Can a new car be licensed on the same day of registration?
2 Answers
New cars can be licensed on the same day of registration. License plate issuance regulations: According to regulations, the vehicle management office generally confirms the vehicle, verifies the vehicle identification number imprint, reviews submitted proofs and certificates, and issues the vehicle registration certificate, license plate, driving license, and inspection qualification mark within two days from the date of accepting the application. Materials required for licensing: You will need the motor vehicle invoice issued by the 4S store (all three copies must be complete) and the vehicle's certificate of conformity (equivalent to the vehicle's ID card), expense receipts such as the additional tax form provided by the 4S store. Some city vehicle management offices may also require the vehicle's registration, transfer, cancellation, registration, and import application form.
Speaking about whether you can get your license plates on the same day of registering a new car, I’ve had three car-buying experiences, and each time at the DMV in a big city, I completed the registration and got the plates installed the same day—the process was quite smooth. The key is to go on a weekday morning to avoid peak hours, bringing the car purchase invoice, insurance policy, and original ID card. If the DMV’s system is running normally, they’ll install the permanent plates on the spot. However, in some areas, like townships or during holidays, you might have to wait a few days, and they’ll issue temporary plates, which are still legal for driving. Safety-wise, you must have the plates properly installed before driving. A friend of mine was in a hurry and drove on the highway without plates—he was pulled over by traffic police, fined, and penalized with points, nearly causing an accident—the risk is too high. I recommend calling the DMV in advance to check local policies to avoid unexpected hassles.
