transport Department — Form TD 129 (Application to Transfer or Retain a Vehicle Registration Mark)
- Transport Department — Form TD 184 (Notification for Cancellation of Vehicle Registration)
- Transport Department — Fees of Vehicle and Driving Licensing Services
Related procedures
Keeping your plate? Watch the office and the order
WhatsApp 6338 6097 — we can confirm first whether your vehicle class needs prior approval.