Yes — you can keep your old car plate number when you de-register your vehicle in Singapore, but you must take specific action to retain it. Simply deregistering the car alone does not automatically let you keep the plate number.

✅ How to keep your old plate number (VRN)

1. Apply to retain the Vehicle Registration Number (VRN):

Before or after deregistering your car, you can apply with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to retain your existing number.

• Before deregistration: You can retain the number during the deregistration process.

• After deregistration: You have up to 1 month from the deregistration date to retain the number via LTA’s digital service.

If you don’t apply to retain the number within this period, it will be released back into the pool of available numbers and you won’t be able to keep it.

✅ What happens when you retain the number

Once you successfully retain the plate number:

• You hold the VRN “on retention” for a period (typically 12 months to use it).

• You can then assign it to a new vehicle you own, or replace the number of another vehicle you own (same vehicle type).

• After retaining, you must use it within the validity period, or you can pay a fee to extend it.

Fees involved

• Retaining after deregistration: A lower fee (e.g., ~$100) is payable.

• Using the retained number on another existing vehicle: Additional fees may apply depending on the situation.

⚠️ Important notes

• The retained VRN cannot be used on a vehicle you do not own. You must own the vehicle to which it will be applied.

• If you do nothing, the plate number will be lost after deregistration and could be issued to someone else later.